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Category: Diversity Blog

July 2021 Diversity Calendar

In the heat of summer, diversity is a hot topic. And indeed, our July multicultural calendar features several events celebrating important diversity leaders, as well as cultural and religious events.

With our July multicultural calendar, you’ll discover key events to highlight on your workplace calendar this month. Let’s get started!

Note: below is a small sampling of diversity events. To enjoy all 100+ events, inclusion tips and more, see our Diversity Calendar Suite

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 7/2: Thurgood Marshall’s Birthday

July diversity events include the birthday of Thurgood Marshall, a civil rights activist and the first Black American to serve on the Supreme Court. One of his most famous quotes is, “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” Celebrate Marshall’s achievements by promoting the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Workplace.

7/6: 14th Dalai Lama’s Birthday

The 14th Dalai Lama is the current Dalai Lama and the highest spiritual leader of Tibet. After a failed uprising, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959. He was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

7/6: Frida Kahlo’s Birthday

Our July multicultural holidays include the birthday of Frida Kahlo, the beloved Mexican painter. One of the best-known artists of the 20th century, her exploration of diverse topics leaves a lasting legacy. On this day, take time to explore Frida’s life and art.

7/17: The Hajj

July diversity celebrations include the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. A pillar of Islam, this pilgrimage is required of all Muslims once in their lifetime. Muslims believe that it offers a chance to wipe away their past sins and start new in the eyes of God. You can create a more inclusive workplace for Muslims and others with online diversity training.

7/18: Nelson Mandela’s Birthday

July diversity days include the birthday of Nelson Mandela, a civil rights leader and South Africa’s first black president. In 2009, the UN declared this day “Nelson Mandela International Day.” Here is a famous quote by the man himself, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”

7/24: Pioneer Day

July diversity topics include Latter-day Saints. A state holiday in Utah, Pioneer Day marks the arrival of Brigham Young in the Salt Lake area. Young and the first group of Latter-day Saints settled in the area. Pioneer Day is considered a special occasion by many members of the LDS Church, and celebrated with songs, dances, potlucks, and pioneer-related activities.

7/26: Americans with Disabilities Act

Our July diversity month commemorates this day in 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and requires that certain access and amenities are provided in public places.

Final thoughts

Every month features holidays or diversity events worth celebrating. Get a head start on next month, with our August 2021 Diversity Calendar, or  the rest of the year with our 2021 Diversity Calendar.

Black Lives Matter Movement and the Workplace

On April 20, ex-police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd. As we approach the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s horrific death, it’s time to redouble our efforts to support Black lives matter in the workplace.

Last summer, many of us marched in streets, donated to bail funds or racial justice organizations, adjusted workplace practices, and reached out to friends and family members. Are we still doing that? Are we still consciously working on and rebuilding the broken pieces of our society?

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As racial tensions continue, it’s more important than ever that businesses take action alongside their employees. Corporate America has the power to influence change, by supporting Black lives matter in the workplace. In this blog, we’ll discuss 3 ways employers can make Black lives matter in the workplace.

Speak Out and Address What’s Happening

Following Floyd’s death, companies began to issue statements regarding their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including Black lives matter training for employees. This willingness to speak out and address what was happening in current events marked a turning point. In the past, corporate culture did not always support doing so.

Make sure your company speaks out and acknowledges the ongoing racial injustices in society. Express solidarity with the Black community and demonstrate your commitment to taking concrete steps toward change. If possible, list your goals and steps for the future. Be sure to take a deep dive, include how Blacks are affected by unconscious bias in the workplace.

Create Space to Listen and Learn

As part of the ongoing effort in the workplace, workplaces should foster Black lives matter company policies, to create a space for discussion about racial issues and find ways to give people of color a voice. How this is done can vary depending on the type of company, size of the company, and discretion of the management team. Consider one of the following options…

  • Hosting a town hall on race for employees, guest speakers, and experts
  • Promoting small group discussions
  • Promoting books, films, TED talks, etc will promote discussion

Whatever you decide to do, make sure the responsibility does not fall on members of the Black community within your workplace. They may be feeling overwhelmed with constantly needing to address systematic racism.

Demonstrate Your Commitment to the Cause

Speaking out and creating space to learn are two great steps towards change…but they aren’t change in themselves. To demonstrate their commitment to change in the workplace, employers should identify and implement tangible steps that they can address Black lives matter diversity and inclusion. Ask yourself…

  • How can I understand the racial inequities in my workplace?
  • How can I endeavor to create diverse and inclusive workplaces?
  • How can I establish programs and continually reassess them to ensure they achieve the goals I set?

Taking the time to learn about different perspectives is important, but no change will come unless businesses are willing to adopt initiatives that create real change.

Final Thoughts

First and foremost, the Black lives matter movement in your workplace should foster a culture of respect and support for Black employees. Demonstrating your support for the BLM movement by protesting racism and addressing the horrific presence of police brutality in our society can help foster dialogue in your workplace. Only then can you and your employees work toward tangible changes together.

June 2021 Diversity Calendar

Take a look at our June multicultural calendar below. How many of the events have you heard of or celebrated previously? How many of them are brand-new to you? Make an effort this month to integrate both new and familiar diversity days into your life. That’s part of being a lifelong learner!

Note: below is a small sampling of diversity events. To enjoy all 100+ events, inclusion tips, and more, see our Diversity Calendar Suite

Online Diversity Calendar™ Easy Awareness & Inclusion: 365
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  • Schedule Quickly & Respectfully
  • Celebrate Monthly Themes
  • Get Education Tool and Tips
  • Avoid Bad PR & Lawsuits
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 LGBT Pride Month

 June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, the highlight of our June diversity month. Each year in June, the LGBT community celebrates in honor of the Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall Riots, also call the Stonewall Uprising, took place on June 28, 1969, when the NYC police raided the Stonewall Inn. This was a gay club located in Greenwich Village, and after it was raided, police roughly hauled employees and patrons from the bar. This incident results in violent protests and clashes in the streets for six days. The event was ultimately a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the U.S. You can create a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ and everyone with online diversity training.

Caribbean American Heritage Month

June multicultural calendar also recognizes the importance of the Caribbean in the history and culture of the United States through Caribbean American Heritage Month. During this time, Caribbean Americans will come together to celebrate their history through shared traditional meals, festivals, parades, concerts, dancing, and more.

6/2: Indian Citizenship Act of 1924

On June 2, 1924, Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act, our June diversity events. This granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. However, it’s important to note that some states still barred Native Americans from voting until 1957.

6/12: Loving Day

June diversity celebrations include June 12 is the annual celebration of the Supreme Court decision on Loving v. Virginia. It struck down all anti-miscegenation laws remaining in 16 U.S. states, and this effectively ended bans on interracial marriage.

6/14: Puerto Rican Day Parade

The mission of the Puerto Rican Day Parade is to create awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican culture and history. June multicultural holidays also helps to highlight the community’s accomplishments and contributions. The annual parade takes place along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. You can also watch it on TV, so check your local listings!

6/19: Juneteenth

June diversity topics includes Juneteenth commemorates the liberation of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it didn’t reach all states or slaves until over two years later. Juneteenth is currently recognized by 47 states and the District of Columbia as a state holiday or observance. Because not everyone acknowledges Juneteenth or knows what it is, make sure you discuss what the celebration means with those around you today and spread awareness in your community! You can help overcome racial bias – and create a truly inclusive workplace – with microaggressions training online.

6/27: Birthday of Helen Keller

Helen Keller was lost her sight and hearing when she fell ill at the age of 19 months. June diversity days After meeting her first teacher and lifelong companion Anne Sullivan, she learned to read and write. Throughout her life, she became a pioneer in advocacy for those with disabilities. Happy Birthday, Helen Keller!

Final thoughts

As far as diversity months go, June is packed full of different diversity days and topics. Make sure you keep your multicultural calendar handy, so you always know what’s coming up.

Find out what you missed last month, with our May 2021 Diversity Calendar. Or get a head start on next month with our July 2021 Diversity Calendar, or the rest of the year, with our 2021 Diversity Calendar

Types of Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias definition: unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside of their own conscious awareness.

Often when we think about a bias, we think of it as a deliberate and malicious action against someone else. But sometimes biases occur without conscious realization. This can lead to to problems ranging from microaggressions in the workplace, to unintended harassment or racism.

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In this blog, you’ll discover some of the different types of unconscious bias examples, so that you can begin to recognize and prevent them in your workplace.

What Are the Different Types of Unconscious Bias?

Affinity Bias

An affinity bias refers to our tendency to gravitate toward people similar to ourselves. If you’ve ever wondered why similar people tend to become friends, it’s because of the affinity bias. We like people who remind us of ourselves or someone we know and like.

Example: If you’re working with an employee who went to the same college or grew up in the same town, you may be more likely to smile or offer encouraging words, compared with an employee with whom you don’t share similarities.

Attribution Bias

Attribution bias contributes to how we assess others and their achievements. When we think of our achievements, we judge ourselves based on our merit and personality. Anything we’ve been awarded, we’ve earned because of our own hard work; anytime we’ve failed, we’ve been adversely impacted by external factors. When we assess others, we often think the opposite. We believe their successes are due to luck, and their failures are due to poor capabilities or personal errors.

Example: When someone cuts a driver off, the individual who was cut off is more likely to attribute their actions to the other driver’s inherent personality traits (i.e. recklessness, rudeness, incompetence) rather than the situational circumstances (i.e. the driver was late to work).

Beauty Bias

Again, the unconscious bias definition is stereotypes formed outside our conscious awareness. While few individuals admit to having a beauty bias, it’s common to notice other people’s appearances and associate it with their personality. Unfortunately, many of us judge others based on their physical attractiveness. This can manifest in many ways, such as seeing a coworker as unprofessional because of their choice of clothing, or attributing a stereotype to someone because of their physical appearance.

Example: CEOs are taller than those in other roles.

Confirmation Bias

Different types of unconscious bias examples include confirmation bias. This is the idea that people search for bits of evidence that back up their opinions, instead of objectively looking at all of the information. Often this causes people to overlook information, focus on factors that fit only their view, or reject evidence that contradicts what they already believe.

Example: A candidate arrives 10 minutes late due to a circumstance outside of their control. Unaware of this, you automatically assume the candidate arrived because disorganization. As a result, when interviewing them you focus on information on his or her resume that backs up your preconceived notion.

Conformity Bias

Conformity bias is related to peer pressure. It occurs when you allow your views to be swayed by those around you because you’re seeking acceptance from a group.

Example: Conformity bias often occurs in recruitment. If most people feel one way about a candidate, but you feel differently, you may feel that you slowly start to align with the group’s opinions and views.

Final thoughts

How many of these different types of unconscious bias examples have you noticed in your workplace? No one is immune to bias, and we all need to find ways to overcome unconscious bias.

See part 2 of this article, with 5 more examples of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace. And help your workplace be more inclusive, with managing unconscious bias training.

April 2021 Diversity Calendar

Our April multicultural calendar brings together a diverse group of days that can help your inclusion efforts blossom this spring. Below you’ll discover a variety of must-know diversity topics, celebrations, and multicultural holidays.

Note: below is a small sampling of diversity events. To enjoy all 100+ events, inclusion tips and more, see our diversity awareness calendar suite

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Celebrate Diversity Month

April diversity month is our theme for 2021. Established in 2004, it’s designated as a time to help diverse people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other. Throughout this month, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for the diversity that surrounds you. Take time to recognize the diversity in your workplace, school, neighborhood or home. One of the ways you can do this is by supporting minority-owned businesses. Or boost inclusion in your workplace by exploring diverse types of diversity training in the workplace.

4/2: World Autism Awareness Day

In 2021, the international community will celebrate the 14th annual World Autism Awareness Day. This April diversity day seeks to recognize people with autism and improve their lives so they can live fully and meaningfully. On this day and throughout the month, educational activities will take place to increase the understanding and acceptance of people with autism. The goal is fostering worldwide support and inspiring a more inclusive world.

4/4: Easter

April diversity events include this major religious holy day. Also called Resurrection Sunday, Easter is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It’s one of the two most important holy days in Christianity, the world’s #1 most-practiced religion. For more religious holidays, see our 2021 Interfaith Calendar.

4/8: Buddha’s Birth

Our April multicultural calendar includes the Buddha’s birthday. It’s a holiday for both celebration and reflection for Buddhists. Prince Siddhartha Gautama was first royalty and later became a spiritual leader. He launched Buddhism, which remains one of the most popular religions today. The exact date of Buddha’s birth depends on the calendar you’re looking at. However, the Gregorian calendar always places Buddha’s birth on April 8.

4/12: Ramadan

April multicultural holidays include the first day of Islam’s most sacred month. During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to observe a strict fast from dawn until dusk, which means they’re not allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, smoke cigarettes, or engage in sexual activity. Often, Muslims will eat both a pre-fast meal (shur) and a post-fast meal (iftar) with a snack in between. Help create a more respectful workplace for Muslims and others with online interactive harassment training for employees

4/22: Earth Day

April diversity topics include our home, the Earth! Every year on this day, 192 countries celebrate the modern environmental movement. Earth Day was first established in 1970, and that means we’ve just passed more than 50 years of environmental advocacy. Today, pick one thing that you can do for the environment: go pick up litter in your community, conserve water, or stop consuming meat/dairy for the day.

4/23-24: Gathering of Nations

The Gathering of Nations is considered North America’s biggest “pow wow” for more than 500 Native American tribes. Each year, these tribes meet to celebrate their traditions and cultures. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event will be virtual. You can find out more about the virtual live-streamed event here.

Final thoughts

That concludes our April 2021 Diversity Calendar, an opportunity to engage with diverse communities. Mark these April multicultural holidays on your calendar and take action to remind yourself of the importance of diversity.

Explore next month with our May 2021 Diversity Calendar. Or get a ahead start on the rest of the year, with our 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar

5 Benefits of Diversity Training in the Workplace

Diversity training is an increasingly popular topic, but businesses want to know: what are the benefits of diversity training in the workplace? Well, besides the good feeling of being kind, there are plenty of financial and business benefits of inclusion in the workplace.

Businesses need to provide diversity training in order hire and retain the best talent, maximize their markets, and avoid nasty such as bad publicity and costly lawsuits. For example, companies that train on ethnic diversity show 35% better than national average financial returns, according to a study by McKinsey on 366 public companies. Those with a focus on gender diversity show financial returns 15% higher than the national average.

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When you make diversity training in the workplace a priority, your company reaps the benefits in more ways than one. You’ll create an inclusive environment that fosters innovation, and ensures your brand will be popular with all demographics and thus boost your revenue. With better team morale due to cultural differences, you’ll draw attention from top talent and grow your company with the best possible people.

Here are 5 key benefits of benefits of diversity training in the workplace:

Avoid Costly Blunders – Janina Kugel, Chief Diversity Officer of Siemens, said “Systematic prevention of unconscious bias at work allows us to make fairer decisions.” In her recent Ted Talk, she opened up on personal experiences of bias against her in her career. Kugel said diversity training in the workplace helps Siemens avoid cultural mistakes made by others. Companies also need to avoid scheduling blunders, by consulting a diversity calendar.

2. Boost Recruiting and Retention – Another of top benefit of diversity in the workplace is winning – retaining – the best and brightest talent. When all employees feel their voices are heard, they feel included. Employees who are happy at work are more productive, willing to take on more projects, and provide more feedback to their employers. When your employees are happy, it shows, and attracts more top talent to your company.

3. Increase Innovation – different people see problems differently, and have different ways of solving them. If your people don’t understand the perspectives of diverse groups, they’re less likely to come up with comprehensive solutions. A diverse team is a creative team. When your staff can learn and grow with each other, and understand others, they can open their minds to creative solutions.

4. Increase Market Share – Another of the benefits of inclusion in the workplace is more business. Inclusive ideas reach more markets. Reaching all demographics and markets, and ensuring you’re competitive, requires teams to think in an inclusive manner. Make sure your top decision-makers include diverse backgrounds to expand your customer base into all demographics and markets.

5. Better Business Reputation – Companies that focus on building diverse teams have a better business reputation. Many businesses feature all-white, all male leadership, which leads a narrow perspective. But when your board of directors includes women, LBGTQ+, diverse cultures and more, your business has a wider reach and can relate to more individuals. Perhaps the quickest way to instill the benefits of diversity training in the workplace is online diversity training

Differences in team dynamics make for empathetic teams who understand how to avoid offending people of diverse backgrounds. When your teams are made up of many backgrounds, your staff members are able to uncover the unconscious bias that holds them back from identifying offensive content from your business. And your company will profit well from the benefits of diversity training in the workplace.

To move forward on your D&I journey, enjoy our diversity training tips.

March 2021 Diversity Calendar

As they say, March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb. While it frequently starts with the cold of winter, it often ends with the promise of spring. And our March 2021 Diversity Calendar includes holidays that promise greater inclusion – many of them to empower and uplift the women in your life!

Note: below is a small sampling of diversity events. To enjoy all 100+ events, inclusion tips and more, see our Diversity Calendar Suite

Online Diversity Calendar™ Easy Awareness & Inclusion: 365
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  • Schedule Quickly & Respectfully
  • Celebrate Monthly Themes
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Women’s History Month

Our March diversity month feature. Since 1995, March has been designated Women’s History Month by annual presidential proclamations. These proclamations aim to celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States. Some of these women include Abigail Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks. Just like Black History Month, Women’s History Month grew out of weeklong celebrations dedicated to contributions to culture, history and society. Help foster more gender equality in the workplace with our online diversity training.

3/8: International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day highlights our key March diversity topic. It’s a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for 2021 is “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.” With so much of the world impacted by the global pandemic, this day will focus on the tremendous efforts by women around reshaping a more equal future as society recovers.

3/10: Celebration of Harriet Tubman’s Life

Our March diversity days continue the theme of strong women. March 10 celebrates Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and political activist. She’s best known for her connection and contribution to the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the U.S. during the early to mid-19th century. The Underground Railroad was used by enslaved African Americans to escape into both free states and Canada. After escaping herself, Tubman went on 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people. She later became a scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. On March 10, 1913, Harriett Tubman died, leaving behind a great legacy.

3/17: St. Patrick’s Day

When you think of March diversity celebrations, many think of St. Patrick’s Day. This day marks the birthday of an Irish saint who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish will wear green attire or shamrocks and join in public parades or festivals.

3/21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Our March diversity events include this annual commemoration. It marks the anniversary of police opening fire and killing 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid laws in Sharpeville, South Africa on March 21, 1960. The commemoration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, calling for the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. One way you can join the movement today is confronting your own privilege. You can also be an advocate by calling out any racist “jokes” or statements you may hear – even if they are said by friends or loved ones.

3/27: Passover begins

Our March multicultural holidays include Passover. It’s a major Jewish holiday that marks the Exodus of the Children of Israel from Egyptian slavery. It begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan, which typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar. It begins the previous evening with a seder (meal). It’s often celebrated with great ceremony and symbolism as the traditional foods are eaten and recitations are performed.

3/28: Holi

Our March multicultural calendar concludes with Holi. Also known as the festival of colors, this Hindu festival has been enjoyed since ancient times to celebrate the coming of spring. Like New Years in the Western world, the Holi Festival is seen as a way for people to release all their inhibitions and start fresh. During the Holi festivals, the gods turn a blind eye, and everyone can let loose. People tend to dance, party, and toss aside cultural norms. A bonfire is also lit to symbolically burn away all the bad, and provide a light for a new future.

That concludes our March 2021 Diversity Calendar, a time to celebrate women! Pick out a book to read on a woman hero of yours and discover the challenges she faced throughout her lifetime. And everyone can focus on the women in their lives and seek to uplift them and their future. Get a head start on next month, with our April 2021 Diversity Calendar. And explore the rest of the year, with our exclusive 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar

 

February 2021 Diversity Calendar

Presenting our multicultural calendar for February. This month holds quite a few nationally recognized days of celebration for a variety of groups. Below are 7 key events from our February 2021 Diversity Calendar.

Note: below is just a small sampling of diversity events. To enjoy all 100+ events + inclusion tips and more, see our Diversity Calendar Suite

Black History Month

February diversity month feature! There’s not a day in February you shouldn’t celebrate Black History Month! The first “Negro Week” was sponsored by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. It was held in February over the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the week was expanded to a full month by President Ford. Each president has recognized February as Black History Month since. Create greater racial equality in your organization with diversity training in the workplace.

Online Diversity Calendar™ Easy Awareness & Inclusion: 365
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  • Schedule Quickly & Respectfully
  • Celebrate Monthly Themes
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2/11: Birthday of Tammy Baldwin

Our February diversity celebrations include Tammy Baldwin, the first openly LGBT legislator elected to U.S. Congress. She is currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Wisconsin (and has been as of January 2013). In addition to Baldwin, there are currently 10 other incumbent LGBTQ members of Congress. Krysten Sinema joins Baldwin in the Senate, and there are nine other representatives in House. In a time when representation matters, Baldwin has opened the door for many to follow her. Help build more LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace with our online diversity training.

2/12: Chinese New Year

February multicultural holidays include Chinese New Year. This three-day festival celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunar calendar. This year marks the Year of the Ox. The Lunar New Year is associated with myths and customs. Often, Chinese families will gather for an annual reunion dinner, clean their houses to sweep away misfortune, decorate their homes with special red paper-cuts and couplets, light firecrackers, and give away money in red paper envelopes.

2/14: Frederick Douglass

February diversity days include the birthday of Frederick Douglass (1817-1895). This escaped slave turned prominent activist, author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement and helped to free slaves before and during the Civil War. He was a firm believer in the equality of all people – white, Black, female, Native American, Chinese, etc. While his birthday is unknown, it is presumed to be on February 14, and that is why he is celebrated on this day.

2/15: Parinirvana

Nirvana Day is a key February diversity event. This annual Buddhist festival remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80 in 483 BC. Nirvana is believed to be the end of the cycle of death and rebirth. The day is a time to reflect on one’s own future death and the death of loved ones.

2/15: Birthday of Susan B. Anthony

Women’s rights are a key February diversity topic. This day celebrates the birthday of one of the most respected individuals in the women’s suffrage movement. Anthony was a historic leader of women’s rights and worked to empower women to cast a ballot and play an active part in our government today. To celebrate, check on your voter’s registration status and make sure you’re registered for any upcoming elections.

2/17: Ash Wednesday

Our February multicultural holidays conclude with Ash Wednesday, an important day in the Christian community that begins the Easter season. It lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays) of a “Lenten” period and ends with Easter. You’ll often hear Christians refer to the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter as “Lent.” Petitioning and fasting are common during this time, but regardless of your belief system, you can recognize this day by doing a random act of kindness for someone else.

That’s our February 2021 diversity calendar! Always be thinking of ways that you can do and act on these days instead of just putting them on your calendar. If you can make diversity a mindset, then you can help make the world a better place. Get a head start on next month with our March 2021 Diversity Calendar, and the rest of the year with our 2021 Diversity Calendar.
 

December 2020 Diversity Calendar

Do you look forward to December all year? Most people refer to the “holidays coming up” and instantly think of December. With our December 2020 diversity calendar, you’ll discover some of the colorful events to celebrate in December.

Below is a sampling of this month’s diversity events. To enjoy over 100+ inclusion events and observances, discover our  Diversity Calendar suite

December 1: World AIDS Day

December diversity events include World AIDS Day, which aims to raise both awareness and money to help fight HIV. It began in 1988 to encourage political leaders to keep their commitment to achieving universal access to HIV/AIDs prevention, treatment, care, and support by the year 2010. As of 2012, the multi-year theme for this day of observance is “Getting to Zero,” with a new goal to get new HIV infections to zero. Build inclusion of LGBTQ+ and other diversity groups with online diversity training.

 

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December 10-18: Hanukkah

December diversity month includes Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish festival. It commemorates the Jewish victory over Syrian Greeks in 165 B.C.E., which restored Jewish independence. The festival is observed for eight nights and days and may begin at any time in late November to late December. Typically, a menorah is used during this celebration to note the days. Build respect for religious diversity with diversity training in the workplace.

December 12: Birthday of Frank Sinatra

Our December diversity days include a Happy Birthday to Frank Sinatra! Sinatra lived from 1915 to 1998, and is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. He has sold more than 150 million records worldwide during a career lasting half a century.

December 12: Fiesta de Guadalupe Feast

This December multicultural holiday honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint. Each December 12th, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated as an important holiday in Mexico. It commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary (mother of God) to a Mexican peasant named Juan Diego in 1531.

December 21: Yule

December diversity topics include Yule, a Pagan holiday celebrating the Winter Solstice. One of the oldest winter celebrations in the world, it begins at sundown and ends on January 1st. The holiday itself revolves around thanking the gods and goddesses for your blessings, as well as the change of seasons.

December 25: Christmas

December diversity celebrations include Christmas. Celebrated on the 25th every December, this Christian holiday marks the birth of the savior Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The name Christmas comes from the Mass of Christ, a service where Christians remember that Jesus died for their sins and was resurrected.

Christmas is considered a day of joy where Jesus was born a baby in the humble setting of a manger. It’s often celebrated with gifts because of the three wise men that presented Jesus with gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) after his birth.

December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa

Our December multicultural calendar concludes with Kwanzaa. It’s an annual celebration of Africa-American culture and a tribute to African festivals of harvest. The holiday was created after the Watts Riots in 1966. Its goal was to give Black people an alternative holiday to celebrate themselves and their culture. It celebrates seven different principles of African Heritage, and families will decorate their households with art, eat fresh fruits, and wear cultural pieces.

Final thoughts

Thus concludes our December 2020 diversity calendar. December is widely known as a month of celebration. By understanding the holiday celebrate by others, you’ll create a world of awareness and inclusion. And get a head start on 2021, with our 2021 Diversity Calendar

November 2020 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll see a sampling of upcoming diversity holidays. To discover more than 100+ celebrations and religious observances, enjoy our Diversity Calendar suite

Our November multicultural calendar gives you the chance to engage in issues related to the LGBTQ+, international, religious, Native American and Black communities. With our November 2020 Diversity Calendar, you can be more aware and inclusive.

Native American Heritage Month

Our November diversity month theme is Native American Heritage Month. It was established in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, who approved a joint resolution designating the celebration. It’s the best time of the year to note the important contributions of Native Americans, and the unique challenges they’ve faced in the past and present. Build inclusion of Native Americans and others with diversity training in the workplace.

 

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11/1: Birthday of Tim Cook

November diversity events include the birthday of Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. In 2014, Cook revealed in Bloomberg Businessweek that he identifies as gay. He wrote that – while he never denied his sexuality – he had never openly acknowledged it. Cook’s coming out made him the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ and others with our online diversity training.

10/31 – 11/2: Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

Perhaps the most colorful of November multicultural holidays is Día de los Muertos. This Mexican holiday celebrates both life and death. It’s rooted in two traditions: the Christian observance of All Saints and All Souls Day, as well as two Aztec festivals of souls of the dead. It includes vibrant costumes and tasty dishes.

11/14/2020: Diwali

Diwali is a Hindu holiday celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide. It’s a five-day festival of lights that may coincide with harvest and new year celebrations. Diwali celebrates different gods and goddesses, highlighting the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.

11/16: Dutch American Heritage Day

November diversity celebrations include a celebration of Dutch American heritage. The United States and the Netherlands have a longstanding friendship, commemorated on November 16th each year. This holiday dates back to November 16, 1776, when the Netherlands was one of the first countries to recognize the United States as a sovereign nation. As a result, Congress declared a national holiday!

11/20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

November diversity topics feature this commemoration. Established in 1999 , it honors all transgender people who have lost their lives in anti-transgender violence. The day is a vigil to honor the memory of transgender woman Rita Hester. You can participate by attending and/or organizing a vigil on November 20 to honor those lost to transgender violence. Help foster respect in your workplace with our Online Harassment Prevention Training

11/30: Birthday of Shirley Chisholm

Our November diversity days conclude with a Happy Birthday to Shirley Chisholm! In 1968, she became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She represented New York’s 12th congressional district. In 1972, she was the first Black candidate for a majority party’s nomination for the president of the United States, as well as the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

Final thoughts

That concludes our November 2020 Diversity Calendar. How will you confront racial prejudices or cultural misunderstandings this month? Now is the best time to be more aware and inclusive, and advocate for equality and justice for all. Get a head start on next month with our December 2020 Diversity Calendar. Or check out the entire year, with our 2020 Diversity Calendar.

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