Presenting our multicultural calendar for February. This month holds quite a few nationally recognized days of celebration for a variety of groups. Below are 7 key events from our February 2021 Diversity Calendar.
Note: below is just a small sampling of diversity events. To enjoy all 100+ events + inclusion tips and more, see our Diversity Calendar Suite
Black History Month
February diversity month feature! There’s not a day in February you shouldn’t celebrate Black History Month! The first “Negro Week” was sponsored by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. It was held in February over the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the week was expanded to a full month by President Ford. Each president has recognized February as Black History Month since. Create greater racial equality in your organization with diversity training in the workplace.
2/11: Birthday of Tammy Baldwin
Our February diversity celebrations include Tammy Baldwin, the first openly LGBT legislator elected to U.S. Congress. She is currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Wisconsin (and has been as of January 2013). In addition to Baldwin, there are currently 10 other incumbent LGBTQ members of Congress. Krysten Sinema joins Baldwin in the Senate, and there are nine other representatives in House. In a time when representation matters, Baldwin has opened the door for many to follow her. Help build more LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace with our online diversity training.
2/12: Chinese New Year
February multicultural holidays include Chinese New Year. This three-day festival celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunar calendar. This year marks the Year of the Ox. The Lunar New Year is associated with myths and customs. Often, Chinese families will gather for an annual reunion dinner, clean their houses to sweep away misfortune, decorate their homes with special red paper-cuts and couplets, light firecrackers, and give away money in red paper envelopes.
2/14: Frederick Douglass
February diversity days include the birthday of Frederick Douglass (1817-1895). This escaped slave turned prominent activist, author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement and helped to free slaves before and during the Civil War. He was a firm believer in the equality of all people – white, Black, female, Native American, Chinese, etc. While his birthday is unknown, it is presumed to be on February 14, and that is why he is celebrated on this day.
2/15: Parinirvana
Nirvana Day is a key February diversity event. This annual Buddhist festival remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80 in 483 BC. Nirvana is believed to be the end of the cycle of death and rebirth. The day is a time to reflect on one’s own future death and the death of loved ones.
2/15: Birthday of Susan B. Anthony
Women’s rights are a key February diversity topic. This day celebrates the birthday of one of the most respected individuals in the women’s suffrage movement. Anthony was a historic leader of women’s rights and worked to empower women to cast a ballot and play an active part in our government today. To celebrate, check on your voter’s registration status and make sure you’re registered for any upcoming elections.
2/17: Ash Wednesday
Our February multicultural holidays conclude with Ash Wednesday, an important day in the Christian community that begins the Easter season. It lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays) of a “Lenten” period and ends with Easter. You’ll often hear Christians refer to the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter as “Lent.” Petitioning and fasting are common during this time, but regardless of your belief system, you can recognize this day by doing a random act of kindness for someone else.
That’s our February 2021 diversity calendar! Always be thinking of ways that you can do and act on these days instead of just putting them on your calendar. If you can make diversity a mindset, then you can help make the world a better place. Get a head start on next month with our March 2021 Diversity Calendar, and the rest of the year with our 2021 Diversity Calendar.