TOWSON — Frederick Douglass never knew his actual birthday, but decided to celebrate it on Valentine's Day.
That's why Feb.14 is also known as Frederick Douglass Day.
He was born 207 years ago, this year.
John Muller, a historian based in Columbia, Md., spent years researching Douglass' life and found that the famous orator was deeply troubled that most enslaved individuals didn't know their birthdays.
"He says that even individuals who are enslaved, don't even have the humanity of knowing their birthday," said Muller.
However, Douglass had learned he was born in 1818.
As a child, his mother called him "little Valentine" because she believed he may have been born around Valentine's Day.
"A day that we use to celebrate and recognize the humanity of our significant other, Frederick Douglass chose to recognize his own humanity," said Muller.
Douglass gained his freedom in 1838.
He spent the majority of his life advocating for the abolishment of slavery.
"He was very determined, determined to the point where he put his physical life in danger," said Muller.
Muller says Douglass' story is not only Black history but American history.
He adds that while people celebrate Valentine's Day with their significant other, they should also pause to remember Frederick Douglass.
