Our August 2021 diversity calendar highlights a variety of religious, ethnic, and cultural events taking place throughout the month. As the summer ends, look for ways to celebrate these events, whether learning about a diversity leader, or exploring a culture different from your own. August diversity days are some of the best ways to learn about diversity and be more inclusive.
Note: below is a small sampling of diversity events. To enjoy all 100+ events, inclusion tips and more, see our Diversity Calendar Suite
8/4: Barack Obama’s Birthday
Our August diversity month begins with the birthday of President #44 of the United States. During his eight years as president, Barack Obama focused on LGBT rights and healthcare reform. He has left a lasting legacy as being the first Black American to assume the presidency, and now runs the Obama Foundation with his wife and former First Lady, Michelle Obama. Diversity training is a great way to celebrate Obama’s efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
8/9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
Indigenous people are among our August diversity topics. In 1994, the UN General Assembly declared that August 9 would be International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The UN stated that on this day “people from around the world are encouraged to spread the UN’s message on the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples.”
8/10: Al-Hijri (New Year)
Our August multicultural calendar includes the Islamic New Year (also called the Arabic New Year or the Hijiri New Year). As a day in the Islamic calendar is defined as beginning at sunset, it begins the prior evening. Help your employees be more inclusive of Muslims and others with our online diversity training.
8/15: Feast of the Assumption
The Feast of the Assumption is included in our August multicultural holidays. It’s the feast day Roman Catholics use to celebrate the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, being assumed (both body and soul) into Heaven.
8/24: Marlee Matlin’s Birthday
August diversity days include the birthday of Marlee Matlin. She’s the first hearing-impaired actor to win the Oscar for Best Actor/Actress. She won the Academy Award at the age of 21, which also makes her the youngest winner in that category, for her performance in Children of a Lesser God.
8/26: Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day is intended to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote. To celebrate this August diversity event, consider…
- Donating to causes that support women’s equality
- Paying homage to significant women in your community
- Signing petitions to make it a federal holiday
- Making sure schools and libraries in your area have the history of women’s suffrage on their shelves
8/30: Janmashtami
Our August diversity celebrations conclude with Janmashtami, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. God Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. This is why it is celebrated in August-September.
Final thoughts
Thus concludes our August 2021 diversity calendar, complete with inspiring diversity topics and events. Whether you’re striving to make your workplace more inclusive or to expand your own understanding of diversity, thinking about diversity in terms of daily events can be a powerful way to connect with cultures far different from your own.
Ready to discover more? Explore next month with our September 2021 Diversity Calendar. Or Get a head start on the rest of the year with our 2021 Diversity Calendar.