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 Friday, Feb. 13. It is normally observed on Douglass' chosen birthday, Feb. 14.

For the third year, U of A Douglass Day was coordinated by Heather Froehlich in Research Engagement, and co-coordinated 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 Project (CCP).” CCP is a scholarly and community research project dedicated to bringing the seven decades-long history of 19th-century Black organizing to digital life. Mirroring the collective nature of the 19th-century Colored Conventions, CCP uses innovative, inclusive models and partnerships to locate, transcribe, and archive the documentary record related to this nearly forgotten history and to curate digital exhibits that highlight its stories, events and themes.

And because it was a birthday party, there was cake! “Our cake [inset] 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.”

Did you miss the event? You can watch the recorded livestream (3:03:55).

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