February 2020

The Month of February Marks…

Black History Month

The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United

States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study

of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be

"Negro History Week. As a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson,

like W. E. B. Du Bois before him, believed that truth could not be denied and

that reason would prevail over prejudice. His hopes to raise awareness of

African American's contributions to civilization was realized when he and the

organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and

History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925.

The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that

encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct

their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to

endorse the effort.

By the time of Woodson's death in 1950, Negro History Week had become a central part of African

American life and substantial progress had been made in bringing more Americans to appreciate the

celebration. At mid–century, mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations noting Negro History

Week. The Black Awakening of the 1960s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African Americans

about the importance of black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on

the subject of the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture. The celebration was

expanded to a month in 1976, the nation's bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to "seize

the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of

endeavor throughout our history." That year, fifty years after the first celebration, the association held the

first African American History Month. By this time, the entire nation had come to recognize the importance

of Black history in the drama of the American story. Since then each American president has issued African

American History Month proclamations. And the association—now the Association for the Study of

African American Life and History (ASALH)—continues to promote the study of Black history all year.

(Excerpt from an essay by Daryl Michael Scott, Howard University, for the Association for the Study of

African American Life and History)

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Tu B’Shevat (February 9-10)

Tu Bishvat or the “birthday” of all fruit trees, is a minor

festival. in Judaism.The name is Hebrew for the 15th of the

Hebrew month of Shevat.

In ancient times, Tu Bishvat was merely a date on the

calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when

they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from

recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings

In the 16th century, the Kabbalists (mystics) of Tzfat (the city

of Safed) in the Land of Israel created a new ritual to celebrate Tu Bishvat called the Feast of Fruits.

Modeled on the Passover seder, participants would read selections from the Hebrew Bible and Rabbinic

literature, and would eat fruits and nuts traditionally associated with the land of Israel. The Kabbalists

also gave a prominent place to almonds in the Tu Bishvat seder , since the almond trees were believed

to be the first of all trees in Israel to blossom. Carob, also known as bokser or St. John’s bread, became

another popular fruit to eat on Tu Bishvat, since it could survive the long trip from Israel to Jewish

communities in Europe. Participants in the kabbalistic seder would also drink four cups of wine: white

wine (to symbolize winter), white with some red (a harbinger of the coming of spring); red with some

white (early spring) and finally all red (spring and summer).

The early Zionists seized upon Tu Bishvat as an opportunity to celebrate their tree-planting efforts to

restore the ecology of ancient Israel and as a symbol of renewed growth and flowering of the Jewish

people returning to their ancestral homeland.

In modern times, Tu Bishvat continues to be an opportunity for planting trees — in Israel and elsewhere,

wherever Jews live. Many American and European Jews observe Tu Bishvat by contributing money to

the Jewish National Fund, an organization devoted to reforesting Israel.

Lent (February 26 – April 9)

As an important religious observance in the Christian world, Lent

is the season to observe and commemorate the passion, death and

resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Savior and

Redeemer. It is an opportune time to reflect on what it means to be

a follower of Christ.

It is a time in which Christians are supposed to be quiet and

thoughtful, preparing themselves for Easter. The three practices of Lent are prayer, fasting and

almsgiving. Observers should pray a lot, give money to charities and give up some of the things they

might otherwise do for pleasure.

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February 2020 Diversity Observance Calendar

February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada. Since

1976, the month has been designated to remember the contributions of

people of the African diaspora.

February 1: National Freedom Day, which celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment that

abolished slavery in 1865.

February 1: Imbolc, a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring.

February 1: St. Brigid of Kildare, feast day for St. Brigid celebrated by some Christian

denominations.

February 2: Candlemas – A Christian holiday that celebrates three occasions according to

Christian belief: the presentation of the child Jesus; Jesus’ first entry into the temple; and Virgin

Mary’s purification.

February 3: Setsubun-Sai (Beginning of Spring), the day before the beginning of spring in Japan,

celebrated yearly as part of the Spring Festival.

February 3: Four Chaplains Sunday commemorates the 55th anniversary of the sinking of the

United States army transport Dorchester and the heroism of the four chaplains aboard.

February 8: Lantern Festival, the first significant feast after the Chinese New Year, named for

watching Chinese lanterns illuminate the sky during the night of the event.

February 8-March 9: Magha Puja Day (also known as Maka Bucha), a Buddhist holiday that

marks an event early in the Buddha’s teaching life when a group of 1,250 enlightened saints,

ordained by the Buddha, gathered to pay their respect to him. It is celebrated on various dates in

different countries.

February 9-10 (sundown to sundown): Tu B’shevat, a Jewish holiday recognizing “The New Year

of the Trees.” It is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. In Israel, the

flowering of the almond tree usually coincides with this holiday, which is observed by planting

trees and eating dried fruits and nuts.

February 14: St. Valentine’s Day, a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints

named Valentinus. Typically associated with romantic love and celebrated by people expressing

their love via gifts.

February 15: Parinirvana Day (or Nirvana Day), the commemoration of Buddha’s death at the

age of 80, when he reached the zenith of Nirvana. February 8 is an alternative date of observance.

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February 17: Presidents Day, a federally recognized celebration in the United States of George

Washington’s birthday, as well as every president proceeding Washington.

February 19: Day of Remembrance, which commemorates the Japanese American internment

during World War II)

February 21: Maha Shivarati, Hindu festival celebrated each year to honor Lord Shiva. It is

celebrated just before the arrival of spring. It is also known as the Great Night of Shiva or Shivaratri

and is one of the largest and most significant among the sacred festival nights of India.

February 25: Mardi Gras, the last day for Catholics to indulge before Ash Wednesday starts the

sober weeks of fasting that accompany Lent. The term “Mardi Gras” is particularly associated with

the carnival celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana.

February 25: Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Though named for its former

religious significance, it is chiefly marked by feasting and celebration, which traditionally

preceded the observance of the Lenten fast. It is observed by various Christian denominations.

February 26: Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent on the Christian calendar. Its name is derived

from the symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence. It takes place immediately after the excesses

of the two days of Carnival that take place in Northern Europe and parts of Latin America and the

Caribbean. Lent lasts until April 9.

February 29 (sunset) to March 19 (sunset): Nineteen-Day Fast, a time in the Bahá’í Faith to

reinvigorate the soul and bring one closer to God. This fast takes place immediately before the

beginning of the Bahá'í New Year.

Mardi Gras Tu B’Shevat National Freedom Day

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US Presidential Trivia

George Washington * He was the only unanimously-elected president.

Thomas Jefferson * He was the country’s first-known speleologist (cave explorer).

James Madison * He was the smallest of all the presidents. He was only 5′4″ tall and weighed less than 100

pounds.

James Monroe * The White House was painted white the year Monroe became president.

John Quincy Adams * He customarily took a nude early morning swim in the Potomac River. Anne Royall, the

first U.S. professional journalist, knew of his 5:00 AM swims. After being refused interviews with the president

time after time, she went to the river, gathered his clothes and sat on them until she had her interview. Before this,

no female had interviewed a president (least of all naked!).

John Tyler * He played the violin, loved to dance, spoke softly, and had good manners.

James Polk * He was the most successful president in American history. During the 1844 campaign, he made

five promises: to acquire California from Mexico, to settle the Oregon dispute, to lower the tariff, to establish a

sub-treasury, and to retire from the office after four years. When he left office, his campaign promises had all

been fulfilled.

Franklin Pierce * He was the first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House.

Abraham Lincoln * He patented his floating drydock on May 22, 1849, patent #6469. He was the first U.S.

President to receive a patent.

Andrew Johnson * He was buried wrapped in a U.S. flag and with his well-worn copy of the Constitution under

his head.

James Garfield * He was the first left-handed president.

Benjamin Harrison * He was the first president to attend a baseball game.

Theodore Roosevelt * He was the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1906).

Franklin D. Roosevelt * He was the first president to name a woman to his Cabinet.

Harry Truman * He was the only president who didn’t have a dog in the White House.

Dwight D. Eisenhower * He was in charge of the D-Day invasion during World War II. He was made a 5-star

general afterward.

John F. Kennedy * He was the first president to win a Purple Heart

Gerald Ford * He once worked as a fashion model.

Jimmy Carter * He was the only president who commanded a submarine.

Ronald Reagan * He became the first U.S. president to address Japan’s legislature.

George H.W. Bush * He likes to play horseshoes.

William J. Clinton * He met John F. Kennedy when he was 17.

George W. Bush * Once owned the Texas Rangers baseball team.

Barack Obama * His favorite films are Casablanca and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nes

Donald Trump * He has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He received the honor back in 2007.

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Thoughts from Our Staff

When you think of Black History Month, what person and/or event comes to mind?

The observation of Black History Month makes me think of people of color I know and love, and what racial biases they may experience today. I think of friends who have shared their fears and struggles of race with me. Stories of being profiled by authorities in their own neighborhood; of questioning the protection their college age children by campus security; of having their child been made an example of by law enforcement. These current events encourage me to reflect on my behavior and choices and how I can make a positive impact as it pertains to race including who I choose to socialize and do business with.

When I think of Black History Month, I think of Rosa Parks. I didn’t know much about her until my daughter did a book report in middle school. Her name is so fitting. She “parked” herself in front of the school bus and stayed. I admire Rosa’s strength and courage – she is a true pioneer of the civil rights movement.

What comes to mind when I think of Black History Month is how far we’ve come as a people after enduring 400 years of brutal enslavement. Although discrimination still exists, I am proud to see that opportunity also abounds for African American people. Even under the harshest of conditions Africans Americans excelled as inventors, scientists, educators, doctors, engineers and laborers, who built the infrastructure of this country with little or no pay. As an African American, I celebrate my heritage every day, but it is wonderful to live in a nation that takes an entire month to shine a spotlight on the contributions of the African American community.

Martin Luther King is the first name to come to mind of during Black History Month. This is because his fight for civil rights and his “I have a dream…” has been publicized. Now that Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday his legacy is celebrated every year. But I feel more attention should be given to Rosa Parks. She was the first woman civil rights activist. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Alabama showed courage and a strong conviction in human rights. Her defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott which launched nationwide efforts to end racial segregation of public facilities.

When I think of Black History Month, one of the people that I always think about is Rosa Parks. I had the privilege of meeting her when she came and spoke at my middle school. Her courage and steadfastness are truly inspirational to me.

When I think of Black History month Martin Luther King Jr. comes to mind. His voice in a chaotic world, and how his message of love and unity transformed hearts and minds. The movement he created paved the way for others to exercise their own personal civil rights. He foundationally changed the framework of liberty, for all of us. An eternal reminder to “create bridges, not barriers,” evermore.

“Let Us Build Bridges Rather than Barriers” –MLK

As a black woman who was born and raised in the Caribbean, I think of many people of color who sacrificed for me to live the life I live today. It is hard to pick just one or a few people because so many stood up in the face of insurmountable challenges to fight for their rights and beliefs. I will say that Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth and Maya Angelou are people who inspire me and people who I truly admire. Maya Angelou makes me feel like I can do anything and be anything. I love listening to her voice and reading her words. For me, she represents the calm in my storm. She gives me perspective. Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks are women who stood up, stood tall and stood against the status quo. They faced challenges when the stakes were at their highest. They overcame the odds and began the foundation of the new world I live in today where freedom and freedom of speech and things such as Women’s Rights and Equality are upheld. I marvel at the courage and bravery of these women because they not only had to deal with the issues of being black but they also had to deal with the fact that they were women and women were considered second class citizens back then. To think that these women still fought for their rights and beliefs when so much was against them is truly inspiring and makes me proud to be who I am.

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When I think of “Black History Month” I typically do not reflect on just one great person or event as a standalone. In fact the idea of “black history” being only recognizable for a month is bit absurd to me actually, but I understand it’s a step in the right direction and step we took so it can ensure it is also recognized in education of our youth, as well a step we only took because of the countless sung and unsung heroes in history, who happen to also be black or African-American. I appreciated the predominantly black community I grew up in for this because the educators there made sure “black history” was not only taught in February. Being identified as a “black” man myself I have a sense of pride when I reflect on the cruelty and adversity my direct decedents overcame in this country we were brought to love and call home and I teach my children to reflect on that “strength against the odds” because we are nowhere near out of the woods completely as a people. So truly black history month to me is more of an reminder to reflect, Sankofa- “go back and fetch it”, meaning never forget where you came from, how you got where you are, who helped you get there, and who paved the way for you to find your way there, and be sure to give a hand to the next so they can get to where they are going too. I reflect on and thank the pioneers in the civil rights movement for their efforts so all people are recognized and treated as equal. I also reflect on and thank the black engineers, entrepreneurs, artist for their efforts and contribution to shaping this advance mixture of culture and technology we have come to appreciate more and more in our society as Americans

Slaves

There should be more blacks and whites together

Martin Luther King. Color should matter

People sitting in the back of the bus

Rosa Parks, who refused to get up out of her seat

As a Woman that is half Haitian half Dominican I think of how far we have come and how thankful I am to all those who came before me that fought so I can sit here today, in a group with people of every color, and feel like I belong . When I think of Black history it saddens me that we had to fight so hard to prove we were equal, however although we have come a long way, there is still racism that exist. One of my favorite quotes “If they do not give us a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”----Shirley Chisholm

Black history means American history to me. Without black Americans this country would not be what it is today,

Rights movement, courage, perseverance

Blacks have contributed a lot to what is happening now, and we have a least one Black CEO in a lot of companies.

Martin Luther King was one of the most influential guys as well as righteous.

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Thoughts from Our Staff (Cont’)

What, if anything, do you give up for Lent and why?

I give up diet coke and chocolate because they are two of my favorite things and it is a big sacrifice.

As a Lutheran Christian I observe the season of Lent in church but not man made rules of sacrifice or fasting.

I don’t celebrate Lent but I had a conversation with a co-worker who does. She told me that instead of giving up something for Lent, she does charity work to help others.

I do not celebrate Lent but give up all leavened goods for Passover

I was raised in a culture where the period of lent is very revered. In my family during the period of lent we do not eat meat of any kind and there is no preparation of any foods that involve meat. During this time we mainly eat bun with cheese and fish. The bun is known as Easter bun which is similar to a sweet bread with raisins and currants. The cheese is the typical Cheddar cheese. For my family the period of lent is a holy time where we fast from eating meat of any kind to observe and honor the time where Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert.

Giving up potato chips because they are too salty

Coffee because she had to choose between that and soda

Cookies because he loves Jesus

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Diversity Happenings around the agency…

Bowling Night: On Jan. 21 the Kellenberg Memorial High School Boys and Girls bowling teams invited bowlers from the ComeUnity Recreation program to AMF Garden City for a night of bowling and camaraderie. A small group of avid bowlers came out to enjoy the evening. Each person was given the attention of several young experts with lots of enthusiastic encouragement. Parents of both groups were able to watch and enjoy the friendly interactions, laughter and kindness that filled the alley. The students so enjoyed hosting the ComeUnity members, Coach Allyson Frisina and I agreed to make it an annual occurrence. “This is so great. It teaches them, that every person has value.” –Parent of Kellenberg 11th grade student

Pictured: Steven Delaney – ComeUnity Recreation Member with Kellenberg High School Students

Black History Month – Ed Center. Here in the Education Center, we are celebrating Black History Month with a new feature in our lobby display! The BCCS version of Instagram is “Histagram,” where students and staff learn about and celebrate the many achievements of African Americans. During our morning announcements throughout the month of February, each day, a student presents facts and interesting historical information that recognizes the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Additionally, articles, books and other content related to Black History Month is presented to students in their classrooms throughout the month.

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Food For Thought…

Broccoli Cheddar Frittata

Ingredients

6 eggs

1 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 cups broccoli, cut into bite size florets

1/2 cup water

1 cup aged sharp cheddar, grated

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs with milk, 1/4 tsp

pepper and 1/2 tsp salt until fluffy (if salt sensitive use 1/4 tsp salt). Reserve.

2. Place broccoli florets in a medium saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil. Cover

the pot with a lid and let the broccoli steam for about 4 minutes till bright green and

tender.

3. Drain any excess liquid from the broccoli in a colander.

4. Spray 10-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray or add a thin layer of olive oil,

then add the steamed broccoli in an even layer across the bottom of the pan.

5. Top the broccoli with an even layer of the grated cheese.

6. Add the chopped fresh dill to the eggs and rewhisk the eggs till fluffy and the dill is well

incorporated.

7. Pour egg mixture evenly over the top of the other ingredients, tilting the pan in each

direction to make sure all ingredients are evenly covered with egg. Cook for 2 minutes

over medium heat until the edges begin to solidify and brown a bit. Sprinkle the smoked

paprika lightly across the top of the eggs.

8. Place the fritatta carefully in the oven. Let it bake for about 10 minutes, until a knife

inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few

minutes. It will be puffy when you first take it out of the oven, then it will settle.

9. Slice and enjoy!

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More Food For Thought…

Creamiest Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 7 egg yolks, beaten 2 tablespoons sugar 1 pinch salt

7 egg white 1 1/4 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon kirschwasser (optional)

Directions

1. Place chocolate in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until

mostly melted, then remove from heat, and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to medium stiff peaks, but do not allow it to

become grainy. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Sprinkle in the sugar,

and continue whipping to medium stiff peaks. Fold in egg yolks and kirshwasser.

4. Fold in the melted chocolate until completely incorporated, then fold in whipped cream

until evenly blended. Spoon into dessert cups, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.

5. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra special effect."

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A Message from the Diversity Newsletter Committee

We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the Diversity Newsletter and have found the contents to be

informative. Please remember that this is your newsletter and we would like to include items of interest

and importance to you.

Please forward any ideas, recipes, and news about events you may have held or suggestions you may

have for future editions to:

Linda Rosen 516-626-1000 ext. 1105 lirosen@ahrc.org

If you would like to join our committee, we would love to have you be part of this important work.

Please let one of us know.

Thank You

The Diversity Newsletter Committee

Heidi Klewicki Linda Rosen Paula DeVita Shaun Weathers