January 1 – Emancipation Proclamation: President Lincoln declared all individuals held in slavery free on this day in 1863

January 4 – Louis Braille’s birthday: he was a French educator who created a reading and writing system known as “braille” for the visually impaired

January 6 – Feast of the Epiphany: this Christian feast day celebrates the star leading the three wise men.

January 15 – Makar Sankranti: Hindu festival dedicated to the god of the sun, Surya

January 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day: celebrates one of the best-known civil rights activists, Dr. MLK Jr.

January 17 - 7th Annual National Day of Racial Healing. On this day, individuals, organizations and communities across the U.S. come together to explore their common humanity and build the relationships necessary to create a more just and equitable world.

January 22 – Lunar New Year: this festival marks the start of the new year in the lunar calendar used in East Asia, Southeast Asia and elsewhere

January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day: an international day of commemoration in memory of victims of the Holocaust. An United Nations holiday that remembers the approximately 6 million Jewish victims as well as to continue efforts to prevent further genocides.Resources

January 30, 31 and Feb.1 The Feast of Ba’outha (ba-ooh-tha) in the Chaldean church, also known in English as the “Supplication of the Ninevites.” It’s always 3 weeks before the beginning of traditional Lent.

Come and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Farmington Public Schools and the Farmington Community Library

Racial healing through literature serves as a powerful and transformative means of fostering understanding, empathy, and reconciliation in our society. Literature has the unique ability to amplify diverse voices, share lived experiences, and illuminate the complexities of racial identity. By engaging with narratives that reflect a range of perspectives, readers are offered opportunities to confront biases, challenge stereotypes, and develop a deeper appreciation for the richness of human experiences. Thoughtful literature can bridge gaps in understanding, providing a platform for meaningful conversations about race, identity, and systemic injustices. Furthermore, through the exploration of diverse stories, readers can cultivate empathy, broaden their perspective, and contribute to a collective journey of healing that transcends individual narratives to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Here are book recommendations from our early learning experts to read aloud with your little one to learn about racial healing:

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

The Other Side by Jaqueline Woodson

When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson

Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

You Matter by Christian Robinson

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

How effectively is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy integrated into the educational curriculum to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of his contributions to civil rights and social justice?

In what ways is the community actively engaged in commemorating and furthering Dr. King's vision of justice, equality, and community service?

How are schools and community organizations promoting diversity and inclusion, aligning with Dr. King's principles, to create environments that embrace all individuals regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds?

To what extent are parents, teachers, and community leaders fostering social justice advocacy among students and community members, encouraging them to actively address issues of inequality and discrimination?

How are parents, teachers, and community leaders fostering open and honest dialogue about race, discrimination, and social justice issues to cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals of diverse backgrounds?