February Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News
January 4 – World Braille Day
Celebrates the importance of Braille for people who are blind or visually impaired.
January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Observed on the third Monday in January, honoring Dr. King’s leadership in the civil rights movement.
January 27 – International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and promotes Holocaust remembrance and education.
February is Black History Month
- This year marks 100 years since the establishment of Black History Month, which began as Negro History Week in 1926, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The observance has evolved into a monthlong celebration that highlights the achievements and struggles of African Americans.
February 1–7 – World Interfaith Harmony Week
Encourages respect and cooperation between people of different faiths.
February 18 – Islamic: Ramadan begins*
In many countries, Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin around this date, marking a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection; the exact start varies by local moon sighting.
February 18 – Christian: Ash Wednesday
Marks the beginning of Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.
March 4 – Hindu: Holi
The festival of colors, celebrating spring, community, and renewal. In 2026, many communities will observe Holi around this date.
March 8 – International Women’s Day
Celebrates women’s achievements and calls for gender equality globally.
March 15 – UN: International Day to Combat Islamophobia
A UN observance that raises awareness about the prejudice, discrimination, and hatred faced by Muslims around the world.
Black History Month Events:
Black History in Motion: Walking Tour Edition
Date: February 7, 2026
Duration: 2 hours
Start: Freedom Plaza
This DC250-sponsored tour explores themes of visibility and invisibility in Black history, weaving through Lafayette Square and the National Mall. The tour concludes with entry to NMAAHC—a perfect way to transition from outdoor storytelling to museum exploration.
The route covers both iconic monuments and hidden corners where history unfolded but isn’t marked. You’ll stand where enslaved people were once sold within view of the Capitol, and where Marian Anderson sang to 75,000 after being denied Constitution Hall.
ASALH Festival Opening
Date: February 1, 2026 (6pm EST)
Format: Live digital event on ASALH TV
Kick off the month with this nationwide virtual celebration featuring scholars, artists, and community leaders.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Through February 8
Location: Warner Theatre
If you’re visiting in early February for Black History Month Washington DC, catch the legendary Alvin Ailey company performing their signature blend of modern dance rooted in African American heritage. “Revelations” alone is worth the trip.
Jubilee Voices Concert
Date: February 15
Location: Josiah Henson Museum
Experience the spirituals and freedom songs that carried generations through struggle and triumph, performed at the historic site of an enslaved person who escaped to freedom.
ASALH Black History Month Luncheon
Date: February 28, 2026 (12-3pm)
Location: JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History—the organization that created Black History Month—hosts its annual celebration. This year marks a full century since Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926.
Each year in February, The Culpeper NAACP Education Committee sponsors an essay contest to commemorate Black History Month. Prizes are awarded at the elementary, middle, and high school level, and contest winners are invited to read their essays at our March meeting and join us for a special field trip in June.
Antioch Baptist Church—Madison, VA and Frank D. Lewis Sr. Presents African American History Program 2026 “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”
Presenters:
Madison County African American Historical Association
Culpeper NAACP
Carver High School Legacy Group
Woodberry Forest Minority Caucus
Sunday, February 15, 2026 2:00 PM – Light Refreshments @ 12 noon
1165 Mud Road, Madison, VA 22727
Museum of Culpeper History – Patriots of Color in the American Revolution
Tuesday February 10th 6:30pm
Revalation Vineyards will host a program on February 22nd at 3 pm for historian Jody Lahendro’s presentation, Preserving Black History in Rural Virginia. Since retiring five years ago as UVA’s Historic Preservation Architect, Jody Lahendro, FAIA, has provided professional services to central Virginia nonprofits seeking to preserve historic Black schools and churches. In this talk, Jody will present several of his projects, from initial community engagement and grant assistance, through the architectural and construction process. He will also discuss how these buildings fit within the broader cultural histories of Black education and religion.
Revalation Vineyards will host Français with Françoise on Sunday February 15th 3-5pm an event for conversational French speakers.
George Washington Carver Regional High School Alumni Association, Inc. will award assistance to two qualifying seniors, particularly those of African American descent and those who demonstrate financial need. Graduating seniors from Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock or any alumni-descendant school who plan to continue their education in a four-year institution or qualifying applicants already enrolled in college may apply. Awards are $1000 (four-year school) or $500 (community college or vocational school). Previous recipients of this scholarship are not eligible for additional assistance.
All applications are due on or before 4/10/26.
The Culpeper County Library will host ASL Chats every other Tuesday 6-7:45pm.
Culpeper Literacy Council continues to host English as a Second Language Programs, Spanish Classes and US Citizenship Test Preparation Courses.
The Culpeper 250 Website is live highlighting the pivitol role our county played leading up to the Revolutionary War. There is a section on People of African Descent & The Revolutionary War – African Americans & The Revolutionary War | Culpeper 250
Generations Central is hosting free Stronger Memory: Build Better Brain Health Classes for Older Adults every Tuesday at 10am. And Educational Programming for aging adults the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am. Topics include advanced healthcare planning and fall prevention and home modifications.
Generations Central is hosting a Dementia Live program on the first Thursday of each month at 3pm. Dementia Live® is a high-impact, immersive experience that helps participants understand what life might be like living with cognitive impairment. Participants wear sensory-altering gear that simulates the physical and cognitive changes associated with dementia. While immersed in this experience, they are asked to complete simple tasks and follow instructions. This provides powerful insight into the challenges faced by those living with dementia.
Culpeper County Parks and Recreation continues to offer programming for all including: Silver Club, Fit & Well Seniors 55+, Sign Language courses, how to make a Ukranian Pysanky Egg, Nagano Ryu martial arts (a Japanese samurai style), Tai chi (a Chinese martial art) and more!
Culpeper County Parks & Recreation and its partners aim to provide all community members access to high-quality recreation facilities, programs, and services. For community members with disabilities, that means developing more inclusive and adaptive programs and services that create and foster a sense of belonging.
PAST PROGRAMS
- Light It Up: Driving Tour
- Fredericksburg Nationals Game Community Outing
- Host: Unified Rugby Match
- Cheer for All-Inclusive Cheer Showcase Host
- Summer Camp: Inclusive PE Pals
- Unified Pickleball
FUTURE ENDEAVORS
- Inclusion in Sports Program: Educating Coaches to Better Serve Those with Disabilities!
- Buddy Club-Inclusion in action!
- Adaptive Components to Twilight Egg-stravagant Candy Hunt & Moonlight Halloween Candy Hunt.
- Adaptive Swim Lessons
- Providing coaching and training to CCPR staff and instructors.
Transgender Journalists’ Group Launches Media Analysis Tool The Trans News Initiative leverages an open-source database to provide reports on popularity—and gaps—in transgender coverage. Transgender Journalists’ Group Launches Media Analysis Tool | Associations Now
The 2026 Workplace Inclusion Network will explore ways for organizations to sustain their commitment to fostering inclusion and success in the current climate. Building on a framework from Catalyst, the WIN series will help participants consider the best response for their organization and how they can personally contribute to an increased sense of belonging for all. Sessions will share actionable frameworks and tools, while also providing an opportunity to connect with professionals from across Virginia. 4 part series and includes tickets to the Virginia Inclusion Summit. 2026-WIN-flyer.pdf
