February Diversity and Inclusivity Information

 February: A Month to Celebrate Diversity, Culture, and New Beginnings!

February isn’t just Valentine’s Day — it’s a special month where we learn about and celebrate

different cultures and traditions from around the world! 

Two big celebrations happening this month are Black History Month and Lunar New Year.

Black History Month — Honoring Stories and Leaders

Every February, we celebrate Black History Month — a time to learn about the history,

achievements, contributions, and culture of Black Americans. This helps us appreciate how

many people of different backgrounds have helped shape our world.

Here are some fun and creative ways kids and families can celebrate diversity and learn
together:

1. Learn Through Art and Exhibits

-Communities around Utah are hosting events that celebrate Black history and culture. For
example, Millcreek Common Black History Month Celebration includes a scavenger hunt,
storytelling, art exhibitions, poetry nights, and special panels about history.

-Join Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum this February for Celebrating Black Artists — a
creative, hands-on experience honoring Black History Month! Kids and families can explore art
inspired by influential Black artists, learn about their stories, and create original masterpieces
using bright colors, patterns, and imagination. This fun, interactive activity encourages curiosity,
cultural appreciation, and artistic expression throughout the month.

-The site https://ubhm.org/ is the online home of the Utah Black History Museum. It highlights
and shares the history, contributions, and stories of Black individuals in Utah — from pioneers
and cowboys to musicians and everyday citizens — that are often missing from traditional
history lessons. The museum itself is Utah’s first mobile Black history exhibit, housed in a
repurposed school bus that travels to schools, community centers, and public events to educate,
engage, and spark reflection about Black heritage in the state. The site also includes information
about its mission and ways to support the museum’s growth and outreach.

2. Celebrate With Local Sports Teams

Teams like the Utah Jazz, the Utah Mammoth, and the Real Salt Lake are highlighting Black
History Month all throughout February by sharing ways to get involved, support Black-owned
businesses, and encouraging fans to learn more about culture and history. Visit the links to learn
more.

3. Watch and Learn Together

-PBS Utah has special collections and videos made just for kids to learn more about Black
history through fun and engaging stories. Watching these videos can spark curiosity and help
start important conversations in your classroom or home.

-The article from We Are Teachers shares creative and respectful ideas — like read-alouds,
research projects, quote walls, and discussions — that help families and educators engage
students with meaningful Black History Month activities and the accomplishments of Black
Americans.

-Britt Hawthorne’s blog post offers 32 age-appropriate children’s activities to help families
explore, learn about, and celebrate Black history and culture throughout Black History Month
through art, music, storytelling, games, and history-based projects.

Lunar New Year 2026 — A Celebration of New Beginnings

During February, many families around the world celebrate Lunar New Year — a colorful, joyful
holiday that marks the beginning of the new lunar calendar year!

When Is Lunar New Year in 2026?

In 2026, Lunar New Year starts on Tuesday, February 17, and many celebrations begin earlier
and continue for several weeks! This year marks the Year of the Horse — a symbol of strength,
courage, and energy.

What Is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year (also called Chinese New Year or Spring Festival) is a time when families come
together, share special meals, and celebrate new beginnings. Many traditions include:
 Red decorations and lanterns for good luck
 Lion and dragon dances to bring joy and chase away bad luck
 Special foods that symbolize happiness and prosperity
 Fun crafts and stories that teach children about culture and traditions

Why It’s Important

Different many Asian cultures celebrate Lunar New Year — not just one country! Some call it
the Spring Festival, others call it Tết (in Vietnam), and many traditions are shared and enjoyed
by people all over the world.

Fun Things Kids Can Do to Celebrate in Utah!

Here are local family-friendly ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in 2026:

1. Lion Dance Performance

Watch a real lion dance — a fun and traditional performance with bright costumes, music, and
dancing! These shows bring good luck and are exciting to watch.
 See a family-friendly performance here: Discovery Gateway lion dance event.

 2. Lunar New Year Celebration and Fireworks

-Join the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council and the Asian Arts and Culture Association for the
Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at
Cottonwood Heights City Hall in Utah. This free, family-friendly event welcomes all ages to
experience the joy and traditions of Lunar New Year. See details here.

-Enjoy fireworks, music, and cultural performances to welcome the Year of the Horse! There are
special celebrations planned at University Place in Orem with food, dance, and bright lights on
February 17, 2026.

- Ring in the Lunar New Year with a free Lunar New Year Celebration at Millcreek Commons
featuring lion dances, lantern lighting, traditional calligraphy, cultural games, vibrant
performances, and tasty treats to welcome good fortune and celebrate community spirit on
Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Salt Lake City.

3. Hands-On Cooking Fun

Join a cooking party at the Park City Culinary Institute in Salt Lake City to learn how to make
yummy dishes that families often enjoy during Lunar New Year! Cooking together is an
awesome way to learn cultural traditions and try new foods. *Space is limited.
Friday, Feb 13 from 6 pm to 9 pm MST

Books to Celebrate Cultures and Traditions

Reading is a wonderful way to learn! There are book lists for Lunar New Year as well as books
by Black authors that help children explore culture, community, identity, and tradition. These
stories make learning fun and help us understand and celebrate people from all backgrounds.

For Lunar New Year reads: Scholastic’s list of great kids’ books celebrates traditions and tells
stories about the New Year.

For Black History Month: There are kid-friendly lists of books and author recommendations

that bring history to life!

Don’t forget to check out your local library!

Why Celebrating Matters

When we learn about different cultures and traditions — like Black History Month and Lunar

New Year — we:

 Celebrate our differences

 Learn about each other’s stories

 Grow kindness and understanding

 Have fun exploring music, food, art, and traditions!

When we celebrate diversity, we recognize that everyone’s story matters and that our differences
make us stronger together.

Let’s make February a month full of curiosity, kindness, creativity, and respect as we learn more

about Black history and the many cultures that make up our world.