By February 11, 2026
February is a powerful month of remembrance, celebration, and collective reflection. From honoring Black history and culture to welcoming the Lunar New Year and recognizing global efforts toward social justice, this month invites us to learn from the past while shaping a more equitable future.
At Verity, these observances align with our mission to advance financial empowerment, racial equity, and community well-being. They remind us that progress is built through education, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
Month-long Observances & Celebrations
Black History Month — A Century of National Commemorations
According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), 2026 marks 100 years of national Black history commemorations — a milestone rooted in the vision and leadership of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and fellow founders who established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1915. Together, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps laid the foundation for institutionalizing the study, preservation, and celebration of Black history.
What began as Negro History Week in 1926 grew into Black History Month — now deeply woven into American culture and global communities across the African diaspora. These observances were never only about recognition; they were acts of empowerment, affirming Black identity, resilience, and historical truth.
As scholar Arthur A. Schomburg once said, “The American Negro must remake his past in order to make his future.” That spirit continues today, especially as communities work to protect inclusive and accurate historical narratives amid growing challenges to education and representation.
Black History Month officially gained federal recognition in 1976 when President Gerald Ford issued the first presidential proclamation. In 1986, Congress designated February as Black History Month, helping expand its reach across schools, museums, libraries, workplaces, and cultural institutions nationwide.
This year’s centennial theme encourages deeper reflection on how Black history commemorations continue to shape modern society — not only as historical milestones, but as living movements rooted in justice, dignity, and cultural pride.
Learn more about Black History Month’s 100-year legacy through ASALH.
Explore ASALH’s national Black History Month events calendar.
Explore month-long Black History Month events and community gatherings:
Call to Conscience — Black History Month Museum
What: Call To Conscience – Black History Month Museum and Events
Where: Columbia City Theater, Seattle
When: February 2026 (Month-long)
Cost: Free to $23.18
Presented by Rainier Avenue Radio, Call To Conscience transforms the Columbia City Theater into an immersive Black History Month museum highlighting the legacy, resilience, and cultural contributions of Black communities across Seattle, Tacoma, and beyond.
Exhibits include the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party, Jackson Street Jazz history, the Hartsfield Enslaved Quilt Collection, Black Tacoma history, BlackPast.org archives, and more. Special programming will also feature community storytelling and legacy preservation workshops.
Explore the Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum.
Dismantling Systemic Racism in Education
What: Dismantling Systemic Racism in Education
Where: 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA
When: Friday, February 20 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm PST
Cost: Free and open to the public
This in-person event focuses on addressing structural inequities in education systems and building more inclusive learning environments. Participants will engage in dialogue, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions that promote equity and student success.
Learn more and register for the education equity event.
Hey, Black Seattle! — Month-long Events & Resources
Hey, Black Seattle! is a community-centered information hub supporting connection, visibility, and well-being for Black residents across the Greater Seattle Area. Through events, cultural programming, and resource sharing, they help foster belonging and reduce isolation.
Visit Hey, Black Seattle!
Explore Hey, Black Seattle! Black History Month events and gatherings.
Events & Day Observances
February 16 — Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)
Although commonly referred to as “Presidents’ Day,” the federal holiday officially honors George Washington’s Birthday. Originally established as a federal holiday in 1879 to commemorate Washington’s February 22 birthdate, the observance later shifted to the third Monday in February under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
While the name “Presidents’ Day” became popular through advertising and public usage in the 1980s, it has never been formally adopted by the U.S. government. Several states continue to recognize the holiday as Washington’s Birthday or George Washington Day, preserving its original intent.
Washington’s legacy is also honored annually in the U.S. Senate through the public reading of his Farewell Address — a tradition that dates back to 1896.
Explore the history behind Presidents’ Day and Washington’s Birthday.
Verity Credit Union will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of the federal holiday.
View upcoming closures, branch locations, and hours.
February 17 — Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse)
In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse. Celebrated by millions around the world, Lunar New Year marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new lunisolar calendar cycle.
The Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, movement, adventure, and vitality — following the reflective and intuitive Year of the Snake. Lunar New Year celebrations span 15 to 16 days and include family reunions, symbolic meals, red decorations, home cleaning rituals, and community festivals.
One popular tradition traces back to the legend of Nian, a mythical beast said to fear loud noises and the color red — inspiring today’s firecrackers and red décor as symbols of protection and renewal.
According to the National Museum of Asian Art, Lunar New Year is observed across many cultures, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and countries with large Asian diasporas. While zodiac traditions vary by region, the shared spirit of reunion, gratitude, and hope remains central to the celebration.
We also recognize that not all Asian American and Pacific Islander communities observe the Chinese or lunar zodiac traditions, and we honor the diversity of cultural practices represented within our communities.
Learn more about Lunar New Year traditions and celebrations.
Explore Lunar New Year programs and cultural resources from the National Museum of Asian Art.
February 20 — World Day of Social Justice
Observed annually by the United Nations, World Day of Social Justice highlights the importance of building fair, inclusive, and sustainable societies. The 2026 theme, Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future, emphasizes ensuring that climate and economic transitions benefit everyone — especially workers, Indigenous communities, and historically marginalized populations.
A just transition prioritizes access to green jobs, workforce retraining, social protections, and community-led economic development. It recognizes that sustainability must center people alongside environmental goals, creating systems that reduce inequality while building long-term resilience.
Throughout the day, global conversations and virtual events will explore social justice across regions and industries — from labor rights to digital equity and sustainable development.
Learn more about World Day of Social Justice and global programming.
Community Events with Verity
Verity is committed to showing up for our members and communities every month. As a certified CDFI, we partner with historically underserved communities to build pathways to generational wealth and long-term financial well-being. Stay connected for upcoming opportunities to learn, volunteer, and engage with local partners honoring heritage, service, and community.
The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. All content is written in good faith and is intended to be accurate as of the date of publication. However, laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices may change over time, and information may become outdated.