“Right is of no sex; truth is of no color.”
–Frederick Douglas
It is brave to give oneself the say-so to stand in the veracity of what one believes, to do what feels right no matter what; and given the date of his birth was never recorded, Frederick Douglass estimated he was born sometime in February 1818, and later granted himself permission to celebrate his birthday on February 14th, which is widely renowned throughout the United States as Valentine’s Day.
What I admire most about his story, Frederick’s, is the force of character that ran thick in his blood, and the determination that led him to take a stand for what he felt was every Black man, woman, and child’s natural birthright: to live as emancipated peoples, to live as God intended: free beyond the vestiges of slavery. Douglass not only advocated for the abolishment of slavery but also for women’s right to vote.
Douglass was the best-known African American abolitionist.
It is a well-known fact, that Black American’s contributions have historically gone underrepresented therefore in 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the ‘father of Black history,” set out to encourage and underscore the achievements of Black people. Woodson’s ideas, brave and ambitious as it were, started as a weeklong celebration in the second week of February and in 1976—fifty years after the first celebration— President Gerald R. Ford officialized what has come to be known as Black History Month, during the country’s bicentennial.
The second week of February was chosen by Watson because both Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln, two men who fought for what we might think as equity and inclusion had birthdays two days apart: Lincoln’s is February 12th.
Albeit Douglass, Watson or Lincoln, the qualities of spirit that stand out in each of these men are the ways each of them claimed, held-fast to, and lived from their deepest truths. What each had in common was:
- Temerity
- Permission
- Courage
- Resolve
- Courteous goodwill
Not only was each man a humanitarian, but also, they began their journeys from the humblest beginnings. Douglass escaped slavery, Watson, a coal miner in West Virginia, and Lincoln, born in a one-room cabin was the first of his family to read.
A Sense of Home embodies all the qualities these noble and notable men are known for. This is a grassroots nonprofit, A Sense of Home that stops at nothing, to model for those who are courageous enough to seek support, an opportunity to live and thrive and grow into their own definitions of greatness within a place of their own, a place to call home. And the extensive community that collaborates to grant those wishes and desires is nothing short of God’s hands in the details.
So, this February, celebrate Black History Month knowing, and for some of you it’ll be more like a remembering, that greatness is boldness living up to its fullest potential: all it takes is action. Your “yes!” is what starts the engine!
LOVEFIRMATIONS
(Repeat daily)
I am my own permission
I am worthy of my dreams
I will stand in my dignity
I am the one I want
I am loveable
I forgive myself
Works cited:
Lovefirmation from “Permission Granted: Kick-Ass Strategies to Bootstrap Your Way to Unconditional Self-Love” by Regina Louise.
About Regina Loiuse
Regina Louise is a former foster youth, renowned author, motivational speaker, and teacher at the revered Hoffman Institute. Regina Louise’s life story is depicted in a film on Amazon right now “ I Am Somebody’s Child: The Regina Louise Story”. This is a must-see movie for anyone who cares about foster youth and the book of the same title is also required reading. Regina’s recent book “Permission Granted: Kick-Ass Strategies to Bootstrap Your Way to Unconditional Self-Love” is a practical guide to empowering one’s self to be the best version of themself. The tools in this book are essential for anyone in the pursuit of growth. We include one in each home we create at A Sense of Home. We have the great privilege of having Regina on the ASOH board. For her lifetime achievements and dedication to advancing the rights of foster youth, we at ASOH honored Regina at our 2022 gala.
