JAN 24 | International Day of Education

On December 3, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted with consensus a resolution proclaiming January 24 as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. The adoption of the resolution 73/25 “International Day of Education,” co-authored by Nigeria and 58 other Member States, demonstrated the unwavering political will to support transformative actions for inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. By doing so, the international community reiterated that education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies and contributes to the achievement of all other Sustainable Development Goals. More info at https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day. (Christine McKenna)

JAN 24 | World Day for African and Afro-descendant culture

Hey, join the celebration—it’s time to amplify voices, share stories, and celebrate the African heritage that makes our world so wonderfully rich and colorful! 🎉 Celebrated every January 24th, the World Day for African and Afro-Descendant Culture highlights the richness and resilience of African heritage and its global influence. In 2019, UNESCO launched this celebration to spotlight the immense contributions of African and Afro-descendant cultures. From art and music, to literature, science, and business, these cultures continue to shape our global identity in profound ways.

Did You Know?

The oldest human remains, dating over 233,000 years, were discovered in Ethiopia, underscoring Africa's role as the cradle of humanity.

Essential crops and resources like coffee, cocoa, gold, and uranium have African origins and drive global economies.

African and Afro-descendant creativity has inspired movements in music, art, and fashion worldwide. Jazz, Blues, Reggae, and Hip-Hop have African roots.

This day isn’t just about looking back; it’s about stepping forward together! Think of it like a potluck—everyone brings something unique to the table, and together, we create a feast for the soul. As the saying goes, “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance!” So, let’s crank up the music, honor the incredible contributions of African and Afro-descendant cultures, and dance our way to a brighter, more connected future. 🌍 (George Chege)

JAN 27 | Holocaust Remembrance Day

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is an international memorial day on 27 January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945, an attempt to implement its "final solution" to the Jewish question. 27 January was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red Army in 1945.

The day remembers the killing of six million Jews, two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population, and millions of others by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. It was designated by United Nations General Assembly resolution 60/7 on 1 November 2005.The resolution came after a special session was held earlier that year on 24 January to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps and the end of the Holocaust. (Christine McKenna)

FEB | Black History Month

Honoring Achievements and Inspiring Change: Love is in the air, and February is here! A time to celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Blacks who have shaped our world! 🎉 Black History Month, observed every February in the United States (and October in the UK), began as “Negro History Week” in 1926, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson. In 1976, it expanded to a month-long celebration, aligning with the U.S. bicentennial, to honor the profound legacy of African Americans in history, culture, and society.

Fun Facts 101:

W.E.B. Du Bois, the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard (1895).

Madam C.J. Walker, a pioneer in Black hair care, became the first female self-made millionaire in America.

The banjo, a quintessential part of American folk music, has roots in traditional African instruments.

Black History Month is more than reflection—it's about envisioning a future inspired by the past. As Maya Angelou said, “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” Let’s celebrate the innovators, amplify Black voices, and support Black-owned businesses.

Remember, Black history is American history—a shared heritage that connects us all. Together, let’s build a more inclusive world where every story is honored and valued. 🖤 (George Chege)

Click to Shop: Support Black-owned Businesses in NH

FEB 1 | National Freedom Day

National Freedom Day commemorates the day on February 1, 1865, when President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in the United States. Major Richard Robert Wright Senior, a former slave, advocated to recognize this day so we could annually celebrate freedom for all Americans. National Freedom Day was first recognized in 1949, later became known as Black History Day, and now marks the start of Black History Month. (Erin Sawicki)

FEB 4 | World Cancer Day

Hey there, health champions! 🌟 Tuesday, February 4, is more than a date—it’s a global rallying cry to unite against cancer. Not only to raise awareness, but to call for action. To choose healthier lifestyles, support early detection, advocate for better treatment access, and to work towards a cancer-free future. 🌍💪

What’s the story behind World Cancer Day?

This pivotal day began in 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. Since then, it has evolved into a worldwide movement, raising awareness, promoting prevention, and encouraging early detection and equitable treatment for all.

Did You Know?

Cancer happens when some of your body’s cells decide to throw the rules out the window and grow out of control - like party crashers who just won’t leave.

It claimed 9.6 million lives in 2022, with 13.2 million projected by 2030.

Every year, over 2.4 million children lose a mother or father due to cancer.

In January 2022, there were 18 million cancer survivors – thanks to advances in treatment, vaccination, and early detection.

Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story. 2025 - 2027 theme, “United by Unique,” reminds us that every story matters, “Access to life-saving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care should be equitable for all—no matter where you live, your income, ethnicity, or gender.”

So, let’s light the world with blue and orange colors, share messages of awareness, and stand with those affected by cancer. While cancer touches us all, so too do hope, resilience, and the promise of progress. 🧡💙 (George Chege)

FEB 11 | International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to promoting gender equality in STEM fields and encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in science and technology. The date of February 11th was chosen to honor the birthday of Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to the field.

The primary objectives of International Day of Women and Girls in Science include promoting gender equality, highlighting achievements of female scientists, inspiring young girls and students to pursue education and careers in STEM fields, challenging stereotypes and biases, and advocating for inclusion of women in decision-making processes and leadership roles within the scientific community.

The theme for this year is “a new era for sustainability” which focuses on highlighting the critical role of women in science leadership for achievement of sustainable development goals. To learn more, click here: 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science | UNESCO

FEB 14 | Frederick Douglass’ birthday

Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which sought to end the practice of slavery, before and during the Civil War. After that conflict and the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862, he continued to push for equality and human rights until his death in 1895.

Douglass’ 1845 autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, described his time as an enslaved worker in Maryland. It was one of five autobiographies he penned, along with dozens of noteworthy speeches, despite receiving minimal formal education.

An advocate for women’s rights, and specifically the right of women to vote, Douglass’ legacy as an author and leader lives on. His work served as an inspiration to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and beyond. (Christine McKenna)

JAN-FEB | JEDI NEWS (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)