February is a designated month to nationally recognize African Americans and celebrate the huge role that their achievements play in society. A great way to acknowledge African American history is to learn about human rights activists. This month, on Feb. 20, every local student from grade 9-12 who has African-American ethnicity is invited to the Black Youth Leadership Summit. This event is hosted by SOU at the Multicultural Resource Center, sponsored by the Black Southern Oregon Alliance. Rakie Jagne, a sophomore student at Grants Pass High School, reports that “The trips were really fun. It was very educat[ional]. Last year, the main speaker talked about his mother serving in the war as a postal mailwoman.” Attendees also received advice on health and a free lunch where they could hang out with their friends. Everyone had time to explore the campus. Students received post-high school information that allowed for opportunity and opened the doors to college. It is so fundamental to celebrate and learn about African Americans who have forever changed our society. The main purpose of Black History Month is to remember those who did their part by putting in the effort to make their stories live on. 

Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated on Feb. 17 for fifteen days in the vast country of Asia. This vibrant traditional holiday falls on the new moon, specifically the second moon after Winter Solstice. Every year, the date is different-- ranging from Jan. to Feb.-- following the lunisolar calendar. Each New Year is represented by a different Chinese animal zodiac, with 2026 being the horse. According to China Highlights , a website run by a Chinese tourist company, the horse represents “energetic and dynamic nature. It symbolizes vitality, speed, and perseverance.” There are several common ways to celebrate the renewal, an opportunity in the upcoming year. People can clean their homes, decorating them with vibrant red/gold lanterns, flowers, and furniture. The festivals consist of lion dances. A complex, handmade dragon is moved by people hiding under the dragon and holding it up with sticks. The look is similar to Mushu, the character from Mulan. Ancestors are also important during this time and are worshipped, and prayers wish good harvest for the next year. Marking this celebration, fireworks and firecrackers are released at midnight, while people gather around with their friends and family to watch the show. They also release lit-up paper lanterns into the sky with wishes painted on them. Children receive red envelopes from their older relatives with money inside, called Ya Sui Quian. The night beforehand, on New Year's Eve, a large family dinner is hosted. This dinner is crucial to the Chinese value of family reunion accompanied by food and drink. These colorful days of red and gold, remembrance of ancestors, cultural celebration, and prosperity for the new year are fundamental to Asian ancestry and culture.

Every second Saturday, the Weekend Beer Company hosts a creative event from 8 a.m. to noon. This month, the Pancake Pop Up is on Feb.14, as relayed by the Grants Pass Chamber. Everyone from the community is invited to share their love for breakfast treats. A local Grants Pass community member named Murf crafted this idea, which has grown into a lighthearted get-together consisting of people mostly from Josephine County. Murf makes homemade batter and jams; therefore, there is a variety of flavors and combinations. The Weekend Beer Company is known as a Grants Pass hotspot for hanging out. The chill atmosphere makes it the perfect place for Murf to organize the affair of pancakes. A rustic mobile cafe in the shape of a camper known as The Wheelhouse is home to the Weekend Beer Company. Therefore, their inventive coffees, teas, and homemade sweets will be accompanying the pop up. No one can argue that a cup of Wheelhouse's coffee paired with Murf's homemade toppings and pancakes are the best pair. Along with some fun, of course.