DEIB

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Monday, January 16, 2023

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday is celebrated each year on the third Monday in January, which is around the time of Dr. King' s actual birthday on January 15th.

For staff and faculty at a University, the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for civil rights, as well as the work that still needs to be done. It is a time to remember the sacrifices that Dr. King and others made in the pursuit of justice and equality and to consider how we can all work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

One way that staff and faculty at Bay Path can celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day is by participating in events or activities that honor Dr. King' s legacy. See pages 9 &10 for community events. It can also be an opportunity to support and mentor students who may be struggling with issues related to diversity and inclusion. By offering guidance and support, we can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, and help to foster a sense of belonging and community.

Another important way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day is to engage in self-reflection and consider the ways in which we can actively work towards creating a more just and equal society. This can include examining our own biases and working to become more inclusive and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds. It can also involve advocating for policies and practices that promote equality and justice, and standing up against discrimination and injustice whenever we see it.

Ultimately, the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to come together as a community and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. By remembering Dr. King' s legacy and working towards the realization of his vision, we can all play a role in creating a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Chinese New Year, also referred to as Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival celebrated by Chinese communities until the new moon.

Much of the holiday comes from the ancient Chinese legend of Nian, meaning " year, " a beast that would terrorize villagers at the start of every year. The dragon then became a symbol for the holiday as it represents good fortune. Villagers use fireworks for loud noise and lanterns with bright lights to ward off evil spirits. A dragon lantern display can be seen in procession in a parade throughout the streets.

Chinese New Year is also a designated time to visit living family members and honor those loved ones who have passed away. Those who celebrate will visit the graves of their ancestors, and cook special food to serve amid a familial reunion gathering. Many families offer food first to their ancestors as a sign of respect. As the Chinese culture has prominent symbols, traditional dishes consist of fish for abundance, dumplings for prosperity, and niángāo, a glutinous rice cake, for yearly improvement.