In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Please join with us this month as we acknowledge Black History Month and the Lunar New Year.

Black History Month has origins which date back more than 100 years. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915, originally designated the second week of February as a time for researching and promoting the achievements of Black Americans. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

By the late 1960s, the week had evolved into a month on many college campuses. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called upon the public to honor the often-over-looked contributions of Black Americans to American history. Since 1928, the ASALH has selected a theme for each year. The theme for 2023 is “African Americans and the Arts."

This February marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Also, or more commonly known as Chinese New Year, this is one of the most important celebrations in East and Southeast Asian cultures. According to Britannica.com, the celebration is based on the cycles of the moon and can vary slightly between late January to mid-February. The celebration begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice and runs until the full moon arrives.

Celebrations vary amongst cultures, but is typically marked by food, decorations, and activities which promote prosperity, abundance, and togetherness. The celebration concludes with the Lantern Festival which includes parades, dances, and fireworks.

For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.

"Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome". ~ Arthur Chan