TSD Inclusive
February 2024
"When I discover who I am, I'll be free."
~Ralph Ellison in Invisible Man~
Celebrations and Recognitions
MONTHLY
Black History Month - Black History Month is celebrated in February in both the United States and Canada, initiated by Carter G. Woodson through the establishment of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This tradition began in 1926 with the creation of Negro History Week, which later expanded into a month-long observance. Since 1976, February has been officially designated by the federal government to honor and commemorate the significant contributions made by individuals of the African diaspora.
2024 Focus/Theme: The Arts
Heart Health Month – dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and promoting strategies for a healthy heart. Throughout the month, individuals are encouraged to adopt heart-healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco use. Educational campaigns and events aim to empower people with knowledge about heart disease prevention and management, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely interventions.
WEEKLY
February 1-7: International Interfaith Harmony Week – aims to enhance the principles of peace among all nations and peoples, fostering unity and understanding across different faiths. It was officially launched by the United Nations in 2011.
February 14-20: Random Acts of Kindness Week – observed during the week of February 17th, urges individuals to prioritize kindness and spread it in all aspects of their lives. This initiative recognizes the universal need for kindness and aims to enhance schools, workplaces, families, and society as a whole through acts of kindness.
DAILY
February 1: National Freedom Day – is celebrated on February 1st to mark freedom from slavery and to honor America as a symbol of liberty. This day commemorates Abraham Lincoln's signing of a resolution that led to the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, on February 1, 1865. This day serves as a reminder of the progress towards freedom for all.
February 2: National Wear Red Day – is an annual event observed on the first Friday of February as part of American Heart Month. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, particularly in women, and promoting heart health. Participants are encouraged to wear red clothing or accessories to show their support for the fight against heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death worldwide. National Wear Red Day serves as a reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent heart disease and promote cardiovascular wellness.
February 2: Ground Hog Day – is a traditional event celebrated in parts of the United States and Canada on February 2nd. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. However, if it doesn't see its shadow, it will stay outside, signaling an early spring.
February 4: Rosa Parks Day – commemorates the courageous act of the American Civil Rights icon who on December 1st, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama city bus. Some states also observe Rosa Parks Day on February 4th, her birthday, or the first Monday after her birthday, such as February 5th in 2024. Officially recognized in several states including California, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, Oregon, and Tennessee, there have been calls to establish Rosa Parks Day as a federal holiday to standardize its observance nationwide.
February 10: Chinese New Year (Year of the Dragon) – also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the new lunar year according to the Chinese calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February.
February 11: International Day of Women & Girls in Science – is a United Nations designated day that aims to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. This day highlights the importance of gender equality in the field of science and aims to challenge stereotypes and biases that hinder women's and girls' progress in these areas.
February 13: Mardi Gras – In France, Mardi Gras, celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, signals the end of the pre-Lenten season. "Mardi Gras" translates to "Fat Tuesday," originating from the tradition of using up fats in the household and is a celebration period before fasting season of Lent. In the United States, the main Carnival festivities occur in New Orleans, Louisiana.
February 14: Ash Wednesday – is a sacred day observed with prayer and fasting in various Western Christian denominations.
February 14: Valentine’s Day – is a holiday celebrated annually on February 14th. It's a day dedicated to expressing love and affection, often through the exchange of cards, gifts, and romantic gestures. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and has since evolved into a cultural and commercial celebration of love in many parts of the world.
February 15: Parinirvana Day (Nirvana Day) – is a Buddhist holiday commemorating the death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and his attainment of Pari nirvana, which is the final nirvana. It's a solemn occasion marked with reverence and contemplation of the nature of existence and liberation in Buddhism.
February 20: World Day of Social Justice – is a global observance that acknowledges the importance of advancing social justice. This entails addressing various challenges such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights violations, and the provision of social protections.
February 20: Presidents' Day – in the United States, is a holiday observed on the third Monday in February. It is widely acknowledged as a tribute to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and it is occasionally interpreted as a celebration encompassing the birthdays and legacies of all U.S. Presidents.
Considerations During Black History Month
Welcome to the month of Black History!
We are kicking off the month of February on a meaningful and vibrant journey as we commemorate Black History Month. This month is not just a mere passage of time; it is a powerful testament to the resilience, courage, creativity, and unwavering spirit of African American/black communities throughout history. This year's theme is African Americans and the Arts!
The roots of Black History Month run deep, stemming from the visionary efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a pioneering scholar and advocate for African American history. Dr. Woodson, alongside other trailblazers, initiated Negro History Week in 1926. This week served as a catalyst for acknowledging and celebrating the significant contributions of African Americans to our nation's cultural makeup. Over time, this week evolved into Black History Month, officially recognized in 1976 as a time to honor and celebrate the legacy of African American/Black people and communities.
As we recognize Black History Month throughout the Troy School District, we want to provide you with some helpful takeaways and considerations:
Do's:
- Recognize and highlight that Black History and culture should be celebrated and acknowledged throughout the year, not just in February.
- Explore and showcase aspects of Black history and culture, delving beyond mainstream narratives.
- Celebrate everyday contributions of African American/Black individuals in your school and local communities.
- Encourage dialogue and learning about the diversity within the African American/Black community, including different experiences and perspectives.
Don'ts:
- Don't limit Black History Month celebrations to just famous or popular figures; explore and highlight hidden figures and unsung heroes and events.
- Don't reduce Black History Month to a token gesture or superficial celebration; engage in meaningful discussions and actions that promote understanding and appreciation.
- Don't overlook the ongoing struggles and achievements of African American/Black communities beyond historical milestones; acknowledge and support present-day efforts for equality and justice.
Our Endless Pursuit For Joy
Using The "HILL Model" for an Identity Read-Aloud
The HILL Model helps us identify areas that advance culturally and historically responsive educational pursuits: Histories | Identities | Literacies | & Liberation. Use this strategy to create a focused read-aloud on identity.
- Identity: I can learn that every name comes from some special place (families, songs, poems)
- Skills: I can retell the story and share information from the text during class discussions or small-group activities.
- Intellect: I can learn about the meaning of my name and my classmates' names.
- Criticality: I can learn that one way of showing respect to others and myself is learning to pronounce names and teaching others to pronounce my name correctly.
- Joy: I can feel joy, love, and excitement as I say andhear my name called or spoken.
3 Shifts For A More Culturally Responsive Classroom
Culturally Responsive Instruction is easy as 1-2-3! (Black History Edition)
1. Highlight Historical and Contemporary Black Achievements
During Black History Month, it's crucial to celebrate both historical and modern contributions of Black individuals across various fields. This not only honors their achievements but also provides students with role models and a broader understanding of Black history.
Implementation: Incorporate lessons about historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman, as well as contemporary Black leaders, scientists, artists, and activists. Use multimedia resources like documentaries, interviews, and articles to make these lessons more engaging. You can also organize virtual or in-person guest lectures from local Black community leaders.
2. Explore Themes of Social Justice and Equity
Addressing themes of social justice and equity in the context of Black History Month helps students understand and empathize with the struggles and triumphs of Black communities. This approach fosters critical thinking and awareness of ongoing social issues.
Implementation: Introduce topics like the Civil Rights Movement, the Harlem Renaissance, and current social justice movements. Encourage students to engage in projects that explore these themes, like research papers, art projects, or classroom debates. Provide a safe space for students to discuss and reflect on these topics, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
3. Incorporate Black Literature and Art in Curriculum
Integrating Black literature and art into the curriculum during Black History Month exposes students to diverse perspectives and cultural expressions. It's an effective way to celebrate Black culture and history through creative works.
Implementation: Select works by Black authors, poets, and artists to study in class. This can include classic literature by authors like Maya Angelou and James Baldwin, as well as contemporary works. Organize art projects inspired by Black artists or host a poetry slam where students can perform works by Black poets. Consider collaborating with the art and literature departments to create interdisciplinary projects.
Tips From Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul
1. Choose a text that’s about and authored by a BIPOC. Authors who write about their lived experiences can offer a much more nuanced portrayal of characters that share their identities. You’ll also want to be sure that the text is culturally affirming and provides opportunities to develop critical consciousness. Be aware of not just showing oppression but also strength and joy.
2. Plan for students to interact with the text that explicitly addresses cultural competence and critical consciousness. Just as you would mark spots in a text with prompts for students to think about character and theme, mark spots that highlight cultural identity and systems of injustice. You might try prompts that sound like this:
- How is the character’s identity similar to yours or different?
- What part of this book is a mirror for you? Window?
- What bigger problems in our community or our world is this making you think about?
OneTroy Parent, Author Highlight
Book description: In February of 2020 Karington and Kaidence went on a journey with their parents to learn about women in Black History. They quickly went viral after donning outfits dressed as famous African Women both living and past in order to learn about the impact that they had. Through their journey they not only learned about the amazing Black Women who paved the way for so many others, they also learned that as little growing Black Women, their dreams too are possible.
PLC & Core Values
Helping our students to been seen, valued, & heard.
Connecting with Dr. Machesky's message from our January 29 full day professional collaboration, it's our mission to ensure that each student is seen, valued, and heard. With February being Black History Month, check out these recommendations from Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul to help elevate and celebrate our Black and Brown students with a feeling of love, respect, and inclusion.
Tools for the Toolbox 🛠️🧰
OneTroy Community Read - REGISTER TODAY
"Reading Together, Building Community"
Discover Isabel Wilkerson's "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents," hailed as an "instant American classic" and the "keynote nonfiction book of the American century thus far." Wilkerson's Pulitzer Prize-winning expertise illuminates the intricate and brutal misperceptions about race that have shaped America. Described as a work of synthesis, "Caste" elegantly fuses history, sociology, and poignant prose, exploring race and caste as interconnected forces.
Wilkerson argues, "Caste is the bones, race the skin." She delves into the artificial hierarchies that dictate human value, revealing how caste is "an artificial construction... that sets the presumed supremacy of one group against the presumed inferiority of other groups." This book is not just about history but about the present and our role within it. As Wilkerson notes, "Caste is the wordless usher in a darkened theater, flashlight cast down in the aisles, guiding us to our assigned seats for a performance."
This thought-provoking read, described as having "the reverberating and patriotic slap of the best American prose writing," promises to challenge and enlighten. It's a book that "changes the weather inside a reader," compelling us to confront and understand the complex, often hidden systems that continue to shape our society. Join us in exploring this transformative work, a beacon for understanding and change in our times.
February Library - The Harlem Rennaissance
Passing by Nella Larsen
"Nella Larsen's 'Passing' is a captivating and incisive exploration of racial identity and duality in the Harlem Renaissance era. The novel focuses on the intertwined lives of two African-American women, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, both of whom can 'pass' for white but choose different paths. Set against the backdrop of 1920s New York, Larsen's narrative delves into the complexities of race, gender, and the societal norms that dictate personal choices. Her elegant prose and the novel's nuanced portrayal of the psychological and social implications of passing make it a timeless and profound piece of American literature."
When Washington Was In Vogue by Edward Christopher Williams
"When Washington Was in Vogue" by Edward Christopher Williams, often considered the first African-American epistolary novel, is a captivating Harlem Renaissance story. Set in the vibrant 1920s, it vividly captures the life of an African-American man in Washington D.C., offering a rare glimpse into the era's black middle-class society, its struggles, aspirations, and rich cultural tapestry. Through engaging letters, the novel explores themes of race, identity, and love, reflecting the complexities of navigating a segregated America.
Holiday by Waldo Frank
"Holiday" by Waldo Frank is a lesser-known yet significant work from the Harlem Renaissance era. This novel, distinct in its style and narrative, dives into the complexities of personal and social identity against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Frank, known for his experimental and introspective approach, crafts a story that explores deep philosophical and existential themes, reflecting on the individual's place in a rapidly changing world. While not focusing directly on African-American experiences like other Harlem Renaissance works, "Holiday" offers a broader contemplation of the human condition during a pivotal historical period.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" is a profound exploration of identity and race in mid-20th century America. Through the eyes of an unnamed African-American protagonist, the novel navigates a journey from the rural South to the urban North, confronting racism and searching for personal identity. Ellison masterfully blends surrealism and realism, creating a powerful narrative that examines societal expectations, personal invisibility, and the struggle for individuality in a prejudiced world. This seminal work is a cornerstone of American literature, offering a deep, introspective look at the complexities of identity and society.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston is a seminal work in both African-American and women's literature. This Harlem Renaissance novel tells the story of Janie Crawford's journey to self-realization and independence. Set in early 20th century Florida, it deftly explores themes of love, identity, and empowerment. Hurston's rich narrative style and use of African-American vernacular speech bring to life Janie's struggle against societal norms and her pursuit of personal happiness. This deeply moving and beautifully written novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Cane by Jean Toomer
"Cane" by Jean Toomer is a groundbreaking work from the Harlem Renaissance, blending poetry, prose, and play-like dialogues to form a rich mosaic of African-American life in the early 20th century. The book, divided into three distinct sections, moves from the rural South to the urban North, vividly portraying the varied experiences of black Americans. Toomer's lyrical and often experimental style captures the harsh realities of racial tension, the beauty of African-American folklore, and the search for identity in a segregated society. This innovative and influential work remains a pivotal exploration of race and culture in America.
Random Acts of Kindness Week
February is Heart Health Month!
TSD Community Corner
Missing Something? Want to See More?
- Let us know. We may not always capture everything, so your input and voice matters!
- Share ideas for the next TSD Inclusive newsletter
- Click the contact button below