It is nice to see the campus alive with students, faculty, and staff as CSI continues to dig out from the weekend’s snowfall. Today I wanted to recognize two distinct celebrations that start today, along with the month of February.
Today marks the first day of the Lunar New Year, this year marking the transition from the Year of the Ox to the Year of the Tiger. Unlike the western new year celebration, which always takes place on Jan. 1, the Lunar New Year moves from dates based on the end of the 12th annual rotation of the moon. I wish a happy new year to those in the CSI community who celebrate this holiday, and remind faculty that they should accommodate students who are celebrating this holiday.
Today also kicks off Black History Month, and I would like to point those interested to a great app/Website that highlights many of the high points of Black History on Staten Island. Notably, Staten Island has a museum run by the Sandy Ground Historical Society that commemorates Sandy Ground, which is the oldest continually inhabited free Black settlement in the United States, dating back to at least 1799.
We will spotlight various activities and presentations that take place during February to commemorate Black History Month. In the meantime, best wishes to all as we start the spring semester.
By Michael Parrish
