Black History Month begins
In the United States, Black History Month commences Feb. 1, marking a month-long celebration of Black culture and history. Special events, exhibits, and original audio and video of Black history can be found at blackhistorymonth.gov. For younger students, books can be a great resource to learn more about our rich history. Last year, Meridian students, alumni and staff got together virtually to record “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson. The tradition is set to continue this year with a live performance (date tbd due to the recent COVID surge).
Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) begins
A time of celebration and looking forward to the spring and planting season, the Lunar New Year is often celebrated by visiting family and friends, delivering gifts, and setting off fireworks. Grandparents and elders often give children red envelopes with money (known as hóngbāo). Another tradition is to clean the house before the New Year begins to sweep away bad luck. This year marks the Year of the Tiger.
World Hijab Day
Feb. 1 also marks World Hijab Day, which was created in 2013 by Nazma Khan to raise awareness and understanding. Meridian biology teacher Kanwal Ahmed shares what the day, and the hijab, mean to her:
The hijab, literally, is a veil used to cover one's self. There is not one, uniform reason for why Muslim women choose to wear the hijab – but for me and many others around the world, it is a large part of our identity.
Both as a student and as a teacher, I have come to know Meridian as a welcoming environment. I find myself blessed to be working with amazing colleagues who accept me and my beliefs wholeheartedly. Because of this, I saw the importance in sharing a part of my story and why today is special to me and many others.