Employees from University Libraries and across campus celebrated Douglass Day, an annual global transcribe-a-thon and a collective action for Black history, named in honor of American abolitionist, social reformer, orator, writer, and statesman Frederick Douglass, on his chosen birthday, Feb. 14. This year it was recognized on Friday, Feb. 13.

For the third year, U of A Douglass Day was coordinated by Heather Froehlich in Research Engagement, and co-cordinated and co-sponsored by the African American Museum of Southern Arizona. “I think we collectively did something like 12,000 classifications on that day,” said Froehlich. Around the world, thousands of participants came together both online and in-person at more than 100 simultaneous events to transcribe materials of Black scholars and thinkers.

This year's theme was “All Rights for All: Equality and the Colored Conventions Movement” and focused on the struggles for citizenship, equality, and belonging from the Colored Conventions Movement, a series of interconnected local, regional and national social movements towards African American abolition before, during and after the Civil War. 

And because it was a birthday party, there was cake! “Our cake was made by Allyn Haynes Catering, a Black-owned business in Tucson,” said Froehlich. “And side note: Allyn is wonderful to work with, I can't recommend him enough for other catering needs.”

Did you miss the event? You can watch the recorded livestream.

Thanks to everyone who helped plan, staff and attend this event. See you next year!