November 2017 Diversity Calendar

by Logan Arlen

The November 2017 diversity calendar features a wide array of diversity events that span from the triumphs of Black Americans to the struggles of the transgender community.  It’s also National Native American Heritage Month, giving people in the US the opportunity to discover more about these historic people. Learning about the culture and customs of others is essential to truly respecting them.

See what diversity dates you missed last month in our October 2017 Blog post. Check out the full November diversity calendar here

Barack Obama

One of the most famous Black Americans in history and a symbol for our progress, Barack Obama is one of the most influential and respected men alive. November marks the day Obama was elected to become President of the United States, becoming the first Black American to ever be elected to the highest office. He is an iconic role model in the black community, and an inspiration for young men and women, proving that you can do anything no matter your skin color.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Each year since its creation in 1999, the Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who have been slain due to their sexual orientation. TDoR seeks to bring attention to the ongoing violence towards the transgender community. It’s celebrated in more than 20 countries around the world, and helps to shed light on the plight of the transgendered people. It’s essential for awareness these issues of violence affect not only the transgender community, but the entire LGBTQ community.

National Native American Heritage Month

Our Diversity Calendar for November 2017 features this monthly theme. Established by President George H. Bush in 1990, National American Indian Heritage Month gives a platform to indigenous Americans to share their traditions and cultures with the rest of the country. Another aim of this month is to extend opportunities for dialog between government and indigenous people,  address concerns and seeks solutions.

All Saints Day

This observance celebrates all saints, both known and unknown. This holiday stems from the belief in a spiritual bond between the living on Earth and spirits in heaven. Catholics believe the day commemorates those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. The main element of the holiday revolves around “giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints,” and those who have personally led the faith in Jesus.

 

Veterans Day/Armistice Day/ Remembrance Day

Veterans Day is an official US holiday to honor military veterans. Other countries celebrate Remembrance Day or Armistice Day as a mark of the anniversary of the end of World War 1. Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day in that it honors all Armed Forces veterans, while Memorial Day only honors those who died in service. Many business and government functions close during the holiday to show respect to the men and women who risk their lives to protect ours.

Mawlid

Otherwise known as Eid Milad Un Nabi, “Birth of the Prophet” is the observance of the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s Birthday. There are debates on the correct date of the holiday between Sunni Muslims and Shi’a Muslims. They believe the date is on the twelfth of Rabi’al-Awwal , or the seventeenth of Rabi’al-Awwal , respectively. Regardless of the actual date, this celebration is widely observed by Muslims. To learn more about Muslims and their beliefs, view cultural awareness and respect video.