The heritage calendar highlights holidays and observances related to diversity and equity. It also serves to foster awareness about social injustices impacting marginalized communities.
Heritage Events
- Event
- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
- Description
- A month dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and slavery.
- Event
- Human Trafficking Awareness Day
- Description
- An annual observance to share education about how to identify and prevent human trafficking.
- Event
- World Religion Day
- Description
- A day focused on fostering communication and empathy between all religious people. Events are rooted in emphasizing that religion is the motivating force for unity.
- Event
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Description
- This event is to honor the legacy of Dr. King and ongoing civil rights efforts. People are asked to reflect on racial equality and the impact of nonviolent social movements.
- Event
- Black History Month
- Description
- An annual observance to pay tribute to and recognize Black Americans who made significant contributions to the US and the rest of the world.
- Event
- Ethnic Equality Month
- Description
- This event is to honor the similarities that people have as well as acknowledge and respect the differences each of us has in regards to traditions and values.
- Event
- Lunar New Year
- Description
- Also called Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is an annual festival celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, South Korea, and Vietnam, to bring the first new moon of the lunar calendar and end the first full moon 15 days later.
- Event
- Lent
- Description
- It is a 40-day Christian period of preparation that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends before Easter Sunday. Lent is marked by fasting from food and festivities.
- Event
- World Day of Social Justice
- Description
- This international day shows awareness of the need to promote action against social injustices, including poverty, exclusion, gender equality, unemployment, social protection, and human rights. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes the inequality within social development and social justice that restrains achievement and maintenance of peace and security among nations.
- Event
- Social Work Month
- Description
- A month-long celebration of the field of social work. During this time, we learn more about the contributions of the profession and appreciate all the social workers one may know or come across.
- Event
- Women’s History Month
- Description
- Women’s History Month encourages and commemorates the observance and celebration of women through US history across all spectrums. This month highlights the contributions women have made within our contemporary society.
- Event
- International Women’s Day
- Description
- A global holiday that celebrates the cultural, social, economic, and political impact and accomplishments of women. It also calls to attention accelerated gender parities, as well as women’s rights and equality.
- Event
- Passover
- Description
- A major and sacred Jewish holiday that honors the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt from the Hebrew Bible books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It’s a week-long celebration with rituals and traditions.
- Event
- Equal Pay Day
- Description
- This is a symbolic day that raises awareness of the wage gap between genders, as well as race.
- Event
- International Transgender Day of Visibility
- Description
- We celebrate the day annually to recognize the courage and authenticity of transgender and gender nonconforming people in the discrimination and violence they face worldwide. This day also marks advocacy in trans justice.
- Event
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Description
- This month-long appreciation recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans across the country. It also shows awareness of the divine heritage and culture of Arab Americans.
- Event
- Celebrate Diversity Month
- Description
- Since 2004, April honors the diversity surrounding our society by celebrating the differences and similarities in hopes for others to have a deeper understanding of one another.
- Event
- Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM)
- Description
- SAAM speaks upon the awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. This annual campaign educates communities and individuals on preventing sexual violence. The liturgical color is teal.
- Event
- World Autism Awareness Day
- Description
- This day aims to recognize accepting and understanding people with Autism to foster inclusivity and gain support worldwide.
- Event
- Easter
- Description
- A Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is followed by Good Friday, another Christian holiday, and concludes Lent.
- Event
- World Health Day
- Description
- This is a global health awareness held under the World Health Organization and other related organizations to draw attention to important topics regarding global health.
- Event
- Day of Silence
- Description
- A national student-led day where the LGBTQ+ community and allies across the country take time of silence to protest against the harmful discrimination and harassment of LGBTQ+ people in school.
- Event
- Ramadan
- Description
- A holy month of prayer, reflection, and fasting for Muslims. Followers of Islam commemorate when Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran, the sacred book for Muslims.
- Event
- Holocaust Rememberance Day
- Description
- An international observance dedicated to honoring the victims of the Holocaust and Nazism. It takes place on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau each year.
- Event
- Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Description
- This month-long celebration commemorates the rich heritage and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that shaped US History and recognizes AAPI influence through culture and achievements.
- Event
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- Description
- An annual recognition and celebration of Jewish Americans and their achievements and contribution to the US through science, government, culture, etc.
- Event
- National Mental Health Awareness Month
- Description
- This month-long effort has been observed in May within the US since 1949. The national movement raises awareness on mental health to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies regarding mental health services and treatment.
- Event
- South Asian American Heritage Month
- Description
- May recognizes the heritage of people with roots in South Asian countries. The month celebrates the culture, presence, beliefs, and influence of South Asian Americans within the US.
- Event
- Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
- Description
- Each May is a time to raise awareness about communication disorders and available treatment options that can improve the quality of life for those who experience challenges speaking or hearing.
- Event
- National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls
- Description
- A day created in response to the murder of Hanna Harris on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the abductions and killings of Native women across the United States.
- Event
- Eid al-Fitr
- Description
- Also called “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” this religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. This is the only day of the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.
- Event
- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
- Description
- This day is developed by the United Nations to recognize a multitude of cultures globally and acknowledges diversity injustices in hopes of achieving peace and sustainable development.
- Event
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- Description
- Every June, this is a celebration for the awareness, advocacy, dignity, equality, self-affirmation, and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. This month continues the LGBTQ+ rights movement that opposes shame and social stigma.
- Event
- National Caribbean American Heritage Month
- Description
- This month-long celebration began in 2005, and it commemorates the significance of Caribbean People and their descendants in the history and culture of the US.
- Event
- Juneteenth
- Description
- Also known as Freedom Day, Julie Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. It is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who have been enslaved in the US.
- Event
- Rosh Hashanah
- Description
- Translation meaning “Head of the Year,” this two-day long holiday is the Jewish New Year or the Feast of Trumpets. It commemorates the creation of the world.
- Event
- Yom Kippur
- Description
- It is known as the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, which focuses on atonement and repentance. Practicing Jews traditionally observe this with a day-long fast, intensive prayer, and spending most of the holiday in synagogue services.
- Event
- Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month
- Description
- This nationwide celebration recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans on the culture, history, and achievements of the United States. The significant day of September 15 is the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
- Event
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Description
- This month brings attention to domestic violence and advocates for efforts to end these injustices. Purple is the symbolic color to raise awareness.
- Event
- National Deaf Awareness Month
- Description
- A month focused on supporting and celebrating the D/deaf community by raising awareness about issues, people, and culture.
- Event
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- Description
- Its purpose is to raise awareness of Down syndrome and advocate for the inclusion and understanding of people with Down syndrome. Blue and Yellow represent the colors for awareness.
- Event
- Filipino American Heritage Month
- Description
- October celebrates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the US and recognizes the influence and contribution of Filipino Americans within the history, culture, and accomplishments of the United States.
- Event
- LGBTQ+ Heritage Month
- Description
- October is dedicated to education about LGBTQ+ history and the history of LGBTQ+ rights, as well as other related civil movements.
- Event
- National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month
- Description
- A national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and commemorates the many contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
- Event
- World Mental Health Day
- Description
- An international day for global mental health education and awareness, as well as advocacy against the social stigma. It was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health.
- Event
- National Coming Out Day
- Description
- An annual awareness day to support the LGBTQ+ community and encourage more individuals to “come out of the closet.”
- Event
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Description
- A holiday that celebrates and honors Indigenous people, as well as commemorates their histories and culture. It is usually celebrated on the second Monday in October.
- Event
- Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
- Description
- A Mexican holiday where families welcome back and remember the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion, which includes food, drinks, and celebration. It is also associated with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which are observed on November 1st and 2nd.
- Event
- Native American & Indigenous Heritage Month
- Description
- This annual holiday acknowledges the significant contributions that the first Americans made to the establishment of the US. It also celebrates the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of Indigenous people.
- Event
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Description
- This day is observed annually to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. It brings attention to the continued violence transgender people endure.
- Event
- World AIDS Day
- Description
- An international observance dedicated to spreading awareness of the AIDS pandemic and the fight against HIV. It is also an opportunity to support those living with HIV and commemorate those who have died, as well as call for action against stigma. Red represents AIDS awareness.
- Event
- Universal Human Rights Month
- Description
- This observance encourages people across the world to unite and advocate for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. It also honors the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a document stating the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all humans are entitled.
- Event
- Human Rights Day
- Description
- Since 1948, this celebration coincides with Universal Human Rights month and honors the United Nations General Assembly adopting and proclaiming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
- Event
- International Day for People with Disability
- Description
- The worldwide observance mobilizes support for critical issues regarding inclusivity of persons with disabilities, brings attention to the benefits of an accessible society for all, and raises awareness of disability issues.
- Event
- Hanukkah
- Description
- An annual Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the recovery of Jerusalem, during the second century BCE. Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew and is also known as the Festival of Lights.
- Event
- Christmas
- Description
- This annual festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed as a religious and cultural celebration by billions of people around the world.
- Event
- Kwanzaa
- Description
- An annual celebration that honors African heritage, culture, and unity. It culminates in gift-giving and a communal feast called Karamu, held on the sixth day.