The Cultural Diversity and International Education Committee exists to:
- promote global education and the acceptance and inclusion of a diverse population,
- develop and promote initiatives and programs for diversity awareness and understanding, and
- identify academic issues of international students, such as English as a Second Language, and develop methods to address the issues.
As part of our charge to promote inclusion and increase diversity awareness and understanding, we will be sharing Diversity Events with you every month via the Daily Bulletin. We hope you find this information informative and inspiring.
Diversity Events 2012
FEBRUARY
Information obtained from the National Education Association: http://www.nea.org/grants/41388.htm
February 1-28
Black History Month
Begun in 1926 by Black scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month was originally celebrated as a weeklong event. In 1976, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of February. Visit these sites for Black History resources:
- African-American History Web Sites
- Black History Month Lessons & Resources
- Black Labor History
- National Visionary Leadership Project
February 1-28
Library Lover's Month
During this month, we celebrate libraries of all types and work to ensure that they will continue to serve. Find out more at the Library Support web site.
February 14
St. Valentine's Day
Associated long ago with the Roman feast of Lupercalia, then with two early Christian martyrs, Valentine's Day is now a day to express affection to those we love. People send cards to each other and give gifts such as candy and flowers. The most familiar image associated with this holiday is a heart.
February 15-21
Random Acts of Kindness Week
A little kindness can go a long way toward making someone's day. And you've got a whole week to practice. See monthly calendars for ideas for performing kindnesses every day at Random Acts of Kindness Foundation web site. See also the Help Others web site.
February 12
Frederick Douglass Day
On this day in 1895, the famed African-American abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman, and reformer died of a heart attack in his adopted hometown of Washington, D.C.
February 20
Presidents' Day
Observed on the third Monday in February, this Federal holiday celebrates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
February 21
International Mother Language Day
Proclaimed by UNESCO's General Conference in November 1999, this annual observance promotes people's uniqueness and cultural diversity by highlighting their mother tongues, many of which are in danger of disappearing. Find out more at the United Nations web site.
February 21
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday") or Shrove Tuesday, is the last day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
February 22 – April 17
Western Christianity Lent
Lent is period of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days (Sundays are not included in the count) represents the time Jesus spent in the desert overcoming temptation by Satan. The period of Lent is preparation for the annual commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, celebrated during Holy Week.
February 23
W.E.B. DuBois Birthday
American civil rights activist, sociologist, educator, historian, writer, editor, poet, and scholar, William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born this day in 1868. He was the first African-American to hold a Doctorate.