On February 14, Furman University Libraries hosted a vibrant Douglass Day celebration, bringing together over 30 participants for a transcribe-a-thon in the Pitts Room of Duke Library. Co-sponsored by the English Department and Special Collections and Archives, the event engaged students and employees in preserving Black history.

What is Douglass Day?

Douglass Day honors Frederick Douglass’s chosen birthday with a national effort to transcribe and preserve Black historical documents. This initiative, led by the Colored Conventions Project, builds on a tradition dating back to the late 19th century, which helped inspire Black History Month.

Furman’s Douglass Day Event

Participants at Furman transcribed documents from the Library of Congress, contributing to public accessibility of Black historical records. Attendees worked on deciphering handwritten texts, fostering engagement with archival materials in a lively atmosphere reinforcing Douglass Day’s principle that Black history is American history. Beyond transcription, the event featured refreshments, cake, and discussions.

A Community Effort

Douglass Day at Furman was a chance to engage in learning, remembrance, and collective action. Through their participation, attendees played a role in preserving Black voices and stories for future generations.

For more on Douglass Day visit DouglassDay.org.