Black History Month
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr. Mae Jemison first African-American female astronaut
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.”
– W.E.B. Du Bois
“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”
–Thurgood Marshall, first African American U.S. Supreme Court member
“Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.”
– Carol Moseley-Braun, politician and lawyer
“One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.” – Franklin Thomas, activist, philanthropist, and former president of the Ford Foundation
Langston Hughes, born February 1, 1902
– quotes from Langston Hughes
“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool, the earth, the air and you.”
“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or does it explode?”
Resolutions for the New Year – 2021
“Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep. Walk tall and smile more. You will look ten years younger. Do not be afraid to say, ‘I love you.’ Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.”
– Ann Landers
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed in the things that you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain
Groundhog Day – February 2
One of our oldest and oddest traditions came originally from an ancient European Christian celebration called Candlemas Day, an observance on February 2 when candles were blessed by religious leaders and distributed to the townspeople. If the day they were given out was sunny and clear, the rest of the winter would be difficult. If it was cloudy and gray, spring was on its way. The tradition was brought to the U.S. by Germans who added a hedgehog (later groundhog when they settled in Pennsylvania in the 1800s). The first public observance of Groundhog Day was declared by The Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper in 1886. (from a Newsweek article, 2/1/20)
Monopoly Game goes on sale – February 6, 1935
“I think it’s wrong that only one company makes the game Monopoly.”
– Steven Wright
“The awkward part in Monopoly is when the board is lined with so many hotels that going to jail becomes a good thing.” – Pinterest
Chinese New Year
Year of the Ox – February 12
“People born in the Year of the Ox are strong, reliable, fair and conscientious, inspiring confidence in others. They are also calm, patient, methodical and can be trusted. Although they say, little they can be very opinionated. They believe strongly in themselves, but are also stubborn and hate to fail or be challenged.”
– www.vam.ac
Valentine’s Day – February 14
“They invented hugs to let people know you love them without saying anything.” – Bill Keane
“Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Franklin P. Jones
“Love thy neighbor- and if he happens to be tall, dark and devastating, it will be that much easier.” – Mae West
“An archeologist is the best husband any woman can have; the older she gets, the more interested he is in her.” – Agatha Christie
“I got this Valentine’s card today signed ‘love from you know who’. Why the heck is Lord Voldemort sending me a Valentine’s card?”
– Your Cards
“I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.”
– Unknown
“Love is a lot like a backache. It doesn’t show up on an X-ray, but you know it’s there.” – George Burns
Presidents’ Day – February 15
“We become not a melting pot, but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”
– Jimmy Carter
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
– John Quincy Adams
Mardi Gras – February 16
“It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.”
– Mark Twain
“New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture – even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.”
– Ruta Sepetys