Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
Listen in to this “fishbowl” conversation from allies sharing their personal and professional connections to Black history. All teammates are invited to join the first event hosted by the newly established Charlotte chapter of the Atrium Health White Alliance for Racial Equity (AHWARE) SRG Thursday, Feb. 22 from noon to 1 p.m. Click to join the meeting.
AHWARE is new to the Greater Charlotte market and is a chapter of the established AHWARE SRG in the Wake Forest Baptist market. The overall purpose of AHWARE is to provide a forum for white teammates and allies to collaborate, learn, engage in personal reflection, and identify strategies for raising consciousness about and interrupting systemic advantage, to enhance and drive equitable practices in the workplace and in the community with a focus on racial justice. Through monthly meetings and events, we will examine cultural and racial assumptions and norms to deepen partnerships to create a more inclusive and responsive organization. For more information, join AHWARE’s Viva Engage group.
As we celebrate Black history and its profound cultural impact on our society, and particularly within Advocate Health, we invite you to a dynamic virtual celebration, Who We Are: African Americans and the Arts. Join us, Feb. 6, noon to 1 p.m. to hear a panel of our teammates share their stories of the significance of Black heritage. But that’s not all – our CEO Gene Woods will share a special reflection exploring the depths of this topic and his own journey.
This Affinity Group’s purpose is to support and encourage African American/Black faculty, staff and learners through the following goals:
Make a Promise to Your HeartFebruary is American Heart Month. In the U.S., African American men and women have the highest prevalence of heart disease among adults. Elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and inactivity are the top risk factors for heart disease. Learn more about ways to make improvements for heart health in the Teammate Calendar.
February 7-8 – Lailat al Miraj: This Muslim holy day celebrates Muhammad’s pilgrimage from Mecca to Jerusalem. When Muhammad arrived, he ascended into Heaven.
February 11 – Tammy Baldwin’s Birthday: the birthday of the first openly LGBTQ+ woman elected to both houses of Congress
February 14 – Frederick Douglass’ birthday: this day celebrates the birth of abolitionist and social reformer
February 14 – Ash Wednesday: a day of prayer and fasting that begins the Christian season of Lent
February 15 – Nirvana Day: an annual festival that remembers the death of the Buddha after reaching nirvana; also called Parinirvana
February 15 – Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday: a leader of the women’s suffrage movement, she advocated for abolition, temperance, labor rights, and equal pay for equal work
February 19 – Presidents' Day: Commemorating the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington
See other international observances
