To conclude Black History Month 2025, the African American Historical Society of Rockland County hosted a powerful and thought-provoking virtual event, Frederick Douglass and February: A Legacy of Love and Liberation. This community gathering explored Frederick Douglass’s profound relationship to the month of February, especially his decision to mark Valentine’s Day as his symbolic birthday—a gesture of reclamation, love, and resistance.
More than a historical reflection, the evening served as a bridge between Douglass’s 19th-century activism and the ongoing movements for justice and equity in Rockland County and beyond.
Douglass in Rockland: A Powerful Presence
The program opened with compelling presentations highlighting Douglass’s historic visits to Nyack between 1865 and 1879, where he drew some of the largest recorded crowds in the town’s history. Jamila Brathwaite, president of the African American Historical Society of Rockland County, emphasized Douglass’s influence in the region and his role in shaping public discourse on freedom and citizenship during Reconstruction. In her presentation, Douglass: Reclaiming Identity and Shaping Public Influence in Rockland, Brathwaite connected these visits to a broader legacy of African American resilience in the Hudson Valley.
Dr. Kymberly S. Newberry, art historian and visiting professor at the University of Richmond, followed with a presentation titled The First Drafter of History: The Transformative Potential of Photography, which examined how Douglass used photography as a deliberate form of self-representation and cultural strategy. She highlighted how Douglass’s image-making challenged dominant racial narratives and asserted Black dignity and humanity—acts of resistance that remain deeply relevant today.
A Panel on Justice, Faith, and Advocacy
Moderated by Dr. Elias Rodriques, Assistant Professor of African American Literature at Sarah Lawrence College, the event’s panel discussion brought together local leaders whose work reflects the enduring influence of Douglass’s legacy.
- Dr. David Lucander, Professor of Multicultural Studies at Rockland Community College, spoke on how Douglass’s writings offer a framework for understanding contemporary civil rights challenges and empower students to critically engage with social inequities. He emphasized Douglass’s dual commitment to love and resistance as a guiding principle for multicultural education.
- Reverend Earl S. Miller, a pastoral counselor, reflected on the role of faith-based institutions in community healing and justice. He drew a connection between Douglass’s moral courage and the modern need for spiritual leadership that centers love, truth, and liberation.
- Willie Trotman, President of the Spring Valley NAACP, shared how Douglass’s fusion of compassion and activism continues to inspire local civil rights efforts. He underscored the importance of uniting diverse communities through shared historical narratives and collective action.
- L’Tanya M. Watkins, Esq., offered a legal lens on Douglass’s legacy, connecting his lifelong battle against racial injustice to today’s systemic inequities. She encouraged continued advocacy and reform, drawing from Douglass’s belief that “power concedes nothing without a demand.”
A Living Legacy
Throughout the evening, panelists responded to questions that centered Douglass’s influence across sectors—from education and law to faith and community organizing. One unifying theme emerged: Douglass’s legacy is not just a historical matter—it is a living inheritance. His vision of freedom, love, and community empowerment provides a moral compass for those navigating today’s most urgent social challenges.
The program concluded with a reflective call-to-action: What concrete steps can our community take to carry forward Douglass’s legacy of love and resistance? Attendees were invited to consider how they might contribute to building a more just and inclusive society in their everyday lives.
Continuing the Work
As the African American Historical Society of Rockland County looks ahead, this event marks not an end but a continuation. It reaffirmed the importance of preserving and amplifying the stories that connect past and present. Frederick Douglass’s voice remains a clarion call for those committed to justice—reminding us that the fight for equity is ongoing, and that love, truth, and action remain its most powerful tools.
For more information on upcoming programs or to support the Historical Society’s mission, visit our website and Instagram : https://aahsofrockland.org/home and https://www.instagram.com/aahsofrockland
