February Diversity Calendar 2024 Highlights
Black History Month – February
February is recognized as Black History Month, a time to celebrate and acknowledge the significant contributions and history of Black individuals and communities. This month-long observance is dedicated to remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It’s a period for reflection, education, and celebration, highlighting the achievements and struggles of Black people throughout history and in contemporary society.
Black History Month Activities
World Hijab Day – February 1
This annual event encourages the world to experience wearing a hijab, a headscarf worn typically by Muslim women. This event hopes to create a culture of understanding that promotes religious tolerance and eradicates stereotypes associated with wearing one. Those who participate are encouraged to wear one for a day and share their experience to help raise awareness about the challenges these women may face on a daily basis.
National Wear Red Day – February 2
Occurring on the first Friday in February every year, the red dress is a national symbol to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day movement hopes to save lives while helping women to beat heart disease, which is their number one killer. Show support by wearing red on this day.
World Cancer Day – February 4
On this international day, we raise awareness of cancer in order to spread the word about how to detect it, prevent it, and most importantly, treat it. This United Nations observed day focuses on how to reduce illness and deaths caused by cancer.
Lunar New Year – February 10
This is a significant traditional festival celebrated by many Asian cultures. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year, falling on different dates each year based on the lunar calendar. The festival is a time of family reunions, special meals, and cultural activities. Each year is represented by a zodiac animal, with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing luck, power and strength.
Pink Triangle Day – February 14
This day is dedicated to remembering the history of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those that were persecuted during the Nazi regime during World War II. The pink triangle was frequently used to identify and discriminate against the community.
Paranirvana – February 15
This day, also known as Nirvana Day, is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday celebrated in various countries in East Asia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. While some observe it on February 8, most celebrate it on February 15. The day commemorates the death of the Buddha, when he attained complete nirvana or Parinirvana. It’s a time for reflection on the teachings of the Buddha, focusing on the achievement of enlightenment and the realization of the Four Noble Truths.
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