A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - February 2019

February is African-American History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of African-Americans to our culture and nation. Known as Black History Month in other countries, the important role of those of African descent is also celebrated annually in February in Canada and in October in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

The month's observance originated in America 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.

Gradually, Black History Week was recognized in many cities and by 1976, Black History Month was officially recognized nationwide.

February 2 is the pagan holiday, Imbolc, also called Candlemas. Imbolc is one of  one of the oldest feasts of the Christian church that highlights some aspect of winter and sunlight and heralds the change of seasons. To celebrate the day, many pagans will put candles in their windows to encourage the sun to return faster, enjoy special foods and hold outdoor bonfires.

The Chinese New Year takes place on February 5, and 2019 is the Year of the Pig. Also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, the Chinese New Year is China's most important traditional festival. Millions of Chinese people across the world will ring in the New Year by enjoying feasts, decorating their homes, watching or participating in festive parades and more. With celebrations lasting for days-up to 15 days for some in China-the Chinese New Year is a time for families and friends to come together and wish each other prosperity, joy and good fortune.

Take some time to recognize and celebrate those you love on February 14, Valentine's Day. Also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, the day is a celebration of romance and love. People around the world will observe the day by giving gifts, tokens or symbols of love, such as cards, chocolate and flowers, to significant others in their lives. In the Philippines, holding mass wedding ceremonies with hundreds of couples exchanging or renewing their vows has become a popular tradition.

February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Performing 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. As members of the LifeBridge Health community, our dedication to ensuring everyone is treated with compassion, respect and dignity are examples of our SPIRIT Values and makes this day one that should resonate with us all.

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.