A belief in potential. A right to dream. An opportunity to achieve.
Welcome to SCCMHA
We at SCCMHA have a deep-seated belief in the potential of every person we meet.
These same persons have a right to dream and imagine a life of their choosing and we are here to support those dreams and help them with opportunities to achieve.
February is Black History Month
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History named the second week of February as Negro History Week to promote the aware of African-American contributions to history. This time was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
February was federally recognized in 1976 as Black History Month by President Gerald Ford, who called upon to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Since then, the meaning has changed from not only the contributions of African-Americans, but all black people from periods in U.S. history, from the enslaved people brought over from Africa in the 17th century to those living today.
Notable people to recognize during Black History Month include:
- Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1968. During her time in Congress, she introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation, was a champion for gender and racial equality and was a co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971.
- Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to be integrated into an all-white school in 1960. Ruby has since fought for civil rights and founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999, directed at fighting bullying and racism in schools.
- Richard Allen, a Philadelphia minister who founded the first African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Philadelphia in 1794. Born into slavery, Allen bought his freedom and joined St. George’s Church. However, because of the discrimination during that time, he left to form his own church, which was the first Black church in the United States.
- Alice Coachman, a track and field athlete who became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
- William E. B. Dubois, the first Black American to earn a PhD from Harvard University, who also helped found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Over the years, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands also have adopted celebrating Black History Month. However, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands observe theirs in October. Black History Month celebrations range from educational seminars, museum exhibits, speeches, film screenings and various other events.
Black History Month celebrations range from educational seminars, museum exhibits, speeches, film screenings and various other events.
To learn more about Black History Month: People in Black History | National Archives | ASALH - The Founders of Black History Month | About Black History Month
February is American Heart Month
Live Heart Healthy. February is recognized as American Heart Month, raising awareness to combat cardiovascular health issues.
Over 120 million Americans struggle with some degree of heart conditions and it is important to encourage individuals to commit to healthy practices to help reduce or prevent cardiovascular concerns. Furthermore, emphasizing the effectiveness of advancing research and expanding access to affordable health care are equally crucial to assist in the fight against heart disease. You can take action to ensure your own heart health through practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, managing weight and avoiding high-risk habits such as smoking or vaping.
In addition to American Heart Month, Friday, Feb. 7 is National Wear Red Day, designated to increase awareness of heart disease and its impact on women’s health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
On this day, or throughout the month, you can participate by wearing red to support heart health and raise awareness on the importance of education, prevention and early detection.
Monday, Feb. 17 is President’s Day
Observed the third Monday of February, this holiday celebrates the birthdays of George Washington (Feb. 22, 1732) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12, 1809). The day also honors all past chiefs of state for their contribution.
The day was originally celebrated as a national holiday in 1879, only to commemorate Washington’s birth. It was since amended to include Lincoln’s as well, due to both being in February.
Since 1862, a member of the US Senate would read George Washington’s Farewell Address in honor of the first president.
While not celebrated in all 50 states, President’s Day is recognized as a way to honor the previous leaders of our country.
All SCCMHA locations will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in recognition of President’s Day.
Ramadan begins February 28
For those in the Muslim faith, one of the most important times of the year is the month of Ramadan.
The month begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar is different than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan begins 10-12 days earlier each year than the year before.
This year, Ramadan begins on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 28.
Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power,” when the Quran – the holy book of Islam – was revealed as “a guidance for the people.”
During Ramadan, Muslims view it as a time for introspection, as well as a time to practice “sawm,” or to refrain, as recognized in one of the five pillars of Islam.
Sawm is most commonly understood to include fasting from dawn to dusk for the duration of Ramadan. After a sunset prayer, Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break the daily fast with “iftar,” a meal that is shared with friends and extended family. Some will pray at their mosque with the community.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, the Feast of Fast-Breaking, which is one of the two major religious days of the Muslim calendar.
Eid al-Fitr is observed with new clothes, special foods, gifts and honoring relatives who have passed on.
This final day of Ramadan culminates on the evening of Saturday, March 29.
For more information: Ramadan | Fasting, Traditions, & Facts | Britannica | Ramadan | A Guide to Religious Observances | Resources | Center for Spiritual Life | Brandeis University