DEIB Dates to Celebrate

Lunar New Year will begin on February 17, 2026, marketing the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. Celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others, Lunar New Year is a time for renewal, family connection, and gratitude. While customs differ by country and region, shared themes include welcoming good fortune, honoring ancestors, and celebrating community. The holiday is often associated with traditional foods, decorations, music, and festivals that symbolize new beginnings and harmony.

At Hamlin Robinson School, Lunar New Year is recognized as a time to celebrate cultural diversity and learning. The observance encourages students to appreciate the variety of traditions that make up this vibrant holiday while fostering respect and curiosity. Classroom activities may include reading folktales, exploring cultural symbolism, and learning greetings in multiple languages. The focus is on awareness, belonging, and appreciation for the global traditions that celebrate renewal and hope at the start of the new year.

Black History Month will be observed throughout February 2026. Established nationally in 1976, this month recognizes the achievements, resilience, and cultural contributions of Black and African American individuals and communities. It provides an opportunity to learn about the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations through education, storytelling, and reflection. The observance encourages awareness of both historical figures and contemporary leaders whose work continues to shape the arts, sciences, politics, education, and social justice.

At Hamlin Robinson School, Black History Month is a time to honor the creativity, strength, and leadership of Black Americans while exploring the ongoing pursuit of equity and inclusion. Classroom activities may include highlighting the work of inventors, artists, writers, and activists; studying African and African American cultural traditions; and discussing how diversity and community enrich our world. The observance focuses on learning, respect, and recognition of the contributions of Black Americans in shaping national and global progress. It also invites reflection on how every individual can help create a more just and inclusive future.

As we close out Black History Month, our Middle School community was honored to welcome Brent Hall to campus. The younger brother of the late Middle School math instructor Hayden Hall, Brent’s connection to HRS added a personal depth to his visit. He spoke openly about his journey in hydroplane racing, from the childhood spark that first drew him to the sport to the setbacks, risks, and victories that shaped him along the way. Students were fully engaged as he described the discipline and resilience required to pursue ambitious goals, offering a grounded reminder that progress is built through steady effort and self-belief.

At the center of Brent’s story was the theme of representation and possibility. He shared that the watershed moment in his career came when he crossed paths with Harold Mills, a trailblazer and the first African American hydroplane racer to compete at Seafair. Seeing someone who ‘looked like me’ thriving in the sport ignited a fire within him and expanded his sense of what was possible. That moment of visibility changed his trajectory. For our Middle School students, this message connects directly to the HRS mission to nurture each learner’s potential in an environment where they are seen and supported. When young people encounter examples of excellence that reflect who they are, new pathways begin to feel attainable.

At HRS, students in Lower School and Middle School attended assemblies that focused on the significance of music as a means of expression to give people a voice. Lyrics for songs by Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, and Tupac Shakur were presented for students to listen, reflect, and discuss.

"Music makes you feel like you belong, like being seen and heard. It helps turn intense, complex themes of emotions into a more digestible form. There was a moment that felt empowering and brought a light to things that people don't often think about like themes of discrimination or marginalized issues." — Level 8, Middle School student response to the related question of the day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed on January 19, 2026. The day honors the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose work advanced the civil rights movement through nonviolence, justice, and equality. It serves as a national moment to reflect on courage, service, and the pursuit of fairness for all people. Designated as a federal holiday in 1983, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is often described as a "day on, not a day off," encouraging communities to engage in acts of service, reflection, and education.

At Hamlin Robinson School, Marting Luther King, Jr. Day is recognized as an opportunity for students to learn about Dr. King's contributions and to connect his vision to ongoing efforts toward equity and belonging. Classroom activities might include reading age-appropriate excerpts from Dr. King's speeches, exploring stories of ordinary people who worked for change, or creating service projects that build empathy and understanding. The observance of promotes awareness, unity, and responsibility, reminding students that justice and kindness are active commitments practiced every day.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Reflections by Hamlin Robinson School

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

“Unity does not erase our differences. Instead, it lifts them into harmony, so that together we move closer to the goal of freedom and justice for everyone.” — HRS Faculty Member

The Dream Reflections project is a continuation of last year’s Dr. King’s video that linked our dyslexia and language-based learning difference mission. Dream Reflections presents the opportunity for both our Lower School and Middle School, along with staff and faculty to reflect on their lived experiences.

“In 2026, this work is very important. While Dr. King’s speech occurred in 1963, his words, while about Black equality then, now extends to address equality for everyone. His words resonate across all walks of life,” said Jonathan Lee, Director of Equity and Belonging.

Through thoughtful engagement with Dr. King’s legacy, students experienced the power of naming their dreams. They were invited to submit a single word that embodies their dream for either themselves, the school, their community, or the world. To accompany their dream word, they were asked to include a sentence that shares the meaning behind their chosen word. The collection of dream words was then arranged around an image of Dr. King for a visual manifestation to be experienced by our HRS community during school assemblies. Words are distinguished by all capital letters for staff and faculty, cursive for Middle School students, and lowercase for Lower School students.

The words that emerged from this Dream Reflections’ project are inspiring and a strong reflection of HRS’s community values. Dreams that rose to top in frequency were peace, equality, kindness, fairness, and respect. Additionally, there were themes that manifested in the following areas:

• Human value and ethics
• Community and Togetherness
• Basic Needs and Well-Being
• Personal Growth
• Careers in Service Professions
• Nature and Environmental Stewardship
• Animals
• Athletics

Students submitted statements about their dream words that evoked community engagement—from being a famous soccer player to give money back to their community, to learning to read better in order to graduate from college to then serve as a political leader in our country, to being able to be someone who can create equity for others.

“This collective art is representative of our students’ voices. Their participation is an exercise in self-advocacy by advocating their dream desires,” said Mr. Lee.

The Dream Reflections project is the ongoing work of connecting our students to their lived experiences and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We invite you to watch our video honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from last year.

Celebration Date: September 23, 2025

Rosh Hashanah (“Head of the Year”) marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar year and opens the 10-day period often called the High Holy Days. For many, it is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection with community and family. Observances vary widely — some focus on religious practices, others on cultural traditions, and many blend the two. 

Rosh Hashanah is often seen as “a doorway” to growth — a chance to begin again, not with perfection, but with intention. 

Common Traditions 

• Family and community gatherings: Sharing meals and spending time together. 

• Symbolic foods: Apples dipped in honey to represent hopes for a sweet and positive year. 

• Shofar sounding: In some communities, a ram’s horn (shofar) is blown to mark the occasion. 

• Personal reflection: Setting intentions, mending relationships, and planning for the year ahead. 

Celebration Date: October 2, 2025

Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”) takes place ten days after Rosh Hashanah and concludes the High Holy Days. It is one of the most significant days in the Jewish calendar, focusing on self-assessment and personal growth. 

For many, Yom Kippur is a day of reflection, restoration, and renewal. Some engage through prayer and tradition, while others observe culturally or personally. It is often viewed as “a mirror and a turning point” — an opportunity for clarity, accountability, and starting fresh. 

Common Traditions 

• Quiet reflection or services: Attending community gatherings or taking personal time for contemplation. 

• Fasting: A 25-hour fast is observed in many communities, though participation varies. 

• Wearing white: Symbolizes renewal and a fresh start in some traditions. 

• Closing rituals: Concluding with a final service or personal moment marking transition into the new year. 

Celebration Dates: September 15 - October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It highlights achievements across politics, education, science, the arts, business, and the military, while celebrating diverse traditions, languages, and heritage. Hispanic identity is multilayered, reflecting Indigenous, African, and European roots. 

Why September 15? 

The observance begins on September 15, marking the shared Independence Day of five Latin American countries that declared independence from Spain in 1821: 

• Costa Rica – September 15, 1821 

• El Salvador – September 15, 1821 

• Guatemala – September 15, 1821 

• Honduras – September 15, 1821 

• Nicaragua – September 15, 1821 

Other significant dates nearby: 

• Mexico began its independence struggle on September 16, 1810, and it was officially recognized in 1821. 

• Chile declared independence on September 18, 1810. 

Understanding the Terms: Hispanic, Latinx, and Latine 

Hispanic 
Refers to people who come from, or whose ancestors come from, Spanish-speaking countries (primarily Spain and Latin America). The term is widely recognized and often used in government, education, and media. It provides a clear linguistic connection through the Spanish language. The term excludes people from Latin America who speak Portuguese (such as Brazil) or Indigenous languages. It is linked to colonial history because it centers Spain rather than Indigenous, African, or mixed cultural roots. Some consider it too broad to reflect diverse identities. 

Latinx 
A gender-neutral term for people of Latin American origin or descent, created as an alternative to the masculine Latino and feminine Latina. It includes all genders, including nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals. It emphasizes roots in Latin America rather than just Spanish language and is used in many academic, activist, and progressive spaces. The term is less familiar in everyday conversation and can be linguistically awkward in Spanish because of the “x” ending. Surveys show that it is not the most commonly used self-identity among people of Latin American descent. 

Latine 
A newer, gender-inclusive alternative to Latino/Latina that is easier to pronounce in Spanish. It includes all genders and uses the “e” vowel sound, making it accessible for Spanish speakers. It has been increasingly embraced within Spanish-speaking communities. The term is less recognized in mainstream U.S. usage compared to Hispanic or Latino/Latina and is still evolving in broader awareness. 

Key Distinction: 

• Hispanic focuses on language (Spanish-speaking heritage). 

• Latinx/Latine focus on geography and inclusivity (all of Latin America, gender-neutral). 

Best Practice: Many people identify differently — Hispanic, Latino/a, Latine, Chicano/a, or by their family’s specific country of origin. Respecting individual preference is central to cultural humility.