Black History Month is a month-long celebration of achievements by African Americans and their roles in U.S. history. According to Wikipedia, Black History Month originated in the United States, where it is observed in February. It is also observed in Canada, as well as Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK, where it is celebrated in October.
American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded a group known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and first promoted a National Black History Week in 1926, to be celebrated the second week of February. Dr. Woodson said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” Black History Week eventually evolved into Black History Month and the new observance was officially recognized in 1976 by our 38th President, Gerald Ford.
This year’s theme, “African Americans and the Vote,” acknowledges the battles by both men and women to attain voting rights throughout our history.
Locally, the Sandusky Library is presenting a poster exhibit produced by the New York Historical Society entitled “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow.” It’s assembled chronologically from the end of the Civil War to the end of World War I and depicts the struggles African Americans faced while promoting their rights and the opposition they faced to gain full citizenship and racial equality.
If you have our 2020 wall calendar, you’ll see that the month of February includes several holidays and celebrations, some of which you might not have heard of before.
February 2 – This is not necessarily lesser-known, but a fun way to start the month. Groundhog Day is celebrated both in Canada and the United States. If a groundhog emerges from its den on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring is around the corner. Today, statistics tell us the groundhog’s accuracy is lower than would be expected, only around 39% exactness.
February 6 – National Frozen Yogurt Day. This day’s creator is unknown, but who cares. Whether it’s Froyo or Frogurt, it’s delicious. And, frozen yogurt is lower in fat and calories than ice cream because it’s made with cultured milk instead of cream. Enjoy!
February 9 – National Pizza Day. This day is observed annually on February 9th. Again, its originator is unknown; however, pizza is one of America’s favorite foods, with four billion pizzas sold every year. So, let’s all celebrate with a slice of your choice.
February 11 – National Make A Friend Day, also known as National New Friends Day, is all about making new connections and discovering new friends wherever you go. Friendship is a key ingredient for living a happy life.
February 14 – St. Valentine’s Day is a festival of love and flowers, greeting cards and gifts. This holiday’s origins date back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia and has been celebrated as a day of romance since the 14th century.
February 17 – Presidents Day, also George Washington’s birthday, is celebrated nationally and is a day to honor not only Washington but other figures such as Abe Lincoln and all U.S. presidents, past and present. As a reminder, all our branches will be closed on this day.
Speaking of “lesser-knowns,” VLFCU offers a few services you might not be aware of, including:
- Free notary service
- Free coin counting machine (Hayes Ave.)
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Payroll deduction
- Postage stamp books for purchase
- Visa gift cards for purchase
- Cashier’s checks and money orders
Take a look at our complete line of member benefits, products, and services. You might be surprised!
Whether we’re celebrating brilliant Americans or our special valentine, February is a time for pride, respect, love, and kindness. VacationLand Federal Credit Union is grateful for our many valued customers. Your confidence, loyalty and trust make us proud to be your lifelong financial partner. It is our privilege to do business with you!