Douglass Day 2025

We invite you to a birthday party for Frederick Douglass. Although Douglass was born into bondage, and never knew his birthdate, he chose to celebrate every year on February 14th. Join us for a day of transcription, discussion, birthday cake, and celebration of Black History.

This year, we will be celebrating the publication of a new edition of Malinda Russell’s A Domestic Cook Book by Michigan Publishing. Following the theme of this year’s event, “You Make History,” we will have activities that encourage participants to share about their own food traditions, and feature a cake made using one of Malinda Russel’s recipes as one of the birthday cakes.

Jessica Kenyatta Walker will give the keynote address, entitled "From the Hearth to the Side Room: African American Domestic Cultures."

The Transcribe-a-thon will focus on the African American Perspectives Collection at the Library of Congress. It includes speeches, sermons, biographies, narratives, and records from the history of Black political activism. It contains writings by Frederick Douglass, William Still, Angelina Grimké Weld–and many more!

Schedule (join us for some or all)

10:30 am–12:30 pm: Special Collections pop-up featuring "The North Star" newspaper and "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass".

11:00 am–12:00 pm: Keynote Address by Dr. Jessica Kenyatta Walker 

12:00–12:30 pm: Douglass day Livestream

12:30–1:00 pm: Transcription

• Share your Food History!
• Transcribe historical documents from the Library of Congress’ African American Perspectives collection
• Light snacks and refreshments

1:00-2:00 pm: Happy Birthday Frederick Douglass!

• Desserts from local Black-owned bakeries
• Learn about Malinda Russell’s A Domestic Cookbook 

2:00–4:00 pm: Free transcription time

• Share your Food History! 
• Transcribe historical documents from the Library of Congress’ African American Perspectives collection
• Light snacks and refreshments