By January 16, 2026
January marks a season of renewal, reflection, and recommitment — to ourselves, to one another, and to the communities we call home. As we enter a new year, these observances invite us to reflect on our financial well-being, honor the legacy of leaders who fought for justice, and remember histories that call us to stand against hate and discrimination.
At Verity, these moments align with our commitment to inclusion, equity, and long-term financial empowerment. Together, they remind us that meaningful progress is built through intention, education, service, and community connection.
Month-long Observances & Celebrations
Financial Wellness Month
January is recognized as National Financial Wellness Month, an observance that encourages individuals and organizations to focus on financial well-being at the start of the year. Coming out of the holiday season — a time when many people experience increased spending — January offers an opportunity to pause, reset, and reflect on financial goals and habits.
Financial wellness extends beyond a bank balance. It includes how we earn income, budget and manage expenses, prepare for the future, and navigate our emotional relationship with money. Financial stress can impact overall well-being, productivity, and confidence, which is why financial education and access to supportive resources play a critical role in both individual and workplace success.
At Verity, we believe financial wellness is foundational to thriving communities and generational stability — and that everyone deserves tools and support to make informed financial decisions.
Learn more about National Financial Wellness Month.
Events & Day Observances
January 1 — New Year’s Day
In many countries around the world, the New Year begins on January 1 — but this hasn’t always been the case. The designation of January 1 as New Year’s Day traces back to ancient Rome, when the calendar was revised to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. Over centuries, calendar reforms — including the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1582 — solidified January 1 as the official start of the year across much of the world.
Today, New Year’s Day is widely associated with reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the year ahead — a moment to look both backward and forward.
Explore the history of why the New Year begins on January 1.
January 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader whose vision reshaped the nation. The federal holiday was the result of a 15-year campaign led by civil rights activists, community organizers, and supporters following Dr. King’s assassination in 1968. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law, and the first official observance took place in 1986.
Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging people across the country to volunteer, reflect, and work toward equity and justice in their communities. Scroll down to see local MLK Day events happening near you.
Learn more about the 15-year fight to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
January 27 — International Holocaust Remembrance Day
International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honors the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the day serves as a global call to remember, educate, and confront antisemitism and hate.
As incidents of antisemitism continue to rise worldwide, remembering Holocaust history remains essential to building empathy, protecting human rights, and standing against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
Learn how to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day and honor the victims.
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.
MLK Day Local Events
Seattle Martin Luther King Jr. Organizing Coalition — March & Rally
What: 2026 March and Rally
Where: Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave, Seattle
When: Monday, January 19 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: Free | Recommended for all ages
Hosted by the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition, this annual march and rally brings together community members to honor Dr. King’s legacy and advocate for justice, unity, and equity. The Coalition is an all-volunteer organization representing grassroots, labor, business, and community groups throughout the Puget Sound region.
Learn more about the march, rally route, and organizing coalition.
Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) — King Day 2026
What: King Day 2026: Forward Together, with Courage as Our Compass
When: Monday, January 19 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free and open to the public
NAAM’s annual King Day celebration returns in 2026 with a year-long theme rooted in courage, collective responsibility, and Black history. Inspired by Dr. King’s final book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, the museum invites reflection on how courage shapes movements for justice, dignity, and belonging today.
The event includes exhibits, programming, and NAAM’s Knowledge Is Power Children’s Book Giveaway, distributing hundreds of books to local youth in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.
Explore King Day 2026 programming at NAAM.
Seattle Parks & Recreation — MLK Day March & Celebration
What: 2026 MLK Day March & Celebration
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Cost: Free and open to all ages
Seattle Parks and Recreation hosts a youth-led march and celebration honoring Dr. King’s life and message under the theme “Your Time Is Now.” The day begins at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park and continues with a march to Rainier Community Center, followed by live music, food, and community activities centered on youth voice and civic engagement.
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.