Thomas Wentworth Higginson was an American author, abolitionist, and soldier born on December 22, 1823. He is best known for his involvement in the Civil War as a colonel of the first African American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. Higginson was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and worked closely with prominent figures like Frederick Douglass. In addition to his military service, Higginson was a notable literary figure and a member of the Transcendentalist movement. He contributed to various publications and supported the works of writers such as Emily Dickinson. Higginson's efforts in both literature and social justice left a lasting impact on American culture.