Bio-Rad Multicultural Calendar, February 2024
February 7, 2024
As part of our Diversity and Inclusion Program here at Bio-Rad, we publish a monthly Multicultural Calendar of events that are commonly celebrated in the United States. Our goal is to feature a variety of events that help bring cultural awareness to various groups' histories, traditions, and accomplishments while also highlighting events important to us both as a company and a community.
Black History Month: All February
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated the month of February as Black History Month, with other countries like Canada and the United Kingdom also devoting a month to celebrating Black History. The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."
Here are some great resources to celebrate and learn more:
The Man Behind Black History Month | The Continuing Importance of Black History Month
Video:
The History of Black History Month | Blood Banking Made Possible by Dr. Charles Drew
Lunar New Year: February 10 - 24
Over a billion people around the world will celebrate Lunar New Year from February 10-24. The start of the holiday coincides with the date of the new moon, at 6:59 a.m. on February 10 in Beijing (5:59 p.m. on February 9 in New York City). The Lunar New Year is a time to honor deities and ancestors and to be with family. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and celebrations will culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 24. To learn more, click here.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: February 11
Every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science seeks to promote full and equal access for women and girls in science. It's also a day to recognize the role that women and girls play in science and technology. While there are not as many women as men in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) industries, interest is growing and women and girls are doing amazing work that should be celebrated! To learn more, click here.
If you're a woman or girl interested in science and engineering, please see our article: Career Advice from Women Engineers at Bio-Rad!
National Donor Day: February 14
National Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of donation (including organ, eye, tissue, platelets, and marrow) by participating in blood/marrow drives or donor registration events either on this day or at any point throughout the year. Together, by spreading the word about the continual need for donation, we can take small steps each day towards saving more lives. For ideas on how you can observe National Donor Day, click here!
Valentine's Day: February 14
Candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones every February 14 all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and where did these traditions come from? Click here to learn about the meaning and history of Valentine’s Day, from an ancient Roman ritual that welcomed spring to the card-giving customs of Victorian England.
Presidents Day: February 19
Presidents’ Day, officially known as “Washington’s Birthday”, is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the third Monday in February. The holiday was first created in 1885 when the US Government decided to honor the first US president, George Washington, with his own federal holiday. Today, the holiday is still called “Washington’s Birthday,” though many states now call it Presidents Day. To learn more about the holiday, click here.
To learn more about Bio-Rad's Diversity and Inclusion Program, please visit our D&I Page.
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