Black History Month 2022: Honoring the Past and Looking Toward the Future
The Cultural Melting Pot: African Flavors Around the Globe
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Things You Didn't Know About the Chinese New Year
FEB 2022
forward As we embark on the Spring 2022 semester, Thompson Hospitality continues our commitment to providing guests with learning experiences that stretch beyond the classroom. This year, our focus has been on creating interactive learning moments where guests can try new flavors, learn about unconventional cuisines and have fun doing so. This February, in addition to celebrating prominent black voices and culture, our focus is to provide guests with a rich and meaningful dining experience. In celebration of Black History Month, Thompson Hospitality will take a trip around the globe to discover different variations of Black cuisine. Inspired by a variety of African countries, our culinary team will explore different culture's cooking styles and flavors to show that even as people of color, we are such a diverse and unique group. Throughout the month, we hope that students feel connected to culture while experiencing some of our most interactive and culturally‑significant events yet. In addition, we hope that this month’s initiatives serve as a reminder of how each of us have a unique story to share and exhibit just how diverse our campus communities are. We’re wishing you a happy spring semester that’s fueled with an ongoing desire to learn more about the rich cultures and history that continue to inspire us each and every day.
Maurice P. Jenoure, Chief Operating Officer
Black History Month 2022: Honoring the Past and Looking Toward the Future African American history began in the 16th century, but many researchers are beginning to believe that enslaved Africans were forcefully taken from their land as early as the 1500s. The African diaspora was a mass move‑ ment of people to all corners of the world, contributing the the presence of African Americans today. Over 46 million enslaved people were brought into the United States, and served as slaves for almost 300 years. It was not until the Emancipation Proc‑ lamation and the passage of the Thir‑ teenth Amendment that they were considered people and not property. In 1915, about half a century after the Thirteen Amendment abolished slav‑ ery, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The ASNLH had a mission to research and analyze achievements made by Black Americans.
In 1962, the group would choose the second week of February to become the first national Negro History Week, coinciding with the birthdays of Fred‑ erick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. National Negro History Week captured the attention of schools, churches and communities around the country, and each made sure to host their own cele‑ brations. This nationwide celebration was propelled by the civil rights movement, where the country began to recognize the significance of African Ameri‑ can culture in their daily lives. Negro History Week, for many, had quickly evolved into Black History Month. By 1976, former President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, telling the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Dina Zaikouk, Vice President of Operations
Together We Thrived. Together We Move Forward.
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black history month 2022: honoring the past and looking toward the future
Since then, Black History Month has been recognized and celebrated through each presidency. Other countries have gone on to join the festivities, too. Canada began celebrating Black History Month at the same time as the United States. Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom began holding their Black History Month celebrations in October. Black people have shaped cultures around the globe, and many countries now take the time to recognize their achievements. This year, the newly named Association for the Study of African American Life and History has decided that the theme for Black History Month will be “Black Health and Wellness.” Black and brown communities have historically faced discrimination in medical settings. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the startling contrast between how communities of color receive little to no help compared to their white counterparts. Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black patients are disproportionally represented in the majority of major illnesses. They are also less likely to have health insurance and more likely to go into debt after receiving a medical bill. By promoting health and wellness within the Black community, we can raise awareness about these issues and demand change within the healthcare system. We also hope that this month, you’ll look for ways to increase your own sense of well-being — whether that be through meditation, self-care practices or mental health exercises. We want to wish everyone a happy Black History Month, and we hope that you take the time to invest in Black health and wellness for the betterment of our communities. 4 |
Feb 2022
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the cultural melting pot: african flavors around the globe
Globe
The Cultural Melting Pot: African Around the Globe
Flavors
If there’s one thing that people all over the world can connect to, it’s food. African cultures have been spread all over the globe for centuries, and their food does not disappoint. From the bunny chow in South Africa and the mandazi in Kenya to the kitfo in Ethiopia and the chapati in Uganda, there are a ton of foods that have become staples around the world — creating what many would call a melting pot. Today, these same dishes can be found all over the globe. By infusing traditional dishes with new flavors, everyone can enjoy a taste of what Africa has to offer. Here are a few dishes that can be found in countries around the world!
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ufu F Over the last few years, fufu has become extremely popular in the United States. At almost every restaurant with authentic African cooking, there will be fufu. The dish originated in West Africa, and consists of a light, airy dough that is usually served with a soup or stew. The dough is then pulled apart and dipped in the soup, making for the perfect savory bite. The dish became so popular, that it even earned its own TikTok trend!
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am Croquettes (Yam Balls) Y In London, where African food is still finding its place in the culturally saturated city, one West African snack is becoming a hit. Ghana yam balls — also referred to as yam croquettes in France and Belgium — are a flavor - packed dish that is perfect for midday snacking. These are made by combining yams, cornstarch and a few spices, and then deep frying them until golden brown. The tiny treats are becoming super popular in European countries.
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Feb 2022
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abneh L This simple dish originated in Egypt, but it has become more and more popular in Central Asia and the Middle East. Labneh is made by taking full-fat yogurt and mixing it with salt in a process called “straining.” Once the yogurt is left to strain for 24 hours, the yogurt whey begins to separate. What is left is a thick, cheese-like product. There are numerous varieties of strained yogurt all over Central Asia. It is best served with pita bread or makdous. angú M Mangú is a really popular dish in the Dominican Republic, but it was brought to the island through the Transatlantic slave trade. The breakfast dish is made using plantains that are mashed with oil and water. The resulting hearty paste is then served with eggs, cheese, salami or vegetables. The dish is believed to have come from Central Africa. ime Cake L There are a lot of similarities between African and Australian cuisines — specifically, when it comes to dessert — and that may be why West African lime cake has become a well-known treat in the Outback. The dessert comes out similar to pound cake, but with a refreshing lime flavor. It’s best served with sweet cream or chopped tree nuts for garnish. | 7
a healthy heart is a happy heart
Red Getup The first Friday of February is National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 655,000 Americans die from heart disease every year, making up a quarter of all the country’s deaths. Every 36 seconds, someone dies from a cardiovascular condition. To bring awareness to some of these startling statistics, we encourage you to wear red on the first Friday of the month. Spread the word about the harmful effects of heart disease by inviting your friends and family to join.
Heart
A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart
Food for the Heart One of the best ways to improve heart health is by eating smart. Those with diets that are high in sugar and saturated fats are more likely to have heart problems later in life. There are tons of appetizing, healthy meals that are affordable, too!
February is American Heart Month, and we want to motivate you to live a healthy lifestyle by promoting heart health! Heart health had become an important aspect of overall well-being in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heart disease also continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. This month, we want to raise awareness on ways you can strengthen your heart. You can improve heart health in your family by setting goals, raising awareness and prioritizing a happy heart! Here are some ways that the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute say to get involved during Heart Health Month Get to Stepping Staying fit is the key to heart health, but with a busy schedule, it can be hard. If you can’t take the time to go to the gym, try maximizing the amount of steps you take during the day. Whether it’s a trail through campus or walking on a treadmill, be sure to go for a walk at some point during the day. Using your phone, you can track the amount of steps you take. Don’t drive to the dining hall when you can walk. Instead of working in your dorm, take a walk to the library. College students should have about 10,000 steps by the end of the day — and it can be done! You can also invite your friends to make it a competition!
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The American Heart Association has tons of recipes for those looking for a healthier diet. According to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; here are some ways to get you involved during Heart Health Month. From Orange Vanilla Frozen Yogurt to Grilled Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork Tenderloin, there are endless recipes for you to try!
Join #OurHearts Social media is one of the fastest growing forms of communication in our generation. Wouldn’t it be great to use it for something good? This month, join the #OurHearts movement on social media to motivate others to improve their heart health. Having a support system can help make the journey easier, and you can contribute by sharing posts about heart health during the month of February.
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things you didn’t know about the chinese new year
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Things T hings You Didn’t Know About the Chinese New Year
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The Chinese New Year is a celebration of the beginning of a new year based on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. The celebration takes place on the day of the new moon, which falls on February 1 this year. All over the world, people come together to usher in a blessed new year. Here are 10 facts from the Wasai Brand Studio about the Chinese New Year to help welcome new beginnings!
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e Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. Although it is Th largely still cold outside, the Chinese New Year marks the end of the coldest months. As the land begins to thaw, those celebrating prepare for the planting and harvesting of new crops for the year. The holiday is also called the Spring Festival because it signals the beginning of the new season, and new opportunities.
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ere is no set date for the Chinese New Year. Unlike holidays in the U.S., the Th Chinese New Year does not fall on the same date every year. Although today’s celebrations begin on the 1st of February, the beginning of the holiday could fall anywhere between January 21 to February 20. Based on the lunar calendar, the holiday begins during the new moon, and lasts for 15 days — or until the full moon. e most fireworks are set off in the world that night. If you thought the Th Fourth of July was exciting, wait until you see fireworks for the Chinese New Year! Firecrackers and fireworks are set off every year to cast away evil spirits and celebrate the new year. Thousands of fireworks are fired on the first and last day of the festival, and anywhere in between.
ere is no showering, sweeping or throwing out garbage during the Th Chinese New Year. In order to hold onto your good luck, you’ll want to take this advice. Washing and cleaning during the Chinese New Year could wash away all of the good luck for the new year! The day before the Spring Festival, you should clean out the bad spirits to let in the good ones during the celebration. You should also avoid arguing, using sharp objects and breaking things. hinese New Year desserts each have special meanings. Like the yule log, there are C a lot of Chinese New Year desserts that have meanings behind them, and they can be found in the names. For instance, tangyuan means “soup balls,” but it sounds like the word used for reunion. Those celebrating enjoy eating desserts that signify luck. e Chinese decorate everything in red during the celebration. During the Chinese Th New Year, every house you’ll pass by is decked out in red decorations. From the living room to the kitchen — and even the bathrooms — red decorations are used to scare away monsters and bad spirits. Red is a weapon used in almost every household during the celebrations. From the lanterns to the clothing, the red decorations protect everyone. ach year has a zodiac animal. There are 21 Chinese zodiacs, and one is represented E each year. This year is the Year of the Ox, and those born in Ox years have blessings bestowed upon them for the year. Your zodiac animal plays a large role in your life, influencing your relationships, career, health and much more! ed envelopes are used to give others lucky money. In sticking to the red theme, R gifts are exchanged during the Chinese New Year in the form of red envelopes stuffed with money. Traditionally, family elders will give these envelopes to children to pass on family wealth. Today, these red envelopes are sometimes traded digitally, and can be given to coworkers, friends and loved ones.
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e Chinese New Year ends with the Lantern Festival. The last day of Th the Chinese New Year is marked by the first full moon of the year. On this day, Chinese communities celebrate the Lantern Festival, a night full of partying and freedom. At night, people go out to gaze at the moon, hang out with their friends and marvel out the beautiful lanterns.
I t is the longest Chinese holiday. Since it’s the longest-running national holiday, many people have to stock up on food, decorations and supplies before the Chinese New Year. In China, for over two weeks, the majority of all restaurants, retail locations, grocery stores and even convenience stores are closed.
Feb 2022
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matters of the heart: expressing love this valentine’s day
Matters of the Heart:
Expressing Love this Valentine’s Day
Agape Agape refers to an unconditional, all-encompassing love, and is generally recognized as one of the more common forms of love. Many explain agape as the love between God and man, but it also describes the love we have as a human race. We all have an inherent connection to each other, and it shows itself in the way we carry out our day to day interactions. If you’re feeling like expressing love, you can give from the goodness of your heart. Charities, thrift stores and other entities earn a lot of their donations on Valentine’s Day as people express their love for giving. Doing something good for the community is a prime example of this kind of love, and it can go a long way in the lives of others.
Over the past year, you’ve probably spent more than enough time with your loved ones. During a virus that has raged on for almost two years, you’ve probably learned all there is to know about your significant other. Now that things have returned to a post-pandemic normal, how should we go back to expressing love? This Valentine’s Day, we want to emphasize the importance of compassion, empathy and honesty when expressing love this season. Although it may be hard for some, love is what keeps the world turning; it is expressing it that can occasionally becomes the hard part. All of our relationships — both platonic and romantic — have changed drastically, so here are a few tips for navigating them this Valentine’s Day using different concepts of the word “love” in Greek.
Philia Philia directly translates to “highest form of love,” and is best described as the love shared between lifelong friends. People are always coming and going, but there are some that you meet and never let go. A friend you meet in college could end up becoming your oldest friend. That one coworker you teamed up with for a project could become one of your closest allies. These strong connections are worthy of celebrating on Valentine’s Day, and it can be done a number of ways. Send your friend a gift to recognize the importance of you all’s relationship. Take a loved one out for dinner — that is, if you all are not spending it with a significant other. Meaningful friendships are what keep us motivated to do better, and Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on their value.
Eros Eros is the passionate, sensual love that is expressed between soulmates, and most often celebrated on Valentine’s Day. For those in romantic relationships, this is the perfect time to express love through understanding. Using all that you both have learned during the pandemic, planning and executing the perfect date simply requires some reflection. Whether it be a much-needed date night to an elegant restaurant, or a night-in with movies and popcorn, you both know what makes the other feel loved. Instead of getting swept up in the commotion of the “perfect date,” do what you know your significant other would love.
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Feb 2022
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Marketing Contacts Cindy Horstman, Regional Marketing Director envelope chorstman@thompsonhospitality.com phone (804) 640–4136 Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Regional Marketing Director envelope daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com phone (571) 444–7430
