February Awareness Months/Days

By Rebecca Liu ’25, Head Editor-in-Chief and Kat Willson ’26, Editor-in-Chief; Edited by Isabella Perco ’26, Staff Editor

Black History Month
Canada’s theme for Black History Month this year is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” This theme acknowledges the diversity of Black Canadians, the importance of Black leadership, and the legacy being built for future generations.

To hear from inspiring Black Ridley Alumni, go to Brie’s article “Black History Month: Connecting with Black Ridley Alumni” and to hear about notable Black Canadians, go to Chloe’s article “Black History Month - Noteable Canadians.”

Pink Shirt Day (February 26)

In Berwick, Nova Scotia, in 2007, a Grade 9 boy was bullied on his very first day of high school for simply wearing pink. Grade 12 students, David Shepherd, Travis Price, and their friends, witnessed this event and decided to take a stand. In an act of kindness, they went out to buy a bunch of pink shirts and handed them out to their classmates to wear in solidarity. Pink Shirt Day is now celebrated every year on the last Wednesday in February.

International Mother Language Day (February 21)

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the International Mother Language Day. By honouring native languages, the day aims to use the power of language to promote cultural understanding, respect, and tolerance. Especially as an estimated nine languages are lost every year, the honouring of linguistic diversity and unique expression of ideas through our many distinctive languages is essential to cultural preservation efforts.

Psychology Month

Every February, Canada celebrates the field of psychology, from talented psychologists and researchers to teaching normal Canadians how to live a healthier, happier month. Psychology is the study of behaviour, mental states, feelings, and actions. It is important because it allows us to better understand our behaviour and process our emotions, improving our decision-making to create healthier lives and communities. The theme for 2025 is women in science, with the Canadian Psychological Association highlighting notable female psychologists like Winny Shen, Jessica Strong, and Winnie Craig.