To the UConn Community:
The Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of February:
Heritage Month Celebrations:
Black History Month: Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate Black and African American history, culture, achievements, and excellence. It invites us to recognize the rich contributions of Black and African American communities while also creating awareness about the lived experiences and ongoing challenges these communities face. The tradition began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, head of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), called for schools to dedicate the second week of February, chosen for its proximity to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, to teaching Black history. Fifty years later, this observance expanded into a month-long celebration, and every U.S. president since 1976 has officially proclaimed February as Black History Month.
This February marks a historic milestone: 100 years of national Black history commemorations. The 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” honors the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the ASALH, who in 1915 institutionalized the teaching, study, and celebration of Black history. From Negro History Week to Black History Month, this centennial invites us to reflect on the profound impact these commemorations have had in transforming the recognition and understanding of Black life and history in the United States and around the world.
While Black History Month offers a dedicated time to celebrate the fullness of Black and African American history, culture, and excellence, we recognize that this celebration extends far beyond a single month. At UConn, we are committed to honoring Black history and uplifting Black communities year-round. Through the African American Cultural Center (AACC) and the Africana Studies Institute, the University provides ongoing opportunities for celebration, community building, and education.
We invite the entire UConn community to join in celebrating this year’s Black History Month. The AACC’s opening Black History Month event is “Keeping it Black...but Keeping It Brief: 100 Years of History, A Future Unfolding” with Lynae Vanee. It will take place on February 4th at 6pm in the Student Union Ballroom Room 330/331. For disability accommodations, please email the AACC at aacc@uconn.edu. View their full calendar of events on the African American Cultural Center website.
Awareness Celebrations:
National Cancer Prevention Month: National Cancer Prevention Month is observed every February to raise awareness about reducing cancer risk and promoting healthier lifestyles. Research shows that more than 40% of cancer cases and nearly half of cancer deaths can be attributed to preventable causes, including smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive sun exposure. This month encourages individuals to take proactive steps such as quitting tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, protecting skin from the sun, and getting vaccinated against cancer-causing pathogens like HPV. Through education and community outreach, National Cancer Prevention Month empowers individuals to make informed choices that can significantly reduce their cancer risk.
National Senior Independence Month: National Senior Independence Month is observed every February to celebrate older adults and their desire to live independently as contributing members of their communities. This observance encourages communities to share resources that help seniors live full, active, and engaged lives. The month highlights the importance of supporting aging in place through accessible infrastructure, technology assistance, and community programs. Senior centers play a vital role in providing social enrichment, fitness classes, and services that enhance health, social interaction, and life satisfaction. National Senior Independence Month reminds us of the valuable contributions seniors make to our communities and the importance of enabling them to maintain their autonomy and dignity.
At UConn, the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, one of fifteen centers nationwide funded by the National Institute on Aging, is dedicated to enhancing function and independence in older adults through research. The center honors the late Senator Claude D. Pepper, who advocated for senior health and research.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of dating violence on youth and educate young people about healthy relationships. Teen dating violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, or digital abuse in a current or former dating relationship. According to national surveys, one in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner before becoming adults. This month encourages parents, teachers, and community members to engage youth in conversations about healthy relationships, consent, and recognizing warning signs of abuse.
Resources and support are available through organizations like Love Is Respect and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. At UConn, student resources are available through the Title IX Office within the Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights, which also provides information on the University’s intimate partner violence policies.
American Heart Month: American Heart Month is observed every February to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Established by presidential proclamation in 1964, this month encourages individuals to focus on heart health through regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and routine health screenings. The month also includes National Wear Red Day, typically observed on the first Friday of February, which raises awareness about heart disease in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease accounts for one in every five deaths in the U.S., making education and prevention efforts critical for communities nationwide.
National Patient Recognition Week (February 1 - 7): National Patient Recognition Week, observed annually, promotes a culture of patient-centered health care. Established in 1995 by health care worker John O’Malley, this week provides an opportunity for health care professionals and administrators to reflect on patient care quality, gather feedback, and implement improvements that enhance the patient experience. The week emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, clear communication between patients and providers, and ensuring patients are treated with respect and dignity throughout their health care journey.
World Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1 - 7): World Interfaith Harmony Week, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, is observed during the first week of February. Proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan, this week promotes harmony between all people regardless of their faith. Based on the shared commandments of “Love of God and Love of the Neighbor” or “Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor,” the observance encourages dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among people of different religions, faiths, and beliefs. During this week, faith communities worldwide come together through interfaith events, service projects, and conversations that celebrate unity in diversity.
World Cancer Day (February 4): World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is an international day led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilize global action against the disease. Established in 2000 at the World Cancer Summit in Paris, World Cancer Day brings together individuals, organizations, and governments to reduce the global cancer burden. The 2025-2027 theme, “United by Unique,” emphasizes people-centered care and recognizes that behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story. With nearly 10 million cancer deaths annually worldwide, this day serves as a reminder that collective action can create meaningful change in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment access.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11): Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed annually on February 11 to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Despite progress in recent decades, women continue to represent less than one-third of the world’s researchers. The 2026 theme, “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap,” emphasizes the need to move beyond identifying problems to implementing solutions that have measurable impact. This day recognizes the critical role women and girls play in science and technology, and encourages efforts to strengthen their participation.
At UConn, the Women’s Center offers the Women in STEM (WiSTEM) Mentoring Program to support women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. UNESCO will host an event for this day.
World Day of Social Justice (February 20): World Day of Social Justice, observed annually on February 20, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to promote efforts toward poverty eradication, full employment, and social integration. The day recognizes the need to address issues such as gender inequality, social exclusion, and barriers to economic participation. It calls on governments, organizations, and individuals to work toward societies where all people have equal access to opportunities and resources. The observance encourages reflection on the importance of fair labor practices, equitable access to education and health care, and the protection of human rights for all.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 23 – March 1): National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is observed annually during the last week of February to raise awareness about eating disorders, reduce stigma, and encourage early intervention and treatment. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders affect approximately 30 million Americans at some point in their lives and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
This week encourages open conversations about body image, disordered eating, and the importance of seeking help. At UConn, Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care through its Eating Disorder Team, which includes medical practitioners, registered dietitians, and mental health professionals. UConn S.H.A.P.E. (Students Helping to Achieve Positive Esteem) is a peer education group that promotes body positivity and hosts campus events during NEDA Week.
Additional resources include:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
- Helpline: 1-800-931-2237
- Text “NEDA” to 741741 for free, confidential support
- The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
- Eating Disorder Hope — information on recovery, resources, and treatment centers
Rare Disease Day (February 28): Rare Disease Day, observed annually on the last day of February, raises awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients and families. Coordinated by EURORDIS and recognized globally since 2008, this day highlights the challenges faced by the estimated 300 million people worldwide living with rare diseases. A disease is considered rare when it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. With more than 7,000 identified rare diseases and limited treatment options for many, this day advocates for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and social services while promoting research and policy initiatives. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) provides resources, support, and advocacy for patients and families affected by rare diseases.
Cultural and Federal Holidays:
National Freedom Day (February 1): National Freedom Day honors the signing of the resolution that would become the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery in the United States. On February 1, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Congressional resolution declaring that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” The amendment was ratified later that year on December 18, 1865. In 1941, Richard Robert Wright Sr. proposed a day to commemorate this pivotal moment in American history, and National Freedom Day became a national holiday in 1948. It stands as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of freedom and liberty for all.
World Hijab Day (February 1): World Hijab Day, founded in 2013 by Nazma Khan, is observed annually on February 1. The day was created to foster understanding and support for women who choose to wear the hijab and face discrimination or harassment for doing so. Each year, women of all backgrounds are invited to experience wearing a hijab for a day, creating opportunities for education and dialogue. It is important to note that perspectives on this observance vary. While it aims to support religious freedom and combat anti-Muslim bigotry, some including women from countries where hijab is legally mandated, have raised concerns that the observance does not fully acknowledge the experiences of those who do not have a choice. We recognize the diversity of perspectives within Muslim communities and the importance of supporting all women’s autonomy and freedom.
Valentine’s Day (February 14): Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14 as a day to honor love and affection. The holiday’s origins are debated; some trace it to ancient pagan fertility festivals, while others connect it to St. Valentine, an early Christian saint martyred for performing weddings in defiance of a Roman ban on marriage for soldiers. Today, Valentine’s Day is widely recognized as a celebration of romantic love, friendship, and connection.
Presidents Day (February 16): Presidents Day, also known as Washington’s Birthday at the federal level, is observed on the third Monday of February. Originally established in 1879 to honor George Washington’s February 22 birthday, the holiday was moved to its current date in 1971 as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aimed to create more three-day weekends for workers. Today, Presidents Day broadly honors all U.S. presidents, past and present, and their contributions to the nation.
Lunar New Year (February 17): Lunar New Year 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 17, marking the start of the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac. Also known as the Spring Festival, this celebration is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others. Festivities traditionally last 16 days, from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival. Celebrations include family reunions, special meals, the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) containing money, fireworks, lion dances, and the display of red decorations symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
Losar (February 18): Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is the most important festival in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. In 2026, Losar falls on February 18 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse (Tibetan year 2153). The celebration lasts for 15 days, with the main festivities occurring during the first three days. Preparations include thoroughly cleaning homes to sweep away negativity, making offerings to deities, and preparing special foods such as khapse (fried pastries) and guthuk (a traditional soup). On New Year’s Day, families light butter lamps, hang new prayer flags, and gather for festive meals. Losar combines spiritual rituals with social celebrations, symbolizing new beginnings and the purifying power of light.
Religious Holidays:
Imbolc (February 1): An ancient Celtic festival celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans at the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. The name comes from Old Irish meaning “in the belly,” reflecting the season when ewes begin producing milk and the first signs of spring emerge. The festival is sacred to Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire, healing, poetry, and smithcraft. Traditional observances include lighting candles to honor the returning sun, weaving Brigid’s crosses for protection, and rituals of purification. Imbolc celebrates fire, light, and the renewal of life after the long winter darkness.
Tu B’Shvat (February 1 – February 2): The 15th of the Jewish month of Shevat is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. This day marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Today, many Jews hold a modern version of the Tu B’Shvat seder (festive meal) during the holiday and celebrate by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. The holiday has also become a tree-planting festival in which many Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or memory of loved ones and friends.
Candlemas (February 2): Candlemas is a Christian holiday that occurs 40 days after Christmas. Also known as Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas commemorates Jesus’ presentation at the Temple. For Catholics, in particular, Candlemas honors the purification of the Virgin Mary. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate by having beeswax candles blessed at church or at home. Candlemas is celebrated as Día de la Candelaria in many Spanish speaking countries. Whoever finds the baby figures hidden inside the Rosca de Reyes cake from El Día de Reyes/Three Kings Day is obliged to host the Candelaria gathering. Candlemas is halfway between the December Solstice and the March Equinox, marking the halfway point for winter.
Parinirvana (February 15): Also known as Nirvana Day, is a Mahayana Buddhist observance marking the death of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, and his attainment of final Nirvana; complete release from the cycle of death and rebirth. Celebrated primarily in East Asian Buddhist traditions, the day is observed through meditation, reading the Parinirvana Sutra, and visiting Buddhist temples or monasteries. Parinirvana Day is also a time to reflect on impermanence, remember loved ones who have died, and consider how one can attain the peace of Nirvana through Buddhist teachings.
Maha Shivaratri (February 15 - February 16): Maha Shivaratri, “the Great Night of Shiva,” is the most important festival of the year for devotees of the Hindu god Shiva. The 14th day of the waning moon is sacred to Shiva, but when it falls in the month of Phalguna (February to March), it is an occasion of special rejoicing. Participants observe a fast, followed by a night-long vigil with worship of the lingam (symbol of Shiva), prayer, and the retelling of myths about Shiva. The following day is celebrated with feasting and festival fairs. The occasion symbolizes overcoming darkness and ignorance, and it is believed that worship on this night provides extraordinary spiritual benefits.
Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras (February 17): This year, Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, falls on February 17. It day marks the final day before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The name “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the tradition of consuming rich, fatty foods before the 40-day Lenten period of fasting and penance. “Shrove” comes from the practice of “shriving”, receiving confession and absolution, before Lent. Celebrations vary worldwide, from the famous parades in New Orleans to the tradition of eating pancakes in the United Kingdom.
Ramadan (Evening of February 17 - March 19): Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, with the first full day of fasting on February 18, depending on the sighting of the moon. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Suhoor) to sunset (Iftar), abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection. The month commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr around March 18-20, 2026. The UConn Muslim Union has created an informational video about Ramadan to raise awareness regarding the holy month.
UConn Dining Services is committed to supporting Muslim students during Ramadan. Beginning February 17, students with a residential meal plan will have access to a hot dinner buffet and breakfast items to take for the next day. Flex passes are also accepted for purchasing meals for students observing Ramadan who do not have a meal plan. For more information and to sign up for meals on the Storrs campus, visit the UConn Dining Ramadan webpage.
Ash Wednesday/Lent (February 18/ February 18 - April 2): Ash Wednesday falls on February 18, 2026, marking the first day of Lent in Western Christianity. On this day, many Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross as a sign of repentance and mortality. The ashes are traditionally made from burned palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day period of Lent, during which Christians engage in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Shri Ramakrishna Jayanti (February 19): Observed on February 19, 2026, celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886), one of India’s most revered spiritual leaders and mystics. Born in West Bengal, Ramakrishna became known for his teachings on the unity of all religions and the pursuit of spiritual realization through devotion. His most famous disciple, Swami Vivekananda, founded the Ramakrishna Math and Mission to spread his teachings worldwide. The day is marked by special prayers, discourses, and spiritual gatherings at Ramakrishna centers globally.
Eastern Orthodox Beginning of Lent (February 23): Clean Monday, also known as Pure Monday or Ash Monday, marks the beginning of Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church and falls on February 23, 2026. This day initiates the most significant fasting period in the Orthodox Christian liturgical calendar, which extends until Holy Saturday before Pascha (Easter). During Great Lent, Orthodox Christians engage in strict fasting (abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs), intensified prayer, and almsgiving. In Greece and Cyprus, Clean Monday is also celebrated as the first day of spring, often marked with outdoor activities and the flying of kites.
We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.
To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. OICR writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu.
If you would like to receive our OICR Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe to the OICR Weekly Digest.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Pamir
Jeffrey F. Hines, MD
Vice President, Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights, UConn and UConn Health
Pamir Alpay, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
