Happy Birthday, Frederick Douglass!

It's a big week of historical birthdays around the nation, but we'd be remiss if we failed to wish one of the D.C. area's more legendary figures a happy 191st. That said, we're blowing out candles today for Frederick Douglass, "the Lion of Anacostia." Abolitionist, ambassador, author, and an all-around American patriot, Douglass is believed to have been born on this date in 1818 in nearby Talbot County, Maryland -- though he became synonymous with the District after moving to the city in 1872, the same year in which he became the first African-American to run for the office of Vice President. The most visible local shrine to Douglass is likely his home in Cedar Hill, where he moved in 1877 and which is now known as the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Mr. Douglass, you may not have ended up on D.C.'s coin, but we're certain that as a national symbol of equality and justice, you were probably happy with that big, historical bash we just held on the Mall.

That said, there's plenty of activities scheduled in honor of Douglass' birthday. And Now, Anacostia has a pretty solid roundup of today's activities scheduled at Cedar Hill (located at 1411 W St. SE). The ceremonies, which feature numerous speakers, musical acts, and special tours of the residence and other Douglass landmarks, are rolling until 3:30 this afternoon.