February

National Black History Month

Black History Month is a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February and the United Kingdom in the month of October.  The remembrance originated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week." Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly
influenced the lives and social condition of African-Americans: former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass.

Also:  International Friendship Month and American Heart Month

1st - National Freedom Day – an observance in the U.S. that honors the signing by Abraham Lincoln of the resolution that later became the 13th amendment to the constitution outlawing slavery.

5th - Mexico’s Constitution Day – drafted in 1917, the constitution is in use still today.  It is celebrated with parades and festivals.

6th - National Wear Red Day – Americans nationwide wear red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness.

12 –28th - Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada

14th - Valentine’s Day (United States) – traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other with gifts of flowers and candy.

14th - Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger)

15th - Presidents’ Day (United States)

15th - Susan B. Anthony Day – commemorates the prominent American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the 19th century women's rights movement to introduce women's suffrage into the United States.

16th - Mardi Gras (United States) – refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, ending on the day before Ash Wednesday (Fat Tuesday).