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February Read Alouds February Cultural Awareness February In the United States, the month of February is observed as Black History Month or National African American History Month. We use the month to remember the important contributions and achievements of African Americans, Black Caribbean Americans, and those who identify as Black throughout our nation’s history. February 1st is also National Freedom Day. On this day in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and the Senate signed a resolution to outlaw slavery that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S Constitution. However, it was not until June 19th, 1865 that formerly enslaved persons knew of their emancipation. This day is recognized as Juneteenth, a holiday in 47 of our states and the District of Columbia honoring Black culture and the continued fight for equality and equity. The celebration of Black History Month can be felt nationally and worldwide as many organizations host events that educate on the rich culture and memorable figures of Black history. As a new month of remembrance and celebration begins, let’s consider the important reasons why Black History Month is observed each year and continue to celebrate these victories past February 28th. “ … somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.” - Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate February 2nd: Groundhog Day- Marks the midway point between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. The holiday is commemorated when a famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerges from his burrow after a long winter nap and looks for his shadow. This holiday was first celebrated on February 2, 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The tradition goes that this day is used to help determine how many weeks of winter might be left. It is said that if it is cloudy and he does not see his shadow, we will stay above ground as spring is on its way but if the sun comes out on that day and he sees his shadow we will have six more weeks of winter. February 7th -The Super Bowl -is the season final championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States. The matchup for this game is the winning teams of the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC) . This event is one of the most watched television events in the United States. It will also feature a half-time performance from The Weekend and the first reciting of poetry at the Super Bowl by Amanda Gorman. Miley Cyrus will also be headlining a pregame performance that will be attended by 7,500 vaccinated health care workers. February 12th - Lunar New Year- Many may know this holiday as Chinese New Year because this is the day that the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese people celebrate the start of the new calendar and it will begin the New Year. On the Chinese Calendar each year is represented by an animal, 2020 was celebrated as the year of the Rat and this year will be the year of the Ox. February 14th- Valentine’s Day - is a day for celebration of love and friendship. Every year people celebrate this day by sending messages of affection to partners, family members and friends. February 15th-19th School Closed Midwinter Recess includes Presidents’ Day, Washington's Birthday & Lincoln’s Birthday- Presidents’ Day, or Washington's Birthday as it is still legally known, was originally designed as a celebration of George Washington's birthdate. In 1880, Congress voted to make this the first national holiday, which honored an individual. In 1968, Congress enacted the Uniform Monday Bill, to give workers as many long weekends as possible. This moved as many holidays to a standard Monday each year. Many states were already honoring Abraham Lincoln's birthday, February 12th, and this celebration was combined with George Washington's birthday, for one federal holiday. It is observed on the third Monday in February each year. February 16th: Mardi Gras: Mardi Gras also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, the last day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. February 17th: Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. On this day, people will attend mass to receive a cross symbol on their forehead made from ashes. The ashes are made from burnt Palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday symbolizing both death and repentance. During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, because they believe Christ died for them. is a Jewish Holiday which commemorates (ּפּורִ ים :February 25th-26th - Purim - Purim (Hebrew Jewish people being saved from extermination in Persia. The story of Purim comes from the Biblical book of Esther. On this day, many students dress up in costumes and enjoy some hamantaschen, a traditional three-cornered pastry filled with poppy seeds or other sweet fillings. .
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