Celebrating Diversity

Senior Services Honors Senior Citizens and Their Quality of Life

As the calendar turns to a new year, January is the perfect time to honor the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and traditions that make our community extraordinary. This month, we celebrate the possibilities of new beginnings while reflecting on the diverse ways people across the globe welcome the year ahead.

From Lunar New Year festivities filled with vibrant colors and delicious foods to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which calls us to remember the power of unity and justice, January offers opportunities to both celebrate and grow together. These moments remind us that diversity is our strength, and learning about each other's traditions brings us closer.

This January, we invite you to explore the beauty in each other’s traditions, celebrate new beginnings, and commit to making 2025 a year of inclusion and connection. Together, let’s continue to build a community where everyone feels valued and seen.

Let’s celebrate diversity and shared humanity—every day of the year!

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January is:

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Poverty in America Awareness Month

Observed throughout January, Poverty in America Awareness Month highlights the challenges faced by millions living in poverty, encouraging a deeper understanding of its causes and the systemic changes needed to address it.

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National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Recognized in January, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month raises awareness about the pervasive issue of human trafficking and emphasizes the importance of prevention, education, and support for survivors.

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Holidays and Observances:

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January 4: World Braille Day

World Braille Day honors the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system, which has empowered blind and visually impaired individuals to read, write and communicate independently. The day raises awareness about the importance of braille in promoting literacy and equal access to information. It also highlights the ongoing need for greater accessibility and inclusion in education, technology and society for those who are blind or have low vision.

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January 7: Christmas (Eastern Orthodox)

Eastern Orthodox Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, following the Julian calendar. The holiday is marked by rich liturgical traditions, including special church services and festive gatherings that emphasize faith and community.

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January 13: Korean American Day

Washington State has the largest population of Koreans in the PNW including 17,000 Korean Americans in Pierce County. Lakewood is just one little-known but huge Koreatown that began in the 1970’s. Located near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, it became a place for recently immigrated Korean families to find community after the Korean war. Korean American Day was established by President George W. Bush in 2005.

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January 14: Mahayana New Year

Mahayana New Year is celebrated by Mahayana Buddhists, marking the beginning of the lunar new year with rituals, prayers and community gatherings. The holiday emphasizes renewal, reflection and the aspiration for enlightenment, with traditions that vary by country but often include visiting temples, making offerings and performing acts of kindness.

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January 14: Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn, signaling the arrival of longer days and the end of the winter solstice. It is celebrated across India with vibrant festivities, including kite flying, bonfires and the sharing of traditional sweets like tilgul. The festival signifies the harvest season and is observed with prayers for prosperity, good health and a bountiful year ahead. Makar Sankranti is a time for communities to come together in joyful celebration of the changing seasons.

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January 19: World Religion Day

World Religion Day was established to promote understanding, harmony and respect among the world’s religions. It encourages dialogue and cooperation between faiths, emphasizing the shared values of peace, compassion and justice. Observed by people of various religious traditions, the day aims to foster greater understanding of how different beliefs contribute to a more unified world. Events and discussions focus on recognizing the common goals of all religions and promoting tolerance and interfaith collaboration.

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January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the legacy of Dr. King, a leader in the American civil rights movement who advocated for equality, justice and nonviolent protest. The day serves as a reminder of his vision for a society where people are judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. It is observed with events, marches and educational programs that celebrate his contributions to the fight for civil rights and encourage continued efforts to combat racial inequality. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time for reflection, community service and commitment to Dr. King’s dream of a more just and unified nation.

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January 21: National Day of Racial Healing

National Day of Racial Healing encourages individuals and communities to engage in honest conversations and actions aimed at healing the wounds caused by racism. The day emphasizes the importance of understanding, reconciliation, and working together to address racial inequities, and to acknowledge the values we share, build trust in each other, form genuine connections and inspire collective action that furthers how we heal from the effects of racism. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of racial injustice while promoting hope, unity and a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities. Observances often include dialogues, educational programs and activities that foster empathy and understanding.

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January 26: Republic Day of India

Republic Day of India marks the adoption of the country’s constitution and the transformation of India into a republic. Celebrated with grandeur, it features a national parade in New Delhi showcasing India’s cultural diversity, military strength and achievements. The day honors the ideals of democracy, equality and justice enshrined in the Constitution. Republic Day is a time for Indians to reflect on their country’s progress and renew their commitment to its democratic values, with celebrations that include flag hoisting, patriotic songs and educational events.

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January 26: Isra and Mi'raj

Isra and Mi'raj commemorates the miraculous night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, a pivotal event in Islamic tradition. According to tradition, the Prophet was carried from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (Isra), and then ascended through the heavens to meet with Allah (Mi'raj). This journey is believed to have been both physical and spiritual, symbolizing the connection between God and humanity. The event is marked by prayer, reflection and discussions about the Prophet's teachings, emphasizing faith, devotion and the importance of spiritual growth.

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January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Holocaust Remembrance Day honors the millions of victims who perished during the Holocaust, when six million Jews and millions of others, including Roma, disabled individuals, political dissidents, people of color and those under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed and the importance of preventing future acts of genocide. Observed with ceremonies, educational programs and moments of reflection, it aims to promote tolerance, human rights and the remembrance of those who suffered, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

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January 29: Chief Leschi Birthday

Chief Leschi is celebrated as a great leader by the Nisqually Indian Tribe who refused to sign the original proposed treaty until the U.S. was forced to revamp a proposal that gave Nisqually people land more suited and aligned with the traditional areas of use by the tribe. There are a number of public places and monuments honoring him as a great leader of the Nisqually Tribe.

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January 29: Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is celebrated by millions of people worldwide, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. The holiday is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors and wishing for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead. Traditions include cleaning the home to sweep away bad luck, preparing festive meals and giving red envelopes with money for good luck. Celebrations often last for several days, featuring parades, fireworks and cultural performances.

2025 is the Year of the Snake!

Occurring every 12 years in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, the snake is associated with wisdom, intuition and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intelligent, graceful and charming, yet also mysterious and introspective. The snake symbolizes renewal and shedding old skin, making this a year of personal growth, introspection and evolution. It's a time for deep reflection, taking calculated risks and making significant life changes. In 2025, as the Year of the Wood Snake, there's a focus on creativity and building a stable foundation for future endeavors.

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