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.
This harvest month continues your path towards diversity and inclusion in your workspace with our Diversity Calendar. The dog days of summer are upon us. Taking some time to learn about important celebrations and days in August allows you to further expand your cultural knowledge bank.
In our monthly samples, we aim to share August awareness days, August diversity days, August heritage months, August high holy days, August religious holidays, and religious festivals.
Celebrated Themes
National Black Business Month
Celebrate Black-owned businesses that make up nearly 10% of all American businesses. Seize the opportunity to support an underrepresented community, focusing on issues related to capital and generational wealth.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
This awareness month is dedicated to learning about the neurodegenerative disorder that leads to involuntary muscle movements. Early detection is key for improved long-term health. Recent advancements have led to the first FDA-approved therapy for the disorder.
Monthly Standouts
Learn more about some of the most interesting days you should be celebrating this August with your staff.
August 1: Lughnasadh
This official Irish holiday and Gaelic festival marks the beginning of the important harvest season. During this time, grains are gathered to bake bread and fruits are preserved to be canned and used for the rest of the year.
August 4: Barack Obama’s Birthday
Born in 1961, the 44th president was the first African American elected to the office of president in the United States in 2008. Some of his accomplishments include ending the Iraq War, signing the Affordable Care Act, and implementing consumer protection acts.
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
This day celebrates all indigenous people across the world and promotes understanding, respect, and preservation of their traditions and cultures. It was first celebrated in 1995.
August 15: Feast of the Assumption
The Assumption is celebrated by Christians as the day when the Virgin Mary’s body ascended to heaven after her death. There is a tradition of blessing the summer harvest on this monumental holy day of obligation.
Learn more about religious holidays and celebrations with our Interfaith Calendar.
August 18: Lord Krishna’s Birthday
Lord Krishna is one of the most powerful incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu. He is known as the god of tenderness, love, compassion, and protection. His birthday is celebrated annually with a festival.
August 26: Women’s Equality Day
This important day marks the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, which prohibits states and the federal government from preventing women from voting. In 1972, President Nixon issued the Proclamation for the first official Women’s Equality Day.
August 31: International Day of People of African Descent
A day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and cultural heritage of people of African descent worldwide. It aims to combat racial discrimination and raise awareness of the challenges they face in society.
Explore more important August diversity days with our 2023 Diversity Calendar 2023.
Don’t Forget To….
Help your employees discover new things outside of their culture or religion with our Online Diversity Calendar. We offer information on different themes, awareness months, and celebrations throughout the year to include everyone on your staff in some way.
That concludes our August Diversity Calendar wrap-up. Get ahead on next month’s activities with our September Diversity Calendar 2023 blog. You can also learn about our online diversity training here.