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December 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of our December diversity events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar

December is here! It’s a long-awaited month by many because it signals upcoming time off. However, make sure you switch up the office decorations from the typical “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year” signs. There are several other diversity days you can celebrate.

December 1: World AIDS Day

This day helps raise awareness for HIV/AIDs. Hold a fundraiser in your office to help fight the HIV epidemic and raise money to find a cure. You can also pass out red ribbons. These are the universal symbol of support for those living with HIV/AIDs. And ensure your employees are sensitive and respectful by exploring the 5 types of diversity training in the workplace.

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

All people, regardless of ability, deserve to be treated with dignity and given rights. The United Nations created the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992 to help people with disabilities participate without any barriers. Spend this day evaluating your workplace. Is it truly accessible to all? Ask your staff and see if they have any feedback they can provide on the topic!

December 10: International Human Rights Day (United Nations)

The UN established International Human Rights Day in 1948 following World War II. It uses the United States’ Bill of Rights as a model. To observe this December diversity day, you can read the full Universal Declaration of Human Rights online.

December 16 to December 24: Las Posadas

The religious festival of Las Posadas is primarily celebrated in Latin American countries, Mexico, and Spain. Some Hispanics in the United States also celebrate this festival. The festival is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph traveling to various homes in the community that are designated as “inns.” After the reenactment, there is a celebration.

December 18 to December 26: Hanukkah

This is an 8-day, 8-night celebration in the Jewish faith honoring the triumph of their ancestors over the Syrian Greeks. To see the “Festival of Lights” observed, ask to join in a night of celebrations with a Jewish friend’s family.

Discover more interfaith events with our list of key religious holidays 2023

December 21: Winter Solstice/Yule

The Winter Solstice is known as Yule to those practicing the Pagan and Wiccan faiths. The day marks the longest night of the year and the return of the sun. You can celebrate Yule by lighting a Yule log, making an evergreen wreath, having a nature-based treat, and decluttering your space.

December 25: Christmas

This is one of the most important Christian holidays that celebrates the birth of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also of cultural importance to those who do not actively practice the Christian faith.

December 26: Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an 8-day celebration of life that is inspired by the African harvest celebrations. The holiday was created by an American professor of African studies, activist, and author, Maulana Karenga. It has been celebrated since the 1960s.

Final Thoughts

As the year comes to an end, try to celebrate two or three new holidays in addition to the ones typical to your household. This can encourage learning about other backgrounds and open your mind to other cultures. Who knows — these diversity days may become part of your yearly traditions

Which diversity days do you want to learn more about next year? Get a head start on next year with our Diversity and Calendar 2023

November 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of our November diversity events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar

Respectful scheduling and inclusion opportunities are an essential part of diversity training in the workplace. This November Multicultural Calendar can help you increase your knowledge about holidays celebrated by diverse people. Here are some you should consider including on the company’s calendar.

Native American Heritage Month

As Thanksgiving approaches, this is a fitting November diversity celebration. Native American Heritage Month celebrates the culture and heritage of native people who enrich this country. You can make this month more personal to your region by researching native tribes living near you, and exploring their rich culture.

Movember

Every November, a fundraiser is held to raise awareness for men’s health issues. These include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. Consider holding a fundraiser in your office and celebrating the department that raises the most money.

November 1 – 2: All Saints Day/All Souls Day/Día de los Muertos

This is a Christian holiday commemorating all people who have passed. It is often celebrated in the Mexican and Aztec communities. Have a traditional Dia de los Muertos lunch in the office with chicken tamales, candied pumpkin, Oaxacan hot chocolate, and day of the dead cookies. If appropriate, employees can share about a loved one they’re thinking about on the day.

Explore more religious observances with our Interfaith Calendar 2023

November 16: International Day for Tolerance

The UN founded this day to promote respect for diverse languages, ethnicities, cultures and religions. Education is a key component of tolerance. Acknowledge this day and send out a short sheet reviewing unconscious biases to help inform your staff. And foster greater tolerance and inclusion at work with online diversity and inclusion training.

November 16: Dutch American Heritage Day

Did you know the Netherlands was one of the first countries to recognize the U.S. as sovereign from Great Britain? This November multicultural celebration honors the friendship between the countries for hundreds of years. Presidents Martin Van Buren, Warren G. Harding, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt have all been important Dutch figures in American history.

November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Dozens of transgender people are killed each year due to transphobia. This November diversity day seeks to remember them. On this day, you can demonstrate your support for transgender individuals who are still living. Strive to practice active allyship each day and always use the correct language to refer to this community. And foster a sense of inclusion with our LGBT training in the workplace

Final Thoughts

Get outside your bubble and bring multicultural holidays and diversity days into the workplace! Explore next month with our December 2022 Diversity Calendar. Or get a head start on next year with our Diversity Calendar 2023

October 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of our October diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar

As we approach the holiday season, it’s essential to include diversity days and months on your workplace’s calendar. While the masses may only celebrate Halloween and Christmas, others in your office will appreciate and benefit from your acknowledgment of lesser-known holidays. To help you, below you’ll find our October 2022 Diversity Calendar.

Global Diversity Awareness Month

The world is full of diverse beliefs and cultures. Expand your horizons and become more globally aware during this October diversity month. We suggest seeking out someone who has a different background than yourself and asking them to coffee. During your coffee date, ask open-ended questions that can help you learn about their story. And explore cultural competency, one of 5 types of diversity training in the workplace.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October diversity topics include acknowledging the workplace contributions of people with disabilities. We recommend educating your workforce about disability employment issues in your workplace during the month of October.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October diversity events include this annual campaign, which helps raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hold a short seminar in your workplace to educate employees about the symptoms and importance of early detection.

National Polish American Heritage Month

Our October multicultural calendar includes honoring Polish heritage. October was chosen because that’s when Polish settlers arrived in Jamestown, VA in 1608. Host lunch for the office one day and order Polish dishes like pierogis. And foster greater awareness of cultural diversity in the workplace

October 10: World Mental Health Day

This day promotes mental health awareness and education. All people have mental health, in the same way they have physical health. Hold a mental health workshop in your office to explore the importance of self-care and mental wellness.

October 10: Indigenous Peoples’ Day (United States)

Many people remember this holiday as “Columbus Day.” They even learned the rhyme “in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” to celebrate. However, Columbus couldn’t discover a land that already existed and was inhabited by the indigenous people of North America. This day now honors the original inhabitants of the Americas.

 October 14: Defender of Ukraine Day

October multicultural holidays include this powerful event. The first celebration of Defender of Ukraine Day took place on October 14, 2015. The day honors all those who fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty, including the ongoing invasion by a Russian dictator. Observe this day by donating to an organization providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.

October 21: Spirit Day

Did you know that every year, up to 40 percent of LGBTQ youth consider suicide? This number rises when you consider just transgender and nonbinary youth. Spirit Day is an October diversity day to show support for these individuals by wearing purple. We must show acceptance and speak out against bullying. And foster a sense of inclusion with sensitivity training in the workplace.

October 24: Diwali

An October diversity celebration, Diwali is perhaps the most important festival in the Hindu faith. During this time, Hindus praise diverse deities. Go all out in your office this year and ask Hindu associates to help plan some festivities. Some ideas include getting Henna artists, decorating the office, and having an ethnic clothing contest. And discover more interfaith events with our list of key religious holidays 2023

Final Thoughts

And that concludes our October 2022 Diversity Calendar! Don’t stop there. What other diversity days would you enjoy discovering? Preview next month with our November 2022 Diversity Calendar. And get a head start on the coming year with our Diversity Calendar 2023

Diversity Calendar 2022

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we all must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” – Maya Angelou

Diversity Calendar 2022: for decades, the world has worked toward a greater appreciation of diversity in our daily lives. From the Civil Rights Era to the Black Lives Matter Movement, valuing diversity and fostering inclusion is key to a peaceful, prosperous society.

Businesses are working hard to implement D&I programs in their workplaces, to ensure their employees are seen and heard. But it’s always important to go next level.

On a daily basis, it’s essential to use a D&I calendar 2022 that features diverse holidays and cultural events. This will expand the opportunities for inclusion in workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

To help you, here’s our year-long diversity and inclusion calendar 2022, with a list of religious holidays, heritage months 2022, and monthly diversity program themes.

Note: Below is just a brief sampling of all the religious and ethnic holidays. To enjoy a full listing, see our web-based DEI Calendar.

January Diversity Calendar 2022

1/1 – Emancipation Proclamation (Black American): on this day in 1863, President Lincoln declared all persons held as slaves would be free

1/4 – Birthday of Louis Braille (People with Disabilities): French educator Louis Braille created a system of reading and writing for those who are visually impaired. His system, known worldwide as “braille,” remains largely unchanged today

1/6 – Feast of the Epiphany (Christian): a feast day that celebrates the relevance of God incarnate as Jesus Christ

1/14 – Makar Sankranti (Hindu): a festival in the Hindu faith that is dedicated to the Hindu religious sun god Surya

1/17 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Black American): MLK Jr. was an American Baptist minister and activist,  revered as one of the great leaders of the American civil rights movement

1/27 – International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust (United Nations): commemorates the approximately 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered during World War II

1/29 – Birthday of Oprah Winfrey (Black American):  well-known talk show host that was dubbed the “Queen of Media,” philanthropist, and North America’s first black multi-billionaire

Discover more with our Interfaith Calendar 2022.

February Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2022

Black History Month: celebrates African American History. February was chosen because Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two men prominent in eliminating slavery, were both born in February

2/1 – Chinese New Year: festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year in the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar

2/11 – Birthday of Tammy Baldwin (LGBTQ+): first openly LGBT woman elected to both the House of Representatives and the Senate

2/14 – Birthday of Frederick Douglass (Black American): well-known American social reformer and abolitionist, Douglass  escaped slavery and became a prominent activist during the Civil War

2/15 – Nirvana Day (Buddhist): also known as Parinirvana, this annual festival remembers the death of the Buddha after he reached Nirvana

2/15 – Birthday of Susan B. Anthony (Women): one of the most visible leaders of the women’s suffrage movement. She championed temperance, abolition, rights of labor, and equal pay for equal work

Read more about diversity events with our February 2022 Diversity Calendar

March Diversity Events Calendar

Women’s History Month: honors the vital role of women in American history

3/2 – Ash Wednesday (Christian): a day of prayer and fasting, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent

3/8 – International Women’s Day: celebrates the various (social, economic, cultural, political) achievements of women

3/10 – Birthday of Harriet Tubman (Black American): abolitionist and activis, best known for her role on the Underground Railroad

3/17 – St. Patrick’s Day (Irish): Feast of Saint Patrick, a cultural and religious celebration held around the world

3/21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (United Nations): after an incident in which police killed 69 people in South Africa in 1960, the UN created this event to call for elimination of racial discrimination

3/19 – Holi (Hindu): holidays celebrating the winter harvest and the onset of spring

Find out more with our March 2022 Diversity Calendar

April Equality and Diversity Calendar 2022

Celebrate Diversity Month:

4/2 – World Autism Awareness Day (People with Disabilities): A day that seeks to improve the lives of those who suffer from autism

4/2 – Ramadan (Islamic): The first day of Islam’s sacred month in which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk

4/15 – Passover (Jewish): start of Jewish holiday honoring the freeing of Israeli slaves

4/17 – Easter (Christian): most important holy day in the Christian faith, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus following his death

4/22 – Earth Day (International): celebrates the planet we live on, observed internationally in more than 192 countries

4/21-23 – Gathering of Nations (Native American): more than 500 Native tribes meet and celebrate various traditions and cultures

Discover more with our April 2022 Diversity Calendar

 May Multicultural Calendar 2022

Heritage Months 2022:

Mental Health Awareness Month: recognizes the impact of mental illness on families and communities, and raises awareness for those living with mental and behavioral issues

Older Americans Month: celebrates the contributions of older Americans in the country

Jewish American Heritage Month: honors the history of American Jews and their accomplishments

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: pays tribute to these people and their contributions to society

5/5 – Cinco de Mayo (Mexican American): commemorates Mexico’s defeat of the French army. While it’s primarily observed by Mexican Americans, others often join the celebration as well

5/8 – Birthday of the Buddha (Buddhist): celebrates the spiritual leader who launched one of the world’s most popular religions

5/17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (LGBTQ+): raises awareness for LGBTQ+ rights

5/19 – Birthday of Malcolm X (Black American/Muslim): Malcolm X was an Black Muslim minister, well known for his activism during the civil rights movement. He was assassinated in 1965

Explore more with our May 2022 Diversity Calendar

June Diversity and Inclusion Calendar of Events

LGBT Pride Month: commemorates the Stonewall Riots and seeks to recognize the impact LGBT people have had around the world

Caribbean American Heritage Month: recognizes the significance of Caribbean culture and history in the U.S.

6/2 – Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 (Native Americans): granted the right of citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. However, the right to vote was not granted until 1957

6/12 – Loving Day (Black American): anniversary of a historic court decision for interracial marriage

Puerto Rican Day Parade (Puerto Rican): largest demonstration of cultural pride in the United States. It promotes prominent, historical figures and seeks to raise awareness of critical issues in the community

6/19 – Juneteenth (Black American): marks the anniversary of when African Americans first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was more than two years after it was initially issued

6/27 – Birthday of Helen Keller (People with Disabilities): while known as being both blind and deaf, Keller was one of the 20th century’s leading humanitarians and co-founder of the ACLU

Discover more with our June 2022 Diversity Calendar

July 2022 Diversity Calendar

7/2 – Birthday of Thurgood Marshall (Black American): well-known as a civil rights activist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

7/6 – Birthday of 14th Dalai Lama (Tibetan): Happy Birthday to a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Tibet’s leader in exile!

7/6 – Birthday of Frida Kahlo (Women, Mexican): one of the most recognizable painters of the 20th century

7/7 – The Hajj (Islamic): annual pilgrimage to Mecca, that all Muslims must take at least once in their lives

7/18 – Birthday of Nelson Mandela (South African): civil rights leader for South Africa, and the country’s first black president

7/25 – Pioneer Day (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) observed: Utah official holiday marking the arrival of LDS church founder Brigham Young arriving to the Salt Lake area

7/26 – Americans with Disabilities Act: outlawed the discrimination against people with disabilities

Read more with our July 2022 Diversity Calendar

August Diversity and Inclusion Calendar

8/4 – Birthday of Barack Obama (Black American): Happy Birthday to the United States’ first Black president!

8/9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (United Nations): created by the UN, celebrates the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world

8/30 – Al-Hijri (Islamic): This holiday marks the start of the New Year in the Muslim faith. It begins the prior evening

8/15 – Feast of the Assumption (Roman Catholic): marks the entry of Mary (mother of Jesus), body and soul, into Heaven

8/18 – Birth of Lord Krishna (Hindu): also called Janmashtami, this day celebrates the birth of one of the most popular deities in the Hindu faith, celebrated with a great festival

8/24 – Birthday of Marlee Matlin (People with Disabilities): Marlee Matlin is the only hearing-impaired actor to win the Oscar for best actor/actress

8/26 – Women’s Equality Day: commemorates the American women gaining the right to vote in 1920

8/31 – Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu): festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the God of new beginnings and a fresh start

Learn more with our August 2022 Diversity Calendar

September Diversity Events Calendar 2022

9/15-10/15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month: This month honors the culture and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans

National Recovery Month: This month helps to educate all Americans on treatment and mental health services for those with substance use disorder

9/20 – HeForShe (Women): initiated by the UN to promote gender equality

9/22 – Autumnal Equinox: As summer moves into fall, the autumnal equinox is a time for various religious observances worldwide

9/25 – 9/27 – Rosh Hashanah (Jewish): the Jewish New Year, a time for reflection in the faith

 Explore more with our September 2022 Diversity Calendar

October Equality and Diversity Calendar

Global Diversity Awareness Month: aims to promote knowledge and respect for various cultures

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: advocates for people with disabilities, and their inclusion in the workforce

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: aims to increase awareness of the disease, one of the leading causes of death in women

National Polish American Heritage Month: dedicated to honoring Polish heritage, October was chosen because it was when Polish settlers first arrived in Jamestown, VA in 1608

10/10 – World Mental Health Day (People with Disabilities): promotes mental health awareness and education, and advocates against social stigma relating to mental health

10/10 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day (United States): formerly called Columbus Day, honors the indigenous people of North America

10/14 – Defender of Ukraine Day – honours all who have fought for the sovereignty of Ukraine

10/21 – Spirit Day (LGBTQ+): wear purple on this day to support LGBTQ youth and speak out against bullying

10/24 – Diwali (Hindu): significant celebration in the Hindu faith in which they praise diverse deities

Find out more with our October 2022 Diversity Calendar

November Multicultural Calendar 2022

Native American Heritage Month: celebrates the culture and heritage of individuals who deeply enrich the United States

Movember-  month-long fundraiser for men’s issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide

10/31-11/2 – All Saints Day/All Souls Day/Día de los Muertos: commemorates those who have passed away in the Christian faith and Mexican and Aztec communities

11/16 – International Day for Tolerance (United Nations): founded by the UN to promote respect for various religions, languages, ethnicities, and cultures

11/16 – Dutch American Heritage Day: established to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the U.S. and the Netherlands

11/20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance (LGBTQ+): seeks to remember those who were murdered due to transphobia

Read more with our November Diversity Calendar 2022

December Diversity Calendar 2022

12/1 – World AIDS Day: helps raise awareness of HIV/AIDs and money to cure it

12/3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations): raises awareness for the rights and well-being of those with disabilities

12/10 – International Human Rights Day (United Nations): adopted by the UN in 1948, celebrates the day it the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

12/16-12/24 – Las Posadas (Mexican):  religious festival in Mexico and some parts of the U.S. (primarily those with Mexican-Americans) of the Christmas season

12/18-12/26 – Hanukkah (Jewish): celebrates the Jews triumphing over the Syrian Greeks for their independence

12/21 – Winter Solstice/Yule: the winter sabbat according to the Pagan and Wiccan faiths

12/25 – Christmas (Christian): holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ

12/26 – Kwanzaa (Black): 8-day holiday inspired by African harvest celebrations

Discover more with our December 2022 Diversity Calendar

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Equality and Diversity Calendar 2022! To instantly add key religious events to your existing calendar, see our Outlook Diversity Calendar. And for more inclusion opportunities, see our list of 2022 religious holidays.

Interfaith Calendar 2022

Calendar of Religious Holidays and Holy Days

Recognizing religious and holy days of various world religions is essential for respectful scheduling and inclusivity. Find out what religious holiday is today. This interfaith calendar (2022) includes all holy days, religious holidays, and festivals. For more diversity topics, see our 2022 Diversity Calendar.

Note: The list below is just a small sampling of 2022 religious holidays. See our interactive DEI Calendar for all 200+ religious events. Please be aware that all holidays marked with an asterisk begin the evening prior.

January 2022 Religious Holidays

1/6 – Feast of the Epiphany: The day that commemorates the first manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles for Christians. It is celebrated on January 6th as it marks 12 days after Christmas when the three kings arrived in Bethlehem.
1/7 – Coptic Orthodox Christmas: The date that Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus’s birth in the Julian calendar.

1/10 – Bodhi Day: This day celebrates the Buddha’s enlightenment; it is celebrated by Mahãyãna Buddhists.

1/­14 – Orthodox New Year: The “Old New Year” celebrates the start of the Julian calendar.

­1/13 – Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday – The date used to celebrate the tenth Sikh Guru and spiritual master.

1/16 – World Religion Day: A day in the Baha’i faith that celebrates common themes for faiths across the world.

For more information, see our January 2022 Diversity Calendar.

February Inclusive Religious Calendar

2/1 – Imbolc: The halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox in the Pagan and Wiccan calendars. This day celebrates fire, light, and the return of life.

2/2 – Candlemas: A holiday in the Christian church that blesses the candle supply for that year.

2/15 – Parinirvana: Also known as Nirvana Day in Mahãyãna Buddhism, this date marks Buddha’s death and attainment of final nirvana.

2/17 – Tu Bishvat: The “New Year of Trees” in the Jewish faith.

2/25 – Festival of Ayyam-i-Ha: A multiple-day festival in the Baha’i faith that prioritizes gift-giving, hospitality, charity, and preparation for fasting ahead of the New Year.

For additional detail, visit our February 2022 Diversity Calendar.

March Religious Holidays Calendar

3/1 – Maha Shiravatri: A Hindu festival called “Shiva’s night” which honors this significant deity.

3/1 – Lailat al Miraj: A Muslim holiday commemorating Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem where he ascended into heaven.

3/2 – Ash Wednesday: The day in the Christian Church that marks the start of Lent, the 40-day period of prayer and fasting before Easter.

3/17 – Purim: The Feast of Lots in the Jewish faith that honors the survival of ancient Persian Jews who were marked for death.

3/17 to 3/18 – Holi- A Hindu festival of colors that welcomes spring and a new harvest in India.

3/18 to 3/20 – Hola Mohalla – The 3-day Sikh festival honoring valor, skill, and defense preparedness.

3/19 – Feast Day of St. Joseph: A day that commemorates the husband of Jesus’s mother Mary and surrogate father on Earth.

3/20 – Ostara: The celebration of the spring equinox in the Pagan and Wiccan religions.

3/21 – Naw Ruz: The Zoroastrian New Year that is celebrated at the spring equinox.

3/21 – Naw Ruz: The New Year for the Baha’i faith, marking the end of the Baha’i fast.

3/25 – The Annunciation: The day in the Christian religion when the Angel Gabriel announced that Mary would become the mother of Jesus.

Read more about March diversity days with our March 2022 Diversity Calendar.

Major Religious Holidays for April

4/2 to 5/2 – Ramadan: The holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer celebrated by Muslims.

4/14 – Vaisakhi: An ancient festival for Hindus that simultaneously celebrates that Solar New Year and spring harvest.

4/15 to 4/23 – Passover: A 7-day holiday in the Jewish faith that honors the freeing of the Israeli slaves.

4/15 – Mahavir Jayanti: A Jain holiday celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.

4/17 – Easter: The most important day in the Christian faith when they celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

4/24 – Feast of the Divine Mercy: A feast day on the second Sunday of Easter when Christians seek Christ’s forgiveness and grace.

For more information about how to enhance diversity during the month of April, see our April 2022 Diversity Calendar

May 2022 Religious Festivals Calendar

5/1 – Beltane: A fire festival celebrated by the Pagan and Wiccan religions that celebrate summer and the fertility of the upcoming year.

5/3* – Eid al-Fitr: An Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. As it ends fasting, its primary event is a big meal.

5/8 – Birthday of Buddha: The day that Buddhists celebrate the Buddha’s birthday.

5/16 – Vesak:  The most important Theravada Buddhist festival that signifies the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

5/24* – Declaration of the Bab: The day that marks the prediction of the Bab as the Messenger of God in the Baha’i faith.

5/26 – Ascension Day: A Christian holiday that marks the 40th day following Easter when Jesus ascended into Heaven.

Learn more about diversity days this month with our May 2022 Diversity Calendar

June 2022 Religious Holidays

6/2 – Ascension Day: A day celebrated in Coptic Orthodox Christianity that marks Jesus’s ascension into heaven.

6/4 to 6/6 – Shavuot: A Jewish holiday that combines a grain harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

6/8 – Race Unity Day: A day that promotes racial harmony and understanding in the Baha’i faith.

6/12 – Trinity Sunday: A day in the Christian faith that celebrates the three personifications of God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).

6/12 – All Saints Day: The day in Eastern Orthodox Christianity that designates the end of the Easter season.

6/16 – Feast of Corpus Christi: The feast day that commemorates the real presence of Jesus’s body in the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church.

6/16 – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib: A day observed by Sikhs to commemorate an individual who laid down his life for their people.

6/24 – Litha: A Pagan and Wiccan festival that begins on the summer solstice and celebrates midsummer.

6/24 – Feast of the Sacred Heart: A feast day in the Roman Catholic Church that celebrates Jesus’s physical heart as a representation of his love for all humanity.

See more diversity events with our June 2022 Diversity Calendar

Major Religious Holidays for July

7/6 – Tisha B’Av: A Jewish holiday that remembers the destruction of the Jewish temple, once in 586 BCE and once in 70 CE in Jerusalem.

7/7 to 7/12 – The Hajj: The name for the annual pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca required for all Muslims at least once.

7/9 to 7/10 – Eid al-Adha: A Muslim holiday that marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.

7/10 – Martyrdom of the Bab – The day of the execution of the co-founder of the Baha’i faith.

7/23 – Birthday of Haile Selassie: A holiday in Rastafarianism that celebrates Emperor Haile Selassie, an individual believed to be the incarnation of God.

7/24 – Pioneer Day: A Utah state holiday that celebrates the settling of the Mormon pioneers in the Great Salt Lake area where they established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Read more about diversity days this month with our July 2022 Diversity Calendar

August Interfaith Calendar of Holy Days

8/1 – Lughnasadh: A festival in the Pagan and Wiccan religions that marks the beginning of harvest season.

8/15 – Feast of the Assumption: A holy day that commemorates the Virgin Mary being assumed, body and soul, into heaven.

8/29* – Hijiri: Also known as Islamic New Year, this is the start of the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins when the crescent moon is sighted

Read more about what’s going on in August with our full August 2022 Diversity Calendar

September 2022 Religious Festivals Calendar

9/10 to 9/25 – Pitru Paksha: A time when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors.

9/11 – Coptic New Year: Also known as Nayrouz, this is a feast day that commemorates both martyrs and confessors in the Coptic Orthodox Christian Church.

9/17* – Arbaeen: A day of observance for Muslims that concludes the 40-day mourning period after the Day of Ashura.

9/23 – Mabon: This day marks the autumnal equinox in the Pagan and Wiccan religions.

9/23 to 9/31 – Paryushana: A Jain festival about forgiveness that is the faith’s most important religious observance.

9/25* to 9/27 – Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year beginning at sundown that encourages reflection.

9/26 to 10/4 – Navaratri: A Hindu festival that celebrates the Goddess Durga.

Ready to learn more? Visit our full September 2022 Diversity Calendar

October World Religion Calendar

10/4* – Yom Kippur: A Jewish day of atonement to reflect on sins and seek forgiveness from God.

10/5 – Dussehra: The tenth and final day of the Hindu festival honoring Asuj Navratras.

10/8* – Mawlid: An Islamic holiday celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

10/9* to 10/16 – Sukkot: A day in the Jewish faith that remembers when the Jews journeyed to the desert on the way to the promised land.

10/24 – Diwali: A 5-day festival of light that combines several different festivals in honor of gods, goddesses, harvests, new year’s, etc. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.

10/26* – Birthday of the Bab: A day honoring the birthday of God’s messenger in the Baha’i faith.

10/27* – Birthday of Baha’u’llah: A day honoring the birthday of the prophet-founding of the Baha’i faith

Visit our October 2022 Diversity Calendar for more information on diversity events happening this month.

November 2022 Interfaith Holy Days

11/1* – Samhain: A festival in the Pagan and Wiccan religions that marks the end of the harvest season.

11/1 – All Saints Day: Also known as Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos, this day honors the saints who have attained heaven in the Christian faith.

11/2 – Anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassie

11/8 – Birthday of Guru Nanak Ji: A day honoring the birth of the founder of Sikhism.

11/24 – Jain New Year: A holiday always following Diwali; Jains celebrate their new year on the first day after the month of Kartika.

11/30 – Feast of St. Andrew: A day honoring the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Barbados, and Romania in the Roman Catholic Church.

To learn more about diversity days during the month of November, see our November 2022 Diversity Calendar.

December Interfaith Calendar of Holy Days

12/8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception: A feast day celebrated by Roman Catholics that celebrate Mary’s conception without original sin.

12/18* to 12/26 – Hanukkah: The 8-day celebration of the “Festival of Lights” that honors the victory of Jews over Syrian Greeks.

12/21 – Yule: A Pagan and Wiccan holiday that begins at sundown at the winter solstice.

12/25 – Christmas: The holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

12/26 – The Feast of St. Stephen:  Also called Boxing Day, this day commemorates the life of a saint known for his service to the poor who became the first Christian martyr.

Explore more inclusion opportunities with our December 2022 Diversity Calendar

Note: All holidays marked with * begin the prior evening.

This concludes our list of 2022 religious holidays. To what religious holiday is today, and instantly add key religious events to your existing calendar, see our Outlook Diversity Calendar.  And for more diversity topics, see our 2022 Diversity Calendar.

Interfaith Calendar 2023

Calendar of Religious and Holy Days

Inclusive scheduling is a must for businesses and organizations. It allows everyone to recognize holy days regardless of which world religion their employees or members participate in. Below is our 2023 Interfaith Calendar which includes holidays, religious holidays and religious festivals. For more diversity topics, see our Diversity Calendar 2023.

Please note the list below is not exhaustive. It samples some religious holidays you should be mindful of while scheduling. For all 2023 religious holidays, see our interactive DEI Calendar for all 200+ religious events. All holidays marked with an asterisk (*) below begin the evening prior.

January 2023 Holy Days

January 6 – Feast of the Epiphany: On this feast day, Christians celebrate the first manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. It always falls 12 days after Christmas to mark when the three kings arrived in Bethlehem. Thus, it’s celebrated on January 6

January 7 – Coptic Orthodox Christmas: Using the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth

January 14 – Orthodox New Year: This date marks the start of the Julian calendar

January 15 – World Religion Day: This date is celebrated in the Baha’i faith and highlights the common themes across various faiths and religions worldwide.

For additional details, visit our January 2023 Diversity Calendar.

February Religious Holidays Calendar

February 1 – Imbolc: This Pagan and Wiccan festival serves as the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, celebrating fire, light, and the return of life

February 2 – Candlemas: This celebration occurs 40 days after Christmas and celebrates the birth of light. On this day, all candles that the church will use in the coming year are blessed

February 6* – Tu Bishvat: In Judaism, this holiday is an ancient and authentic “Earth Day”

February 15 – Parinirvana: In Mahãyãna Buddhism, this date is also known as Nirvana Day. It commemorates Buddha’s death and attainment of final nirvana

February 18 – Lailat al Miraj: This Muslim holy day celebrates prophet Muhammad’s pilgrimage from Mecca to Jerusalem. When prophet  Muhammad arrived, he ascended into Heaven

February 22 – Ash Wednesday: The start of Lent in the Christian Church. Lent is the 40-day period of prayer and fasting before Easter

February 25 to March 1 – Festival of Ayyam-i-Ha: This multi-day Baha’i festival highlights charity, hospitality, gift-giving, and preparation of fasting before the New Year

For more information, please see our February 2023 Diversity Calendar.

March Inclusive Religious Calendar

March 6 to March 7 – Purim: Also known as the “Feast of Lots,” this festival celebrates the survival of Jews who were marked for death by Persian rulers

March 8 – Holi: One of the most well-known Hinduism holy days, this Hindu Festival celebrates spring, love, and new life

March 8 to March 10 – Hola Mohalla: This is a 3-day festival in which Sikhs enjoy communal meals, religious song and prayer, and martial arts performances

March 19 – St Joseph’s Feast Day: This day celebrates Jesus’ surrogate father and Mary’s husband

March 20 – Ostara: This Wiccan holiday is one of their eight Sabbats. It celebrates the spring equinox

March 21* – Naw Ruz: This day marks the Persian and Baha’i New Year, which also occurs on the vernal equinox

March 23 to April 20 – Ramadan: During this time, Muslims observe a holy month of fasting

March 25 – The Annunciation: On this day, Christians believe the Angel Gabriel announced that Mary would give birth to Jesus

Visit our March 2023 Diversity Calendar to learn more about diversity days this month.

April’s Major Religious Holidays

April 4 – Mahavir Jayanti: This holiday celebrates the birthday of Jainism founder Lord Mahavira

April 5 to April 13 – Passover: This holiday spans 7-days and commemorates the Israelites being freed from slavery in Egypt

April 9 – Easter: Easter is one of the most important holidays in Christianity. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ — Lord and Savior of Christians

April 14 – Vaisakhi: This ancient festival celebrates both the Solar New Year and springtime harvest

April 16 – Feast of the Divine Mercy: This day, celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska. St. John Paul II declared that it would be celebrated when he canonized her in 2000

April 21 to April 23* – Eid al-Fitr: one of the top Islamic holy days, it marks the end of Ramadan. To end the fast, a big meal is its primary event

Discover more with our April Diversity Calendar

May 2023 Religious Holidays

May 1 – Beltane: A festival honoring life in the Pagan and Wiccan religions. It represents the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer

May 5 – Buddha’s Day: Also known as Vesak, this is a Theravada Buddhist festival that observes the birth, death, and enlightenment of the Buddha

May 18 – Ascension Day: This day is 40 days following Easter when Christians believe that Jesus ascended to Heaven

May 24* – Declaration of the Bab: A significant day in the Baha’i faith that observes the Bab as the messenger of God

May 25 to May 27 – Shavuot: This Jewish holiday celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and a grain harvest

Discover more with our May Diversity Calendar 2023

June 2023 Holy Days

June 4 – Trinity Sunday: A Sunday that centers on the doctrine in the Christian church that God is three in one — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

June 11 – Race Unity Day: A holiday in the Baha’i faith that promotes racial harmony and understanding

June 8 – Feast of Corpus Christi: A Roman Catholic feast day marking the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

June 16 – Feast of the Sacred Heart: A Roman Catholic feast day commemorating Jesus’ heart and his love for all of humanity

June 16 – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib: A day observed by Sikhs to celebrate the first martyr in their faith

June 24 – Litha: A Pagan and Wiccan festival that starts on the summer solstice and celebrates midsummer

June 26 to July 1 – The Hajj: among the most important of Muslim holy days. This annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that’s required for all Muslims during their lifetime if they are financially and physically able to do it.

June 28 to July 2 – Eid al-Adha: A holiday in the Islamic faith that ends the Hajj pilgrimage

Our June 2023 Diversity Calendar offers more information about all diversity events in the month.

July Interfaith Calendar

July 10* – Martyrdom of the Bab: A day remembering the execution of one of the founders of the Baha’i faith

July 18* – Hijri New Year: This holiday begins the Islamic lunar calendar. You may also hear it called Islamic New Year. It begins when the crescent moon is spotted

July 23 – Haile Selassie’s Birthday: The birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie, which is celebrated in Rastafarianism

July 24 – Pioneer Day: A holiday celebrated in the state of Utah that marks the settling of LDS pioneers in the Great Salt Lake area

July 27* – Tisha B’Av: A holiday in the Jewish faith that commemorates the destruction of the Jewish temple that occurred once in 586 BCE and once in 70 CE in Jerusalem

Learn more about the religious holidays and diversity days in the July 2023 Diversity Calendar.

August 2023 Religious Festivals Calendar

August 1 – Lughnasadh: This Pagan and Wiccan festival designates the start of the harvest season

August 15 – Feast of the Assumption: This is a holy day in the Catholic faith when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was assumed (body and soul) into Heaven

Learn more about the diversity days this month with our August 2023 Diversity Calendar.

Major Religious Holidays for September

September 6* – Arbaeen: The day marking the end of the 40-day mourning period after the Day of Ashura for Shia Muslims

September  11 – Coptic New Year: A feast day (also called Nayrouz) that commemorates martyrs and confessors in Coptic Orthodox Christianity

September 15 to September 17 – Rosh Hashanah: The two-day Jewish New Year that highlights rest and reflection, and is one of the most important Jewish holy days

September 21 to September 29 – Mabon: Pagan and Wiccan religions use this day to mark the autumnal equinox

September 24 to September 25 – Yom Kippur: This is one of the most important Jewish high holy days in the Jewish faith. The central themes of Yom Kippur are atonement and repentance

September 27* – Mawlid: The celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in the Islamic faith

September 29 to October 6 – Sukkot: A 7-day holiday commemorating when Jews journeyed to the desert on the way to the promised land

September 29 to October 14 – Pitru Paksha: A period when members of the Hindu faith pay homage to their ancestors

Visit our 2023 September Diversity Calendar for more information.

October Interfaith Holy Days

October 15 to October 24 – Navaratri: A festival in the Hindu faith that celebrates the Goddess Durga

October 16* – Birth of the Bab: A day honoring the birthday of a co-founder of the Baha’i faith

October 17 – Birth of Baha’u’llah: One of the nine holy days in the Baha’i faith that honors the birthday of one of the co-founders.

October 24 – Dussehra: The final day of 10 Hindu holy days that honors Asuj Navratras

To learn more about diversity days this month, see the October 2023 Diversity Calendar.

November World Religion Calendar

November 1* – Samhain: A Pagan and Wiccan festival marking the end of the harvest season

November 1 – All Saints Day: A day to honor all holy men and women who have been canonized in the Catholic Church

November 2 – Anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassie: The day when Haile Selassie ascended the Ethiopian throne. This is one of the holiest days in the Rastafarian year

November 27 – Guru Nanak Ji’s Birthday: A day commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Ji who founded Sikhism

November 12 – Diwali: A 5-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It honors gods, goddesses, harvests, New Years, etc.

November 27 – Jain New Year: A day celebrated on the first day after the month of Kartika.

November 30 – St. Andrew’s Feast Day: St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Barbados, and Romania. This day honors him, his good works, and his canonization in the Catholic Church.

Visit our November 2023 Diversity Calendar for all the details on holy days this month.

Major Religious Holidays for December

December 7 to December 15 – Hanukkah: An 8-day celebration in the Jewish faith that honors the victory of Jews over Syrian Greeks.

December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception: The day that Roman Catholics celebrate Mary’s conception without original sin.

December 21 to January 1 – Yule: A Pagan and Wiccan holiday that celebrates the winter solstice

December 22 – Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday: Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth Sikh Guru and spiritual master. This date commemorates the day he was born

December 25 – Christmas: An important Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

December 26 – St. Stephen’s Feast Day: The day commemorating St. Stephen’s life and service as he became the first Christian to die for the faith

Visit our December 2023 Diversity Calendar for more information.

Reminder: All holidays marked with * begin the prior evening.

That’s all for our list of 2023 holy days. For more diversity topics, see our Diversity Calendar 2023. And for respectful scheduling and inclusion opportunities, enjoy a free trial of interactive DEI Calendar.

September 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of our September diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.

September is a busy month for most people! Between the change of season, the start of a new school year for families, countless birthdays, Labor Day Weekend, and so much more, most people have packed calendars. This year, get some September diversity days on your schedule as well. This will keep you motivated to learn about new cultures and practices around you.

September 15 to October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month was first declared in September 1989. It aims to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. During this month, the independence days of several Latin American countries are also celebrated. These include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Chile.

National Recovery Month

This is a national observance held each September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices for substance use disorder. It was launched in 1989 by SAMSHA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). During this time, you can honor National Recovery Month by reaching out to anyone you know in recovery, attending 12-step meetings, or posting on social media about your own progress or experience.

September 20: HeForShe

Our list of September diversity topics includes HeForShe is a social movement campaign created by the UN to promote gender equality. It’s targeted at men to become the agents of change for women’s rights. If you’re a man, here’s how you can be a better ally for gender equality.

  • Actively listen to women and their perspectives
  • Reflect on your own power and privilege as a man
  • Credit your female coworkers’ ideas fairly
  • Advocate for gender-equitable policies in the workplace
  • Challenge sexism and speak up when you hear sexist language used
  • Take on your full share of the housework and childcare at home

Building strong allyship on your radar? Head to our online diversity training page for useful resources.

September 22: Autumnal Equinox

Fall is now upon us! The autumnal equinox may seem like a simple shift of seasons, but around the world, it’s the time for various religious observances worldwide. Discover more interfaith events with our list of key religious holidays 2022.

September 25 to September 27: Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, a September multicultural celebration, is the Jewish New Year festival. The holiday officially begins at nightfall, and those following the rabbinical customs will attend synagogue services to recite a special liturgy about teshuva. Eating symbolic foods is also now a tradition of the holiday. Some symbolic foods include apples dipped in honey. If you’ve never celebrated Rosh Hashanah previously, you may try participating in some of these customs.

Final Thoughts

Which diversity days do you want to learn more about this year? Get a head start on next month with our October 2022 Diversity Calendar, or next year with our Diversity Calendar 2023.

August 2022 Diversity Calendar

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

July 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of our July diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.

It’s summertime! When most of us think of July, we think of the fireworks celebrating the founding of the United States. However, several other diversity days are worth our attention. Here are some July diversity topics that should be on your radar this year.

July 2: Thurgood Marshall’s Birthday

Thurgood Marshall was the nation’s first Black Supreme Court Justice. This year, we’ll celebrate his birthday with the first Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on the court. These individuals are vital reminders of just how much representation matters. In addition to being a justice, Marshall was also a well-known civil rights activist.

July 6: Dalai Lama’s Birthday

Happy birthday to the 14th Dalai Lama, the most famous Buddhist teacher in the world. The Dalai Lama is widely respected for his commitment to both nonviolence and Tibetan freedom. He was awarded the 1989 peace prize for advocating for solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. Despite being exiled from Tibet, he has continually sought to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.

July 6: Frida Kahlo’s Birthday

July diversity celebrations include the birthday of Frida Kahlo (Women, Mexican): one of the most recognizable painters of the 20th century

July 7: The Hajj

Our July diversity month includes The Hajj, an annual pilgrimage and one of the pillars of Islam. All able-bodied Muslims are required to undertake the journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Once in Mecca, all Muslims perform a series of rituals. Discover more interfaith events with our list of key religious holidays 2022.

July 18: Nelson Mandela’s Birthday

On this day, we celebrate the birth of the South African civil rights leader. He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993. He then served as the country’s first Black president from 1994 to 1999, leading the country’s transition from apartheid to multiracial democracy. Mandela demonstrated that all people can make a positive impact on the world through small acts of kindness. Consider spending this day volunteering for a local cause. And celebrate Mandela’s legacy by fostering greater racial inclusion with online diversity training.

July 25: Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day, a July multicultural holiday, is associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) as well as a Utah State holiday. It officially marks the date when LDS church founder Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake area. To celebrate, most people take the day off, watch fireworks, walk the Mormon Trail, go to picnics, etc.

July 26: Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

In 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. This civil rights law made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in areas like employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and access to state and local government programs/services.

Celebrate the anniversary of the ADA by conducting in-house training to increase sensitivity for people with disabilities. Or review physical or architectural barriers in your workplace, and ensure your website and other digital assets are compliant for people with visual and other impairments.

Final Thoughts

Every day is a great time change the world – and create greater equity and inclusion – with a small act of kindness or celebration of diversity. Get a head start on the rest of the year with our Equality and Diversity Calendar 2022.

June 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of diversity events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.

Many people believe that June is one of the best months of the year and that’s certainly true when it comes to diversity and inclusion events. If you love marching for what you believe in and celebrating those around you, this is your month! Here’s what you should keep in mind for the month of June.

LGBT Pride Month

If you’re a new ally to the LGBTQ+ community, welcome! June is Pride Month, and it’s you’ll be seeing rainbows to signify this all month long. June was selected in honor of the Stonewall Riots, which took place on June 28, 1969. During this event, the NYC police raided Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village. The police roughly hauled both employees and patrons from the bar, and the incident ended in violent protests and clashes in the streets for six days. It catalyzed the gay rights movement in the U.S. Create more inclusion with LGBT Sensitivity Training.

Caribbean American Heritage Month

June is also Caribbean American Heritage Month which recognizes the history and culture of Caribbean Americans in the United States. During this time, Caribbean Americans or individuals with Caribbean American heritage will come together to celebrate their history through a variety of activities including traditional meals, festivals, concerts, dancing, parades, etc.

June 2: Indian Citizenship Act of 1924

Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act on June 2, 1924, which granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. Yet, while this was an important date in history for Native Americans, they were not permitted to vote in all states until 1957.

June 12: Loving Day

On this day in 1967, Loving v. Virginia struck down all anti-miscegenation laws in 16 states. This effectively ended bans on interracial marriage. Because interracial relationships are much more common today, many people forget that this was such a monumental win for love. Head to your local library to check out books about the civil rights movement and all it fought for.

June 12: Puerto Rican Day Parade

This parade is the largest demonstration of cultural pride in the United States. The goal of this event is to create awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican culture and history. Due to COVID-19, the Puerto Rican Day Parade has been canceled in recent years. However, historically, you’ve been able to see it along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and on TV.

June 19: Juneteenth

Juneteenth took place on June 19, 1865, when all slaves in Texas were liberated. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued at the start of 1863, the news didn’t reach all states or slaves until over two years later. Today, 47 states and D.C. recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or observance. Create more inclusion and belonging with racial sensitivity training.

June 27: Helen Keller’s Birthday

Happy Birthday, Helen Keller! Known for being both deaf and blind, Keller became a pioneer in advocacy for individuals with disabilities. She is one of the 20th century’s leading humanities, and she also co-founded the ACLU.

Final Thoughts

 Keep June colorful with lots of learning about diversity! Our multicultural calendar can help you know what’s coming up.

Get a head start on next month with our July 2022 Diversity Calendar. Or explore the rest of the year with our Equality and Diversity Calendar 2022.

May 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of diversity events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.

Continue celebrating diversity in the month of May! If you want a full month of celebrating diversity, this is your time to shine. You’ll be able to recognize mental health awareness, older Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders all month along with sporadic diversity days that keep the month fun and exciting. Let’s see what the month has in store

Mental Health Awareness Month

This May diversity month theme raised awareness for individuals living with mental or behavioral issues and seeks to reduce the stigma that they experience. We suggest celebrating Mental Health Awareness month by understanding how stress impacts your body, developing your support network, and reaching out to friends or family members that you believe may be struggling.

Older Americans Month

May diversity celebrations: established in 1963, Older Americans Month is led by the Administration for Community Living. It seeks to celebrate the accomplishments of the elderly as well as raise awareness concerning elder abuse and neglect.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month is a May diversity celebrations. This yearly observance recognizes American Jews and their their importance to our nation. To celebrate this event, make a Jewish recipe, tour a museum, or pick up some Hebrew words!

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Our May multicultural calendar salutes Asian Americans and the Pacific Islands. They have long enriched America’s history and ensured its future success. To recognize this group, an entire month is dedicated to celebrating them. We suggest trying out a few of the following to truly appreciate their contributions. Make a positive impact, and help stop Asian Hate with online sensitivity training.

  • Try origami
  • Explore AAPI history
  • Make your own bubble tea at home
  • Support a local AAPI business in your community

5/5 – Cinco de Mayo

This May diversity holiday is a favorite, but its history is often overlooked. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican Heritage as it commemorates the date that the Mexican army defeated the French army. You’ll often see it celebrated with parties, parades, traditional Mexican foods, and mariachi music.

5/8: Buddha’s Birthday

May diversity dates include Buddha’s birthday, a significant day of celebration for Buddhists around the world. Prince Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of one of the most popular religions in the world. The festival Vesak celebrates his birth and marks his Enlightenment for some Buddhists.

5/17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

May diversity and inclusion topics – the 17th celebrates the date chosen to honor the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classifications of Diseases of the WHO in 1990. On this day, 132 countries coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights. You can celebrate by reading up on the terminology so you can talk about the issues confidently in the workplace.

5/19: Malcolm X’s Birthday

Happy Birthday to Malcolm X! In the 1960s, Malcolm X was a prominent civil rights leader and figure in the Nation of Islam. He was assassinated in 1965. His birthday is celebrated on May 19th, and it’s known as “Malcolm X Day.”

 Final Thoughts

Keep up to date with our 2022 Interfaith calendar for this year!

If following the calendar for each event or date becomes overwhelming to you, try to pick just one item from May’s multicultural calendar to learn about. Small and gradual learning about diversity can make all the difference!

Get a head start on the rest of the year with our 2022 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar.

April 2022 Diversity Calendar

Below you’ll find a small sampling of diversity events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.

Here’s your April 2022 Diversity Calendar, a reminder that diversity isn’t an action…it’s a mindset. Our hope is that you can integrate the following holidays, holy days, and diversity events into your daily life and work to help everyone become more aware of diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you’ve never participated in an equality and diversity calendar previously, April is the perfect month to start. It’s Diversity Month! Let’s get started on what participation looks like.

Celebrate Diversity Month

Did you know that April is diversity month? It was officially designated as diversity month in 2004, and it strives to help people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other and their differences. To celebrate April diversity celebrations, consider new ways you can integrate diversity into your life. This could be considering implicit biases you have or how they impact the judgment of the people around you or asking questions to make connections with others. And help your next business go next level with online diversity and inclusion training!

 4/2: World Autism Awareness Day

In 2022, we’ll celebrate the 15th annual World Autism Awareness Day. The goal of this April diversity topic is to recognize people with autism and improve their lives both fully and meaningfully. If you know an autistic individual, you can work to understand them better by addressing them like any other person and taking time to listen to them.

4/2: Ramadan

Our April diversity calendar includes Islam’s most sacred month, which starts April 2. During this month, practicing Muslims will observe a strict fast from dawn to dusk. This “fast” includes abstaining from eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking cigarettes, and engaging in sexual activity. You can understand the practice of Ramadan better by trying this for a day. Be sure to include the pre-fast meal (shur) and post-fast meal (iftar) that Muslims consume. To inspire inclusion of Muslims and others, discover the 5 benefits of diversity training in the workplace.

4/15: Passover

April multicultural holidays include Passover, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Biblical story of Exodus. Exodus is when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Its main event is the seder, which is a festive meal where the Book of Exodus and related writings are recited in a set order.

4/17: Easter

Our April multicultural calendar includes Easter, the most significant Christian holy day that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus following his death. If you’re not Christian but want to celebrate this holiday in 2022, learn about the resurrection as told in the Bible, and have an Easter brunch with friends and family.

4/22: Earth Day

April diversity days include Earth Day, established in 1970 as an international day of celebration for the modern environmental movement, which 192 countries celebrate. We suggest selecting one thing you can do for the environment throughout the month of April to help contribute. Focus on your water consumption, waste, or go vegan! There’s so much you can do to save this planet that provides so much for you.

4/21-4/23: Gathering of Nations

April diversity month conclues with Gathering of Nations, a congregation of 500 Native American tribes. These tribes meet to celebrate their traditions and cultures each year in the largest event for North America’s tribes. This year, the event is returning to in-person but requires vaccination, a certified statement from a licensed physician, and a negative test 48 hours prior to entry each day.

Final Thoughts

And that concludes our April 2022 diversity calendar. Get a head start on next month with our May 2022 diversity calendar. Celebrating diversity days that are unfamiliar to you can be intimidating. However, don’t think of them as something that you have to do perfectly. They are simply an opportunity to engage with communities that you otherwise wouldn’t, and that in itself is a learning experience.

Keep up to date with our 2022 Interfaith calendar for this year. Get a head start on the rest of the year with our Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2022

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