February DEI Updates
Latest DEI News
Lunch & Learn hosts Mike Williams of 7 Hills Homeless Center
On Wednesday, February 15, DEI and Lunch Bag Chats held a Lunch & Learn event to learn about our housing-insecure neighbors. We had 10 members of staff attend. Topics discussed included what to do if you find a person sleeping around the WAC facility, building positive relationships with all community members, regardless of housing status, and how WAC can be a force for good in the neighborhood. More on this exciting event will be presented at the upcoming All-Staff meeting.
FEBRUARY HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
February 1st – National Freedom Day
National Freedom Day is a holiday which is celebrated annually on February 1st in the United States. The purpose of this holiday is to not only honor the signing of the 13th amendment on February 1, 1865 – an amendment which outlawed slavery – but it is also a day in which all U.S citizens can celebrate the freedom they share with their fellow Americans. It is also a good day to reflect on the fact that the United States is a country that is dedicated to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality and that all of us citizens should work towards those goals.
How to Observe:
According to 36 U.S. Code § 124, the President of the United States may issue a proclamation that designates February 1st as National Freedom Day to commemorate the signing of the 13th amendment by Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865. Each President can decide for themselves if they’re going to proclaim the holiday for that year. On this day, some people take time out of their busy schedules to honor freedom and equality.
February 3rd - National Day The Music Died Day
National the Day the Music Died Day is a holiday that remembers one of the saddest days in music history and is observed on February 3rd every year. This day commemorates the death of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and J.P Richardson (The Big Bopper). These three musicians died on February 3, 1959, in an airplane accident in Iowa. This tragic event has echoed throughout the years as people still make the trip to Clear Lake, Iowa every to honor the memories of these musicians. This event was also memorialized in the 1972 Don McLean hit “American Pie.”
How to Observe:
Every year, people from all over the world visit the resort town of Clear Lake, Iowa to commemorate the lives of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper on this day. Of course, people don’t have to make a special trip to observe this holiday.
They can simply listen to the music of these musicians, or the Don McLean song American Pie. People can also use the hashtag #DaytheMusicDied on social media to spread awareness about this day.
February 20th – World Day of Social Justice
World Day of Social Justice is observed on February 20th every year and is designed to be a day on which people can focus on the urgent need for social justice in the world. Whether it’s poverty, human rights, unemployment, gender inequality, or exclusion, there is a myriad of problems that face the world and must be solved. This is a day on which people can come together and focus on these problems to create a better world.
A few facts about Social Justice
The five main principles of social justice include equity, resources, diversity, participation, and human rights.
Minority and low-income Americans tend to live and work in areas exposed to pollution disproportionately.
Globally, women only earn 73% of men’s wages on average.
16 million girls between the ages of 6 and 11 will never begin school.
How to Observe:
People interested in observing World Social Justice Day can do so by donating their time or money to organizations that promote social justice issues.
People can also use the hashtag #WorldSocialJusticeDay to promote this holiday on their social media accounts as well.
Some fun unofficial days to remember:
February 2nd – Play your Ukulele Day
February 4th – National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
February 6th – Pride in Food Service Week (Thank you F&B!!!)
February 7th – National Send a Card to a Friend Day
February 8th – Laugh and Get Rich Day
February 13th – National Football Hangover Day
February 16th - National Do a Grouch a Favor Day
February 18th - National Drink Wine Day
February 20th - National Hoodie Hoo Day: I know you’re probably thinking…”What?!”The main custom of this odd holiday is to go out on February 20th at noon, raise your hands over your head and yell, “Hoodie Hoo!!” for all the world to hear.
February 26th - National Tell a Fairy Tale Day
Many thanks to Kristin Coffman for this month’s holiday highlights.
INTERESTED IN JOINING DEI?
Have a look at our Vision, Values and Agreements statement. Each member, new and existing, will be required to sign the agreement before their first meeting. The statement outlines expectations for all members of the committee, and guidelines for participation in projects and meetings. You can view the statement here: