February’s calendar is packed full of diversity days for Black Americans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, Buddhists, women, and so many more! Read through the dates below to see what you can look forward to this month. There are always creative ways you can celebrate diversity!
Black History Month
Observing Black History Month is an ideal way of celebrating diversity all February. This month was chosen because two important figures in Black history were born in this month: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. We recommend celebrating Black History Month by supporting Black-owned businesses, learning about noteworthy Black leaders, and donating to charities that promote equality and justice.
2/1: Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a festival celebrating the start of the new year in the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Great activities to celebrate Lunar New Year include eating a reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, setting off firecrackers and fireworks, putting up decorations, and giving red envelopes and other gifts.
2/11: Tammy Baldwin’s Birthday
Happy Birthday, Tammy Baldwin! As the U.S.’s first openly LGBT women elected to both the House and the Senate, Baldwin illustrates the idea of why representation is important. Our representatives should look like our population — all races, genders, ethnicities, sexualities, socioeconomic statuses, backgrounds, beliefs, etc.!
2/14: Frederick Douglass’ Birthday
Happy Birthday, Frederick Douglass! Douglass was an American abolitionist who escaped slavery and committed himself to social activism thereafter. To remember him today, read his most famous of his autobiographies, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.
2/15: Nirvana Day
Also known as Parinirvana, this day is the annual festival that commemorates the death of Buddha after he reached his final nirvana. Buddhists often celebrate this day by visiting Buddhist temples or monasteries and meditating. If you’re not Buddhist and want to celebrate the day, spend some time in meditation!
2/15: Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday
Happy Birthday Susan B. Anthony! Anthony was one of the most visible leaders of the women’s suffrage movement. She’s remembered as a champion of labor rights, abolition, temperance, and equal pay for equal work. To continue to support her work, sign up to attend a women’s rights march or donate to women’s movements and organizations on this day.
Final thoughts
That’s all for February! Which diversity day did you spend the most time thinking about or celebrating this month? Are there any new traditions that you began in 2022 that you’ll take with you into next year? Get a head start on next month, with our March 2022 Diversity Calendar.
Stay up to date with our entire 2022 Diversity Calendar!
Keep up to date with our 2022 Interfaith calendar for this year.