Hello Everyone,

As we approach Nowruz on March 19, let us embrace the spirit of renewal and unity. Nowruz, meaning “new day,” marks the first day of spring and the rebirth of nature. Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, this ancient festival is celebrated by diverse communities worldwide for over 3,000 years. It is a secular holiday for most, yet remains a holy day for Zoroastrians, Baháʼís, and some Muslim communities. Nowruz symbolizes the eternal cycle of rebirth, reminding us to cherish our shared humanity and honor cultural diversity.

Wishing you all a joyous Nowruz! May the arrival of spring inspire us to foster understanding, compassion, and goodwill.

Learn more: https://www.unesco.org/en/international-day-nowruz

Best Regards,
The SJSU IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

IT Colleagues,

This year, Lunar New Year celebrations begin on February 10. The Lunar New Year is known in China as the Spring Festival or Chūnjié in Mandarin, while Koreans call it Seollal, and Vietnamese refer to it as Tết. Observances are tied to the lunar calendar, and the holiday began as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. For a brief overview of the holiday, check out this short video from Encyclopedia Britannica about the origin and traditions of the Lunar New Year.

Each culture celebrates the Lunar New Year differently. If you would like to learn more about the holiday and how it is observed across cultures, visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Arts’ Lunar New Year Celebration website which provides a wealth of information about the holiday and its associated traditions.

The SJSU DEI Committee wishes everyone a prosperous, happy Lunar New Year!

Thank you,

The SJSU IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

IT Colleagues,

February is Black History Month, when we take time to recognize the achievements of African Americans and pay tribute to their central role in US history. Each year, there is a theme for Black History Month, and according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, this year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts:

“African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.”

In keeping with this year’s theme, we invite you to visit the SJSU King Library’s exhibit Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope, & Bravery at the DiNapoli Gallery located on the 2nd floor. The exhibit, which runs through the month of February, showcases photographer Cecil Williams’ personal accounts and historically significant photos and milestones in South Carolina during the Civil Rights era.

In addition to the art exhibit, SJSU is hosting jazz musician Loston Harris at the Hammer Theatre on February 16, 7:00-8:30 PM as part of the Black Cab Series. Tickets for this performance are $20 to $40.

Thank you,

The SJSU IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

IT Colleagues,

Born on January 15, 1929, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and leader in the civil rights movement, championing justice and equality from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. Today, we honor Dr. King’s legacy with a National Day of Service.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service is an opportunity to create constructive action through civic engagement and give to others in any way you can. That can be anything from volunteering your time for a community project or giving some extra kindness to others in your community. You can visit https://www.MLKDay.gov to find Day of Service projects across the country that honor Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equality.

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
–Martin Luther King, Jr.

You can learn more about the history of the holiday at https://www.dosomething.org/us/articles/martin-luther-king-jr-day.

Thank you,

The SJSU IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

IT Colleagues,

It is common among many cultures to celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, with holidays, festivals, and religious observances in the surrounding days. Historically, these celebrations often involved feasts of the last of perishable supplies before the harsh months of winter, but there are many different reasons to celebrate. Holidays celebrated around the world at this time include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve. 

Hanukkah: Thursday, December 7, 2023 – Friday, December 15, 2023
Christmas: Monday, December 25, 2023
Kwanzaa: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024

We hope that all of you have a safe and happy winter break spent with those close to you.  

Best Regards,

The SJSU IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee