In Medford, Monday, Feb. 16

Good morning, Medford. Today is Presidents' Day, a holiday that was originally founded to honor George Washington but has since become the day to recognize all U.S. presidents.

This is also school vacation week, so all Medford public schools are closed.

February is Black History Month, and the city of Medford is hosting a celebration at City Hall today. You can read more about that below, but did you ever wonder why February was chosen as the month to celebrate Black history? In an article on the website of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which founded Black History Month, former ASALH National President Daryl Michael Scott explains it is partly because two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history were born in February. They are Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively. But, there is a lot more to the story. Check it out here:

ASALH - The Founders of Black History Month | The Origins of Black History Month

The story of Black History Month begins in Chicago during the summer of 1915. An alumnus of the University of Chicago with many friends in the city, Carter G. Woodson traveled from Washington, D.C. to participate in a national celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation sponsored by the state of Illinois.

ASALH | The Founders of Black History Month (est. 1915)

Happening today in Medford

Black history celebration at City Hall from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. City Hall is closed for business, but all are welcome to “Celebrating a Century of Black History Commemorations.” It will include music, food, visual arts, games, and more.

Public skating at Loconte Rink from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Senior Center activities: Lots happening for seniors today. Gentle yoga at 10 a.m., poetry at 10:30 a.m., chair yoga at 11 a.m., country line dancing at 12:45 p.m., and a Latin dance class at 2 p.m.

Make a snowman: The snow is mushy and perfect for making snowmen and all manner of snow creatures. Use your imagination, and send us a photo of your creation. Email to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in our newsletter.

In case you missed it

Congratulations to Medford 8th-graders Jovie LeFleur and Allie Materazzo, who will be the city's ambassadors to Project 351, a nonprofit that teaches students how to be leaders, build unity, and cultivate kindness through service.

Medford eighth-graders excited about participating in Project 351

Jovie LeFleur and Allie Materazzo will be Medford’s ambassadors to Project 351, a nonprofit that teaches eighth graders how to be leaders, build unity and cultivate kindness through service.

Gotta Know MedfordNell Escobar Coakley | Staff Writer