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Are you eagerly anticipating the February holidays?
February is chock-full of fantastic holidays, and we've got you covered with an awesome list of festivities that will bring joy, excitement, awareness and understanding to your workplace. So, get ready to create connections across your team and check out the list below!
Download our DEI holidays calendar
Month-long celebrations in February
Black History Month
Observed in February, Black History Month is a symbolic celebration that pays special tribute to the important role of Black history in pursuit of racial justice and equality. It is a time of acknowledgment, reflection and inspiration. Click here to learn the theme for this year’s celebration.
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American Heart Month
American Heart Month brings awareness to Heart Disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Every February, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.
Additional February DEI holidays
February 1
National Freedom Day
National Freedom Day commemorates the day Congress adopted a joint resolution leading to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery in the United States. While the Amendment itself was ratified in December of 1865, it was passed by Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865.
February 2
Groundhog Day
Praying for an early spring? You’re probably not alone. We can’t tell you if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not this year, but we can help you keep your team from getting stuck in a Groundhog Day cycle.
February 3
National Wear Red Day
An offshoot of American Heart Month, National Wear Red Day brings awareness and action to end heart disease and stroke in women.
February 4
Rosa Parks Day (CA & MO)
In California and Missouri, Rosa Parks Day is a holiday honoring civil rights leader Rosa Parks on her birthday. Other states observe this holiday on the day she was arrested (December 1) or on the first Monday after her birthday.
February 6
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of online issues and current trends from cyberbullying to digital identity.
February 10-24
Lunar New Year
Celebrating the new year across many East and Southeast Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year for some families and communities. The timing of Lunar New Year is tied to the lunar calendar, commencing with the 1st new moon of the year and ending with the 1st full moon. In Chinese culture, preparations called “Little Year” begin prior to the beginning of Lunar New Year (also called Spring Festival) and the festivities conclude with the Lantern Festival. 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon.
February 11
International Day of Women & Girls in Science
There has been a significant gender gap throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. In 2016, the U.N. General Assembly declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to help engage, recognize and promote the achievements of women in STEM fields.
Superbowl
Superbowl Sunday presents some unique opportunities for team building and creating connections. It also means some of your employees may be a bit sluggish (or even upset) Monday morning.
February 12
International Epilepsy Day
Epilepsy impacts almost every part of someone’s life. The stigmas surrounding the disease can discourage people from seeking treatment and can impact social inclusion. This year’s International Epilepsy Day focuses on reducing the stigma that people living with epilepsy often face on a daily basis through conversations, education and dispelling myths.
February 13
Galentine’s Day
Traditionally this time of year leaves many focused on their relationship status (or lack thereof). In a season focused on romantic love, Galentine’s Day takes a day to recognize the importance of friendship. Whether single, coupled or somewhere in between, Galentine’s Day focuses on strengthening the important relationships in our lives.
Mardi Gras
This isn’t just a party in New Orleans. Mardi Gras – or “Fat Tuesday” – is the last night of eating rich foods before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of penitence and fasting that commemorates the four days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.
February 14
Valentine’s Day
Did you know Valentine’s Day originally had nothing to do with love? February 14 was originally declared St. Valentine’s Day at the end of the 5th century. It wasn’t until 1375 that Geofrey Chaucer first recorded St. Valentine’s day as a romantic celebration.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday – officially known as the Day of Ashes – is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. Remember that individuals on your team may need some flexibility on Ash Wednesday so they can visit church to get their ashes.
February 15
Parinirvana Day (Buddhist)
Observed primarily by Mahayana Buddhists, Parinirvana Day commemorates the death of the historical Buddha and his entry into complete Nirvana. This is a day to contemplate the Buddha’s teachings.
International Childhood Cancer Day
International Childhood Cancer Day is a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families.
February 17
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day is rooted in the belief that everyone can connect through kindness, creating a common language of kindness between schools, work and home.
February 19
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present. Fun fact: it never falls on the actual birthday of any American president. Presidents’ Day is always observed on the 3rd Monday of February.
February 20
World Day of Social Justice
World Day of Social Justice recognizes the need to promote social justice, tackling issues like poverty, exclusion, unemployment, gender inequality, social protections and human rights. This holiday focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for everyone through social protection, employment and fundamental rights.
February 29
Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day is a global movement raising awareness on rare diseases, working toward social equity in social opportunity, healthcare and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. Rare Disease Day is patient-led, but everyone, including families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry representatives and the general public, can participate in raising awareness and taking action.
*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.
Download our DEI holidays calendar
Does sourcing DEI instructors and content feel time-consuming and anxiety-producing?
The Electives platform has everything you need, including an impressive mix of quality and quantity content, instructors and experiences. Plus, we offer significant diversity of voices and formats, letting you select the best learning experiences for your team.
Our DEI library includes classes appropriate for every DEI program and initiative — from the most sophisticated to those just starting. Every DEI class creates a safe space to start DEI conversations and dive into the most complex and challenging topics and truths.
With an eye toward action, our DEI classes lay foundations while supporting DEI strategy and allyship at the individual, team and company-wide levels. Because we have niche-topic classes taught by a diverse community of instructors, our DEI classes are also perfect for holidays like ADA Day or employee resource groups (ERGs) that want to address specific topics by bringing in relevant instructors.
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