Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

August

Specific Dates

• August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples,  observed to raise awareness to protect the social, economic, and political rights of the indigenous communities.

• August 12:  International Youth Day is dedicated to the role young women and men play in bringing change in tackling global issues and achieving sustainable development. It also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world's youth.

• August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples.

• August 26: Women’s Equality Day, commemorates the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920, granting all American women the right to vote.

Religious Holidays

• August 3:  Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)

• August 7:  Ashura (Islanic)

• August 13:  Obon (Buddhist)

• August 18:  Krishna Janmashtami/Jayanti  (Hindu)

• August 28: Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (Sikh, Hindu)  

September

Month Long Recognitions

Hispanic Heritage Month -  Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for 5 Latin American countries:  Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Lasting until  October 15, it celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Specific Dates

• September 5: Labor Day, a federal holiday that honors the American labour movement and the contributions that workers have made to society.

• September 11: Grandparents’ Day, established to honor grandparents for the love and support they provide to their grandchildren, with a presidential proclamation signed by president Jimmy Carter in 1978.

Religious Holidays

• September 25-27:  Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)

• September 26 - October 5:  Navaratri (Hindu)

October

Month Long Recognitions

Hispanic Heritage Month -  Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for 5 Latin American countries:  Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Lasting until  October 15, it celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Filipino American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Filipino Americans.

German American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of German Americans.

Global Diversity Awareness Month - A month to celebrate and increase awareness about the diversity of cultures and ethnicities and the positive impact diversity can have on society.

Italian American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Italian Americans.

LGBTQIA+ History Month - It is dedicated to recognizing important moments and individuals in the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month - This observance was launched in 1945 when Congress declared the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a month and renamed. The annual event draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.

Polish American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Polish Americans.

Specific Dates

• October 10: World Mental Health Day, first celebrated in 1993,  is meant to increase public awareness about the importance of mental health, mental health services, and mental health workers worldwide.

• October 10: National Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizes that Native people are the first inhabitants of the Americas, including the lands that later became the United States of America. And it urges Americans to rethink history.

• October 10: Columbus Day, is a holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.

• October 24:  United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

Religious Holidays

• October 4-5:  Yom Kippur (Jewish)

• October 5: Daussehra (Hindu)

• October 7-8:  Mawlid Al-Nabi/Milad Al-Nabi (Islamic)

• October 9-16:  Sukkot (Jewish)

• October 16-18:  Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)

• October 17-18:  Simchat Torah (Jewish)

• October 24: Diwali (Hindu/Sikh)

• October 24:  Bandi-Chhor Divas (Sikh)

• October 25-26:  Birth of the Báb (Bahá'í)

• October 26-27: Birth of Baháʼu'lláh (Bahá'í)

• October 31:  Reformation Day (Christian)

November

Month Long Recognitions

National Family Caregivers Month - Proclaimed in 2012 by Former President Barack Obama, it honors the more than 40 million caregivers across the country who support aging parents, ill spouses, or other loved ones with disabilities who remain at home.

National Native American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Native Americans.

Specific Dates

• November 8:  US Election Day is the annual day set by law for the general elections of federal public officials.

• November 11: Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans. The date is also celebrated as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, in other parts of the world and commemorates the ending of World War I in 1918.

• November 16:  International Day for Tolerance pays tribute to the values of peace, non-violence and equality on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi..

• November 19: International Men’s Day emphasizes the important issues affecting males, including health issues that affect males, improving the relations between genders, highlighting the importance of male role models, and promoting gender equality. This holiday is celebrated in over 70 countries.

• November 20:  World Children’s Day, first established in 1954, it promotes international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.

• November 20:  Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and draws attention to the continued violence endured by transgender people.

• November 24:  Thanksgiving Day is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.

• November 25: Native American Heritage Day, designated by President George W. Bush in 2008, to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions to the United States. Since then more than half of the states continue to celebrate this day.

Religious Holidays

• November 1:  All Saint’s Day (Christian)

• November 2:  All Soul’s Day (Christian)

• November 8:  Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab (Sikh)

• November 24:  Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day (Sikh)

• November 26:  Day of the Covenant (Bahá'í)

• November 30 - December 24:  Advent (Christian)

December

Specific Dates

• December 1: World AIDS Day, commemorates those who have died of AIDS and acknowledges the need for a continued commitment to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

• December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities, designed to raise awareness in regards to persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.

• December 10: International Human Rights Day, established by the United Nations in 1948 to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• December 15:  Bill of Rights Day celebrates America's Constitution and the framework of society that ascribes rights and freedoms to society.

• December 26 - January 1: Kwanzaa, an African-American cultural celebration started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American culture and connect to their African roots and heritage.

Religious Holidays

• December 6: St. Nicholas Day (Orthodox Christian)

• December 8: Bodhi Day (Buddist)

• December 18 - December 26:  Hanukkah/Chanukah (Jewish)

• December 24:  Christmas Eve (Christian)

• December 25:  Christmas Day (Christian)

• December 25: Christmas (Feast of the Nativity of Christ) (Orthodox Christian)

January

Month Long Recognitions

Poverty In America Awareness Month -  This month of observation draws attention to the poverty epidemic and to warn of its long-lasting effects on individuals, local communities, and our larger society.

Specific Dates

• January 1: New Year’s Day, the first day of the year according to the modern Gregorian calendar, is celebrated within most Western countries.

• January 4: World Braille Day, observed to raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people. Celebrated on Louis Braille’s birthday, the inventor of braille.

• January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.,  observed on the third Monday of January.

• January 27: UN Holocaust Memorial Day is held on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.

Religious Holidays

• January 6:  Epiphany (Christian)

• January 6: Theophany (Feast of the Baptism of Christ) (Orthodox Christian)

• January 7:  Christmas (Orthodox)

• January 7 :  Mahayana New Year (Buddist)

• January 20:  Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Birthday (Sikh)

• January 22: Lunar New Year (Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist)

• January 13:  Lohri - Maghi (Sikh)

• January 15:  Makar Sankranti (Hindu)

• January 15:  World Religion Day (Bahá'í)

February

Month Long Recognitions

Black History Month - This month celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors contributions, of people of the African diaspora.

Specific Dates

• February 1: National Freedom Day, celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1865.

• February 20: Presidents Day, a federally recognized celebration in the United States of George Washington’s birthday, as well as every president proceeding Washington.

• February 20:  World Day of Social Justice, celebrated to raise a voice against social injustice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, and human rights.

Religious Holidays

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  February 2: Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Orthodox Christian)

• February 5-6: Tu B'Shevat (Jewish)

• February 15:  Nirvana (Buddist)

• February 18: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)

• February 21:  Shrove Tuesday (Christian)

• February 22:  Ash Wednesday (Christian)

• February 27:  Clean Monday (Eastern Christian)

• February 27: Beginning of Great Lent  (Orthodox Christian)

March

Month Long Recognitions

Irish American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors contributions, of Irish Americans.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - This was established to increase awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month - It was established to raise public awareness of the autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and assist those with multiple sclerosis in making informed decisions about their health care.

Women’s History Month - Started in 1987, Women’s History Month recognizes all women for their valuable contributions to history and society.

Specific Dates

• March 8: International Women’s Day, first observed in 1911 in Germany, it has become a major global celebration honoring women’s economic, political and social achievements.

• March 21:  World Down’s Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

• March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually in the wake of the 1960 killing of 69 people at a demonstration against apartheid pass laws in Soth Africa. The United Nations proclaimed the day in 1966 and called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

• March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a United Nations international observation that offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. First observed in 2008, the international day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.

• March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated to bring awareness to transgender people and their identities and recognize those who helped fight for rights for transgender people.

Religious Holidays

• March 1:  Ayyám-i-Há (Bahá'í)

• March 1-20: Nineteen Day Fast (Bahá'í)

• March 6:  Magha Puja (Buddhist)

• March 6 - 7:  Purim (Jewish)

• March 8:  Holi (Hindu)

• March 8-10:  Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

• March 22 - April 21:  Ramadan (Islamic)

• March 25: Feast of Annunciation (Orthodox Christian)

• March 30:  Rama Navami (Hindu)

April

Month Long Recognitions

Autism Awareness Month - This was established to raise awareness about the developmental disorder that affects an individual's normal development of social and communication skills.

Celebrate Diversity Month - It started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, organizers hope that people will get a deeper understanding of each other.

Month of the Military Child - This honors the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas

National Arab American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Arab Americans.

National Volunteer Month - It was started in 1991 to encourage volunteerism at a young age. By volunteering, people can help save lives and create better environments for us all to live within. Thanking volunteers, such as volunteer fire and ambulance departments, is also an aspect of the celebration.

Specific Dates

• April 2: World Autism Awareness Day, created to raise awareness of the developmental disorder around the globe.

• April 14:  Day of Silence spreads awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students.

• April 22: Earth Day promotes world peace and sustainability of the planet. Events are held globally to show support for the environmental protection of the Earth.

Religious Holidays

• April 2: Palm Sunday (Christian)

• April 4: Memorial of Jesus' Death (Jehovah's Witness)

• April 5 - 13:  Passover/Pesach (Jewish)

• April 6:  Theravada New Year (Buddhist)

• April 6: Holy Thursday (Christian)

• April 7: Good Friday (Christian)

• April 8:  Visakha Puja (Buddhist)

• April 9:  Easter (Christian)

• April 9: Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian)

• April 14:  Vaisakhi/Baisakhi (Hindu/Sikh)

• April 16: Easter (Orthodox)

• April 16: Pascha (Orthodox Christian)

• April 17 - 18:  Yom Hashoah (Jewish)

• April 17:  Lailat or Laylat Al-Qadr (Islamic)

• April 20 - May 2:  Festival of Riḍván (Bahá'í)

• April 21-22:  Eid Al Fitr (Islamic)

May

Month Long Recognitions

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - This commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks on the project were Chinese immigrants.

Haitan Heritage Month - Celebrated as an expansion of Haitan Flag Day, this recognizes the heritage and culture, as well as honors contributions, of Haitian Americans.

Jewish American Heritage Month - Held in May due to the highly successful celebration of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History  2004, this month recognizes the diverse contributions of the Jewish people to American culture.

Mental Health Awareness Month (or Mental Health Month) - This aims to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses.

Older Americans Month - This was established in 1963 to honor the legacies and contributions of older Americans and to support them as they enter their next stage of life.

Better Hearing and Speech Hearing Month - This annual event provides an opportunity to raise awareness about hearing and speech problems, and to encourage people to think about their own hearing and get their hearing checked.

Specific Dates

• May 14: Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.

• May 15: International Day of Families is annually observed by the United Nations across the world to highlight the important affairs central to the welfare of families, such as health, education, gender equality, rights for children, and social inclusion among others.

• May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day set aside by the United Nations as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together in harmony.

• May 29: Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who have died in the course of carrying out their duties.

Religious Holidays

• May 4:  National Day of Prayer (US- Interfaith)

• May 8 - 9:  Lag BaOmer (Jewish)

• May 18:  Ascension Day (Christian)

• May 23-24:  Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í)

• May 25-27:  Shavuot (Jewish)

• May 25: Feast of the Ascension of Christ  (Orthodox Christian)

• May 28-29:  Ascension of Baháʼu'lláh (Bahá'í)

• May 28: Pentecost (Christian)

June

Month Long Recognitions

Caribbean American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of Caribbean Americans.

Immigrant Heritage Month - Established in June 2014, giving people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America. It celebrates immigrants across the United States and their contributions to their local communities and economy.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender+ (LGBTQ+) Pride Month - Established to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on the world. LGBT groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other group gatherings. The last Sunday in June is Gay Pride Day.

Specific Dates

• June 14: Flag Day in the United States, observed to celebrate the history and symbolism of the American flag.

• June 15: Native American Citizenship Day, commemorating the day in 1924 when the U.S. Congress passed legislation recognizing the citizenship of Native Americans.

• June 19: Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is observed as a public holiday in 14 U.S. states. This celebration honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas and Louisiana finally heard they were free, two months after the Civil War. June 19, therefore, became the day of emancipation for thousands of African-Americans.

• June 18: Father’s Day is a celebration honoring the father of the family or individual, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

• June 20: World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe and celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Religious Holidays

• June 1:  Ascension (Orthodox)

• June 4: Feast of Pentecost  (Orthodox Christian)

• June 5: Pentecost (Orthodox)

• June 28-29:  Eid Al-Adha (Islamic)

July

Month Long Recognitions

French American Heritage Month - This celebrates the heritage and culture, as well as honors the contributions of French Americans..

Specific Dates

• July 4:  Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776.

• July 26:  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, 1990.

Religious Holidays

• July 3:  Asala - Dharma (Buddhist)

• July 9:  Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá'í)

• July 18-19: Al-Hijra/Muharram (Islamic)