A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - February 2018

Every February we celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of African Americans to our culture and nation. Recognized as African American History Month, February is a time dedicated to remembering important people and the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.

The important role of those of African descent is also celebrated annually in Canada (in February), as well as in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands (in October) where it is known as Black History Month. The month's observance in America began in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History lobbied for a weeklong commemoration of African American contributions and history. The second week of February was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Over time, many cities across the country began to recognize Black History Week and by 1969 a group at the Kent State University called the Black United Students proposed an expansion of the week to Black History Month. By 1976, the federal government officially recognized the month.

For many across the globe, February 14 is recognized as Valentine's Day, a day of love. Around the world, Valentine's is celebrated with gifts and tokens or symbols of love to special people in one's life such as cards, chocolate, sweets and flowers. In the Philippines, mass wedding ceremonies (with hundreds getting married or renewing their vows) on February 14 has become a tradition.

The Chinese New Year begins on February 16 and this year will be the Year of the Dog. Also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, it is China's most important traditional festival. Millions of Chinese people in the U.S. and across the globe will ring in the New Year with reunion dinners, decorating their homes, watching or participating in festive parades and more. Throughout the festivities, Chinese-American families spend time together and exchange gifts, including money wrapped in red and gold packages usually given to children. The Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and wish each other peace and prosperity. Celebrations last for days-up to 15 days for some in China.

As members of the LifeBridge Health community, dedicated to ensuring everyone is treated with compassion, respect and dignity, National Random Acts of Kindness Day should resonate with us all. Observed on February 17, the day recognizes that small gestures like holding open a door, offering assistance or complimenting a colleague for his or her work makes an enormous impact in the lives of others and our own. I encourage you to celebrate this day by performing your own random acts of kindness.

At LifeBridge Health we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for communities together.