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February 2025 Observances National Freedom Day: February 1 National Freedom Day is observed annually on February 1st to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln's signing of a resolution on February 1, 1865, which would later become the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, officially abolishing slavery. National Freedom Day was established to promote harmony and equal opportunity among all citizens and remind Americans of freedom's importance. Congress officially recognized it in 1948, and President Harry S. Truman signed it into law. The celebration often includes laying a wreath at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, symbolizing liberty and justice. It’s also a time for reflection on civil rights, equality, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice in our country. Black History Month: February 1 – February 28 Black History Month, observed every February in the United States, is a time to honor and reflect upon African Americans' significant contributions and experiences throughout history. Each year, a specific theme highlights aspects of Black history and culture. This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor, “focusing on the diverse and profound ways that work—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—has intersected with the collective experiences of Black people. From the agricultural work of enslaved Africans that sustained early American colonies to the debates among Black educators about the importance of vocational training, the labor of African Americans has been transformative. Self-help strategies, entrepreneurship within Black communities, and the role of organized labor in combating economic and social injustices are also key facets of this theme. Exploring the theme “African Americans and Labor”also encourages a broad reflection on the intersections between Black people’s work and their workplaces across various settings and historical periods. This includes compensated labor in factories, the military, government agencies, and private homes; community-building efforts by social justice activists and voluntary workers; representation in the boardroom with C-Suite executives and courtrooms with judges, lawyers, court officials, and law enforcement officers; political leaders and to the White House - understanding Black labor and its impact is integral to comprehending Black people's histories, lives, and cultures and to the growth of the United States. This theme also provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate African Americans' resilience, innovation, and leadership in the labor movement. It acknowledges their pivotal role in shaping labor history and advocating equality and justice in the workplace. 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, founded by labor organizer and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph. This was the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor, representing a significant milestone in the fight for better working conditions and compensation for Black workers. ALANYC’s DEI team will have our next Explore New York with ALANYC adventure on Saturday, February 22. We will take a cultural day trip to Harlem, NY, led by JoJo Ventures. The walking tour will include site visits to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Harlem YMCA, Striver’s Row, Swing Street, and the Apollo Theater. Participants will end the tour with lunch at the iconic Melba's, where they can enjoy southern classics in a relaxed setting. This event is currently full. Please email [email protected] if you wish to join the waitlist. You may also visit The National Museum of African American History and Culture for virtual and in-person events throughout February. The museum has curated the history of African Americans’ contribution to the US labor movement in Invisible Changemakers of Industry - African Americans and Labor. In New York City, check out: Lunar New Year: Now until February 12 As a reminder, our Asian communities are celebrating the Lunar New Year. The two-week celebration started on January 28 and is celebrated by gathering family and friends, feasting and fireworks, parties, and parades, with traditions such as cleaning, shopping, giving red envelopes, family dinners, and a Lantern Festival. As in Asian customs, each year is associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac, such as the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The animal sign is based on the year someone was born. 2025 is the year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, calmness, and creativity. For additional Lunar New Year activities in New York City, visit Secret NYC, I Love NY, or TimeOut New York. Nirvana Day (Buddhism): February 15 Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana Day, is an annual Buddhist observance commemorating the death of Siddhārtha Gautama, the historical Buddha, and his attainment of Parinirvana—complete Nirvana—upon the cessation of his physical form. This event signifies the Buddha’s final liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). On this day, Buddhists engage in various practices to honor the Buddha’s teachings and reflect on the impermanent nature of life. Common observances include reading passages from the Nirvana Sutra, meditating, and visiting temples or monasteries. It’s also a time for individuals to contemplate their mortality and remember loved ones who have passed away, aligning with the Buddhist teachings on impermanence. Triratna NY • NJis dedicated to supporting the development of spiritual friendship among people who wish to experience the benefits of Buddhist practice and meditation and believe it can constructively contribute to the modern world. Triratna NY • NJ will host In-Person Practice Day: Parinirvana Day on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, from 1 pm to 5 pm at Lucid Body House, 230 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016
World Day of Social Justice: February 20 World Day of Social Justice is an international day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and human rights. The day emphasizes the importance of social justice in fostering peace, security, and development. Each year, the observance highlights a specific theme related to social justice, such as worker rights, digital inclusion, fair trade, or gender equality. The theme for 2025 is "Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice," which emphasizes inclusive policies, ongoing learning, and social protections in addressing systemic inequality. Governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide participate through awareness campaigns, discussions, and initiatives to promote equitable access to resources and opportunities for all members of society with the global commitment to building a just and inclusive society where dignity and respect for all people are prioritized. How to observe World Day of Social Justice: According to National Today, the way you can observe World Day of Social Justice is by:
Activities in NYC for World Day of Social Justice include: Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism): February 26 - 27 Maha Shivaratri, which translates to “The Great Night of Shiva,” is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated annually between February and March, on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. The festival holds deep spiritual significance, commemorating the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Devotees observe various rituals, including fasting, night-long vigils, chanting hymns, and devotional songs. The festival emphasizes spiritual enlightenment, with key puja timings detailed for worshipers. For Hindus, observing fasts and rituals with devotion offers reflection, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection to Lord Shiva's traditions, cleansing one's soul and bringing divine blessings. Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America will celebrate Maha Shivaratrion Saturday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. |