Happy birthday, Frederick Douglass!

🎉 Happy 207th Birthday, Frederick Douglass!

Today (and always), we celebrate the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass (1818–1895), abolitionist, writer, orator, civil rights leader and freedom fighter. Though his exact birthdate is unknown, Douglass chose February 14th to mark his birthday to honor his Mother, who called him her “little Valentine.” ❤️

Douglass was one of the most powerful voices for abolition, justice and human rights. His words still resonate today, reminding us that the fight for equality is ongoing:

"The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous."

Frederick Douglass spoke these words on Tuesday, January 9th, 1894, in a speech titled “The Lessons of the Hour.” Delivered in the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, Washington, D.C., it addressed the state of the nation following the end of Reconstruction and the rise of racial injustice, segregation and violence, particularly in the South.

At the time, Jim Crow laws were stripping African Americans of their hard-won rights. White supremacist violence, including lynchings, was on the rise, and the federal government was failing to protect Black citizens. Douglass used this speech to condemn racial injustice, warn of the dangers of moral decay, and emphasize the importance of truth and virtue in national progress.

He warned that a country built on lies, corruption and oppression could not thrive and that the United States could only be strong and just if it upheld truth, integrity and equality for all. His message remains powerful today: that truth, integrity and moral courage are the foundation of a just society, especially in a time of political division, social justice movements and calls for accountability.

Douglass’ words serve as both a warning and a call to action to fight for truth, justice and the moral foundation of all nations. In an era of misinformation and division, we must uphold honesty and accountability in government:

💛 We must confront our history honestly to move forward!
🩷 Integrity and truth in leadership are essential for democracy!
🩵 Societies that deny justice and equality risk instability and decline!

Today, we know that hope is in our hands. Let's fight for truth, justice and a future built on honesty and virtue!