Diversity Affairs Council Events
2008 Black History Month A Celebration of Change and Possibilities
"Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the
inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history".
These are the words of Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, distinguished Black author, editor,
publisher, and historian (December 1875 - April 1950). Carter G. Woodson believed that
Blacks should know their past in order to participate intelligently in the affairs in our
country. He strongly believed that Black history - which others have tried so diligently to
erase - is a firm foundation for young Black Americans to build on in order to become
productive citizens of our society.
Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter G. Woodson holds an outstanding
position in early 20th century American history. In 1926, he developed Negro History
Week which is now a Month long celebration known as Black History Month.
2008 Chinese New Year - Year of the Rat
The Lunar New Year dates from 2600 BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Because of cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. On the Chinese calendar, 2008 is Lunar Year 4705-4706.
On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on February 7, 2008 — The Year of the Rat.