Below you’ll find a small sampling of our August diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.
August brings a season of change. For some people, it’s back to work and/or back to school. For others, it’s a relaxing time for vacation. Whatever August means to you, try challenging yourself by integrating August diversity days into your personal or work calendar. Celebrate a religious holiday you’ve never heard of or enjoy a book on a topic below.
August 4: Barack Obama’s Birthday
On August 4, we celebrate the birthday of the U.S.’ first Black president. Some of his most notable achievements include the Affordable Care Act, the Paris climate change agreement, and Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA). He was also awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
This day was created by the UN to celebrate the culture of indigenous people around the world. Here are a few recommendations to honor this August diversity celebration at your workplace…
- Educating yourself by listening to podcasts and radio programs that highlight indigenous voices
- Supporting indigenous artists
- Donating to indigenous-led solutions
- Taking action to protect indigenous land defenders
- Learning about indigenous language poetry
August 15: Feast of the Assumption
This Roman Catholic feast day is also known simply as “The Assumption.” It’s a holy day that marks the Virgin Mary’s bodily ascent into heaven at the end of her life. Depending on the country, this day may be celebrated by festivals, fireworks, and colorful street processions.
August 18: Birth of Lord Krishna
This August multicultural holiday is also called Janmashtami. It celebrates the birth of one of the most popular deities in the Hindu faith. People celebrate by fasting, singing hymns, visiting temples, preparing feasts, and praying together. Discover more interfaith events with our list of key religious holidays 2022.
August 24: Marlee Matlin’s Birthday
Marlee Matlin is the only hearing-impaired actor to win the Oscar for Best Actor or Best Actress. This is a big win for people with disabilities, and demonstrates the power of representation. Here are some ways you can be inclusive of deaf culture:
- Speak directly to people instead of their interpreter
- Look directly into the camera when speaking
- Make sure that only one person speaks at a time
- Take meeting minutes and have them distributed
August 26: Women’s Equality Day
Each year on August 26 we celebrate Women’s Equality Day. It commemorates American women gaining the right to vote in 1920. The date was proclaimed Women’s Equality Day by Congress in 1973. To celebrate, we suggest creating a women’s mentoring program at your office, donating to a women-focused cause, or enjoying a book on on your favorite iconic woman. Strengthen your workforce by fostering gender sensitivity and inclusion with our online diversity training
August 29: Al-Hijri
Al-Hijri marks the start of the New Year in the Muslim faith. It begins on the evening of August 28 and ends on the evening of August 29. To celebrate this religious holiday, Muslims will make resolutions and spend time with family. It’s important to note there’s a significant difference in how the holiday is celebrated between the two sects of Islam (Shiites and Sunnis).
August 31: Ganesh Chaturthi
Our August multicultural calendar includes Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of this god. Lord Ganesha is the god of new beginnings and a fresh start, and the festival normally lasts 10 days long. If you need a fresh beginning this August, consider learning more about this practice and celebrating the festival.
Final Thoughts
August is all about expanding your horizons! It’s never too late to start learning about diversity and integrating it into your life. Preview the rest of this year with our our D&I Calendar 2022, or get a head start next year with our Diversity Calendar 2023