Monday, January 16th is Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service.
The legacy and impact of Martin Luther King, Jr. continues to grow each year and his impact has increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became a national holiday in 1983, and in 1994, President Clinton signed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday and Service Act. This made the holiday a day of community service. It is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service and is meant to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
No matter what kind of volunteering or community support you want to provide, opportunities abound! As a way to remember and honor Martin Luther King, Jr., take a look at Global Citizen, click on “find a project” and search in your area for a service project that feels right for you. You can also check local colleges and universities for ways to participate in marches, gatherings, and community events that celebrate MLK and promote a culture of service.
Commit to service. All of us can volunteer, donate to worthy causes, and try to make a difference in our communities. Those who commit are the people who continue to answer Martin Luther King, Jr.’s question:
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah! This Sunday, September 25th, marks the first day of celebrations for the Jewish New Year- beginning at sundown and ending at nightfall on Tuesday. This holiday commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance which leads into Yom Kippur. It’s one of the holiest days of the year for those of the Jewish faith!
How can I wish a happy Rosh Hashanah to my fellow team members who observe? You can say, “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!”, which means “good year”. It’s a commonly spoken greeting on this day and you can show your co-workers you care about them with a simple acknowledgment. Happy Rosh Hashanah!
We wish everyone celebrating a joyous and peaceful holiday spent with those you love most.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Started as just a week-long celebration in 1968, it was expanded into a 30-day period by President Reagan in 1988. The day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of geographies such Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua claiming their independence. Mexico and Chile celebrate their national days of independence on September 16th and September 18th respectively. Also, Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
Why do we celebrate? There are an estimated 56.6 million Hispanics living in the United States. This equates to about 17.6% of the country population. Hispanic Americans have contributed to American life since the American Revolution, and have fought in every war since. Hispanic Americans continue to have representation in our country- as small business owners, veterans, teachers, doctors, store leadership, department managers, among many other professions. Hispanic Heritage month allows us to recognize their contribution and achievements to our national story.
How is Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated? The month is celebrated in a large variety of ways. As several other celebratory holidays fall during this month — such as the independence days of several Latin American countries — concerts, parades, food fairs, festivals, dancing, and more are organized throughout. Educational events like art exhibitions take place as well, highlighting important Latino heroes in history. Cooking is another big way to celebrate! From pull-apart arepas filled with savory ingredients to learning the Spanish word for meatball – albóndiga – before digging into one! If you are a big fan of Mexican food, cook with and discuss the spices and ingredients that make these dishes special, such as cumin and paprika, corn, chili peppers, shredded beef and chicken, beans, tomatoes and more.
Thank you to all of our associates for submitting photos of their dads or submitting photos of yourself with your kids! Thank you for all you do for both your Village family and your own family at home.
At Village, we believe that we should all be able to live and work in a society where all people have a sense of belonging. All five of our core values are intertwined with this mission: Act With Integrity, Respect For All, Care Deeply, Challenge Yourself, and Welcome To The Family. Beginning with Black History Month, and throughout the course of the year, we will continue to celebrate our differences through various religious and cultural events.
What is Black History Month?
The origins of Black History Month are rooted in the 1920s, and it came to be for two reasons: recognition and importance. The precursor to this month-long event was conceived by Carter G. Woodson, a historian and founder of The Journal of Negro History, who believed that history books and educators overlooked or even suppressed the role of black Americans. Black History Month isn’t just about celebrating the achievements and contributions of black America; it’s rooted in the idea that equality and acceptance come from mutual understanding.
Carter G. Woodson: Historian, Author, Journalist, and the father of Black History Month
It wasn’t until the 1970’s that “Black History Month” as we know it gained widespread acceptance, and Gerald Ford was the first president to recognize its importance in American culture. He called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, each American president has issued Black History Month proclamations.
SPOTLIGHT ON BLACK PIONEERS
LOCAL EVENTS
If you’re interested in learning more or celebrating local Black History Month activities in our area, check out these great resources! There are many ways to participate and show your support.
En Village, creemos que todos deberíamos poder vivir y trabajar en una sociedad donde todas las personas tengamos un sentido de pertenencia. Nuestros cinco valores fundamentales están entrelazados con esta misión: actuar con integridad, respetar a todos, cuidarnos con atención, desafiarnos a nosotros mismos y sentirnos como en familia. Comenzando con el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana y durante el transcurso del año, continuaremos celebrando nuestras diferencias a través de varios eventos religiosos y culturales.
¿Qué es el Mes de la Historia Negra?
Los orígenes del Mes de la Historia Afroamericana tienen sus raíces en la década de 1920 y surgieron por dos razones: reconocimiento e importancia. El precursor de este evento de un mes fue Carter G. Woodson, un historiador y fundador de The Journal of Negro History, quien creía que los libros de historia y los educadores pasaron por alto o incluso suprimieron el papel de los estadounidenses negros. El Mes de la Historia Afroamericana no se trata solo de celebrar los logros y contribuciones de la América negra; tiene sus raíces en la idea de que la igualdad y la aceptación provienen del entendimiento mutuo.
Carter G. Woodson: historiador, autor, periodista y padre del Mes de la Historia Negra
No fue hasta la década de 1970 que el “Mes de la Historia Negra”, tal y como lo conocemos, obtuvo una amplia aceptación, y Gerald Ford fue el primer presidente que reconoció su importancia en la cultura estadounidense. Fue un momento fundamental y, desde entonces, todos los presidentes estadounidenses han proclamado el Mes de la Historia Negra. El presidente Ford hizo un llamamiento al público para “aprovechar la oportunidad de honrar los logros, demasiado a menudo olvidados, de los estadounidenses de raza negra en todos los ámbitos de actuación a lo largo de nuestra historia”.
LOS PIONEROS NEGROS EN EL PUNTO DE MIRA
EVENTOS LOCALES
Si está interesado en saber más o en celebrar las actividades locales del Mes de la Historia Negra en nuestra zona, consulte estos magníficos recursos. Hay muchas maneras de participar y mostrar tu apoyo.
