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Some 3000 years ago, Ramses II, also known as the Great, was the king of the 19th dynasty (1292–1190 bce) of ancient Egypt. His reign was the second longest in Egyptian history, between 1279–13 BCE. He is often honored as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh of the Egyptian Empire. It is said that his successors and later Egyptians called him the “Great Ancestor.”

Ramesses II was a great explorer, leader, and warrior, leading several military expeditions into the Levant to assert Egyptian control over Canaan. He is also said to have led expeditions south into Nubia, commemorated in inscriptions at the temples at Beit el-Wali and Gerf Hussein.

Ramses II had 200 wives and concubines, 96 sons and 60 daughters, as was common during his time. But his first wife was his favorite and the one historians say was the true love of his life. The two were married for 24 years and had four children.

In life and in death, Ramses II lovingly referred to his first wife with a host of adoring nicknames. Here are some of them:

Great of Praises, Sweet of Love, Lady of Grace, Great King’s Wife, his beloved, Lady of The Two Lands, Lady of all Lands, Wife of the Strong Bull, god’s Wife, Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt and (my personal favorite) ‘The one for whom the sun shines’.

On one of her tomb walls, Ramses had inscribed the most beautiful words, “My love is unique – no one can rival her, for she is the most beautiful woman alive. Just by passing, she has stolen away my heart.”

Can you name these history makers that were all born on February 14th?

A. ______________ was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, becoming famous for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings.

B. _______________ was an American dancer, actor, choreographer and singer. He is considered one of the most celebrated tap dancers of all time. He starred in more than forty films and also made his mark on Broadway during his lifetime. He was the recipient of many accolades, including a Daytime Emmy Award, a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for a Screen Actors Guild Award and four Primetime Emmy Awards.

C. ________________ was a Black religious leader, founder and first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. 

Her name was Nefertari. For further study…

A. Frederick Douglas was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, becoming famous for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings.

B. Gregory Hines was an American dancer, actor, choreographer and singer. He is considered one of the most celebrated tap dancers of all time. He starred in more than forty films and also made his mark on Broadway during his lifetime. He was the recipient of many accolades, including a Daytime Emmy Award, a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for a Screen Actors Guild Award and four Primetime Emmy Awards.

C. Richard Allen was a Black religious leader, founder and first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.