The Frederick Douglass mural on the Louverture Cleary School campus.
Born in slavery, Frederick Douglass never knew the date of his birth, or even how old he was. But the famous abolitionist and orator eventually chose February 14th to celebrate his birthday, recalling that his mother called him her “Little Valentine.”
After escaping into freedom, he became a powerful advocate for civil rights and the abolition of slavery. His life story remains a symbol of resilience and the fight for justice.
Douglass, who served as U.S. minister to Haiti from 1889-1891, gave a lecture on the history of the country at the Haiti Pavilion at the Chicago World's Fair on January 2, 1893. His speech revealed his great respect for the island nation and is a reminder of how Haiti became a symbol of hope and empowerment for people worldwide:
My subject is Haiti, the Black Republic; the only self-made Black Republic in the world. I am to speak to you of her character, her history, her importance and her struggle from slavery to freedom and to statehood....
Until Haiti struck for freedom, the conscience of the Christian world slept profoundly over slavery. It was scarcely troubled even by a dream of this crime against justice and liberty.... Until she spoke, no Christian nation had abolished negro slavery. Until she spoke, no Christian nation had given to the world an organized effort to abolish slavery.... Until she spoke, the slave trade was sanctioned by all the Christian nations of the world, and our land of liberty and light included.
To have any just conception or measurement of the intelligence, solidarity and manly courage of the people of Haiti when under the lead of Toussaint L'Ouverture, and the dauntless Dessalines, you must remember ... [Haiti] trod the wine press alone.
Join us in celebrating the life of this great man, whose impact on American society is still felt today.
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