Celebrating the life and lifelong impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.  

The original roots for Black History Month lie with Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland, who founded what is now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915. The association researched and promoted achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent. The association sponsored a weeklong celebration of African American Life and culture that coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass beginning in 1926.

In the decades that followed, mayors of cities across the U.S. began issuing yearly celebrating the impact of Black Americans in their communities. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Sources: History.com, BlackHistoryMonth.com

Rosa Parks Day is February 4

Rosa Parks is widely considered to be the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" for her brave and defiant act of refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus in 1955. Her birthday was February 4, and thus is recognized in communities across the U.S.

When Parks refused to give up her bus seat in Alabama, she was arrested due to her act of civil disobedience. This act served as the motivation behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 381-day-long protest over the next 12 months against the unjust segregation laws that ruled public transportation in the city.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a significant turning point in the Civil Rights Movement and ultimately led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 1956 that declared racial segregation on public buses unconstitutional. Rosa Parks' actions and her unwavering commitment to justice catalyzed change, inspiring a generation of activists to join the fight against racial discrimination and injustice.

After her arrest, Parks lost her job as a seamstress and moved north to Detroit where her brother Sylvester lived. From 1965-1988 she worked as an administrative aide to U.S. Representative John Conyers. She died on October 24, 2005 in Detroit at the age of 92.

Despite facing personal challenges and backlash from those who opposed her activism, Parks remained steadfast in her commitment to social justice and became a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination. She continued to work actively in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as an inspiration and role model to many. Rosa Parks' legacy is a reminder of the power of individual actions to effect change and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Sources: Detroit Historical Society, History Channel

A reminder to take care of your heart in February and throughout the year.

February is American Heart Month, a time when all people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. This time of year in Michigan is of particular importance. Health experts warn extreme cold – or even prolonged exposure to normal winter temperatures – can adversely affect the heart, the brain and other vital organs.

With the Michigan winter still around for a few weeks, here are a few tips to stay heart healthy in the cold.

Make an exercise plan

Aerobic exercise that works your heart and lungs — is crucial for heart health, a healthy immune system, and much more. But unless you enjoy outdoor winter sports like skiing, it's easy to stop exercising when the weather turns cold.

Consider working out at home by following an online exercise video, many of which are free online. Look for one geared toward people in your age group. Light weights and stretching are other at-home exercise options. Or, find an indoor pool for swimming or water aerobics. The key is to keep moving in a healthy way.

Prepare for snow removal

Shoveling snow or pushing a heavy snow blower makes your heart work overtime, especially in cold weather (which narrows blood vessels). It also increases risk of a heart attack, particularly if you are deconditioned from infrequent physical activity.

Avoid the risk by asking friends, family, or neighbors if they might be available to help you shovel snow this winter, or by hiring a snow removal company if finances allow (call now, since they book up quickly).

Dress Warmly and Layer Up

Protect yourself from the cold by dressing in layers. Wearing a hat, gloves, and scarves helps keep your body warm, preventing unnecessary strain on your heart. Avoid going outdoors when the wind chill is extreme, and take breaks if you need to shovel snow or perform other strenuous outdoor activities.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

Cold weather can cause your blood pressure to rise, so it’s especially important to monitor it regularly. If you have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease, speak to your doctor about ways to keep it under control. Medication, dietary changes, and regular check-ups can help you stay on track.

Watch Your Diet and Alcohol Intake

When possible, opt for nutrient-dense meals that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Also, be mindful of your alcohol consumption — it can elevate blood pressure and stress your heart, especially when enjoyed in excess.

Get Enough Rest

Rest is crucial for both your physical and mental well-being. During the busy winter months, make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night — ideally 7-9 hours. Restful sleep helps keep your heart healthy and supports overall body function.

Sources: American Heart Association, Harvard Health

Epilepsy Awareness

There are various days throughout the year that recognize the challenges faced by those afflicted by epilepsy, including International Epilepsy Day on February 10.

It’s a global event that raises awareness about epilepsy, including how to treat it, and how to help people who need treatment. It's also a day to highlight the challenges faced by people with epilepsy and their families. 

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. It is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy may be diagnosed by two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with a high risk of more. It should be noted that not all seizures are the result of epilepsy. Seizures may relate to a brain injury or a family trait, but often the cause is completely unknown. 

Although there is no known cure for epilepsy, developments in treatment have made it possible for most people to achieve seizure control. Possible treatment includes medications, dietary therapies and surgery. Learn more at epilepsy.com.

Source: Epilepsy Foundation

Important February Dates

Other Month-long observances

• National Mentoring Month
• Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Daily observances

• February 1 – National Freedom Day
• February 2 – Imbolc - Wicca/Paganism
• February 2 – Lughnasadh- Wicca/Paganism
• February 4 – Rosa Parks Day
• February 10 – International Epilepsy Day
• February 11 – International Day of Women & Girls in Science
• February 11 – Safer Internet Day
• February 14 – Ash Wednesday
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day
• February 15 – Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
• February 15 – International Childhood Cancer Day
• February 17 – Family Day (Canada)
• February 20 – World Day of Social Justice
• February 24 – Magha Puja Day
• February 26 – Maha Shivarati (Hindu)
• February 28 – Ramadan begins (Islam)