For the most current events, see our April 2021 Diversity Calendar
Below you’ll find a small sampling of this month’s diversity events. To view all 100+ events and religious observances, see our Diversity Calendar suite.
March can still be a bit chilly, but you can always count on April to bring more sunshine! The month brings the blooming of flowers – and the celebration of numerous religious holidays and recognition of diversity.
Our April 2020 diversity calendar focuses on a variety of significant religious holidays as well as some multicultural events. Here are some big dates to keep in mind.
Celebrate Diversity Month
One of the top April diversity celebrations! Our country would not be what it is if it weren’t for the diversity that defines us. The people all around you — your neighbors, best friends, classmates, fellow citizens, and coworkers — all come from various walks of life. April is the month to recognize and honor them. Looking for a good way to celebrate? Perhaps pick another holiday from the list below and learn more about it. And to help your employees be more aware and inclusive, check out our online diversity training.
4/4: Maya Angelou’s Birthday
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made the feel.” Our April diversity days including the birthday of a true diversity leader, Maya Angelou. She’s remembered for being a writer, poet, civil rights activist, Renaissance women, and winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a Black American, Angelou gained international recognition and acclaim for her work. In her honor, search online for a poem or two of hers (or check out one of her books from the library!).
4/8: The Birth of Buddha
April diversity topics include a number of religious observances. Around the world, more than 535 million people are Buddhist. Yet it all started with a single prince who turned into a monk. Named Siddhartha Gautama, he realized that peace could be found through spiritual discipline. Thus he renounced his worldly life and sought a spiritual quest. For more interfaith events, see our religious calendar 2020.
4/9: Passover Begins
April diversity events also include Passover, a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days. It marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Passover begins the previous evening with a Seder, or a meal, where the Haggadah (the book of Exodus and related writings) are recited in order. During this holiday, it is forbidden to eat leavened food products (think bread, pasta, etc.). If you’ve never tried matzah, give it a try during this week to recognize Passover! This is an unleavened bread that Jewish families often eat during this time.
4/12: Easter
Christians (except Greek Orthodox) will celebrate Easter on this day. This is the most important Christian holiday in the world’s largest religion. Easter always falls on Sunday, with the preceding Friday the day Jesus was crucified. Then, according to scripture, “On the third day He rose again from the dead.” The third day is Easter Sunday, and Christians rejoice!
4/24: Ramadan
Our April multicultural calendar includes the first day of Ramadan, which is considered the holiest month of the Muslim year. During this month, no water or food may be taken from sunrise to sunset. It is during this month that the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad by Allah. If you are curious about the fasting process that Muslims undertake during Ramadan, try it for a day!
4/23: Native American Gathering of Nations
Our April multicultural month concludes with this event, at which over 500 tribes will gather for three days to honor the culture of Native Americans. It is an annual gathering, and tribes travel from both the United States and Canada to participate. There are different events like dance competitions, Miss Indian World, knowledge of tribal traditions, and Indian Traders Markets for different crafts and art.
April is absolutely blossoming with diversity days and events! Our April multicultural calendar speaks to the variety of different topics and celebrations occurring this month. Get a head start on next month, with our May 2020 Diversity Calendar. If you’re curious for what else is coming up, check out our 2020 Diversity Calendar.
