February was chosen as Black History Month as it holds the birthdays of two important men in American history who helped end slavery: President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
February 1 – National Freedom Day
On this date in 1865, President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery. The day was first advocated for by Major Richard Robert Wright Sr. who was born into slavery and freed after the Civil War.
February 10 – Lunar New Year
This signifies the first new moon of the lunar calendar. It’s a time rich in traditions and cultural festivities, often featuring family gatherings, special foods and diverse cultural rituals that differ from country to country, including performances, special decorations, and the giving of good-luck gifts.
February 14 – Frederick Douglass’ Birthday (Observed)
This day honors the birth of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. After escaping slavery in Maryland, he became the face of the abolitionist movement in the North.
February 15 – Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday
This women’s suffrage leader advocated for equal pay and the right to vote for women. She also was an active member of the Abolitionist movement alongside Frederick Douglass.
Read more about February awareness days to celebrate with our February Diversity Calendar 2024, and check out our National Awareness Months 2024 blog post.
March is Women’s History Month, which highlights contributions that women have made in history and in society. It is celebrated every March to correspond with International Women’s Day on March 8. The first Women’s History Month was celebrated in 1987.
March 2 – Granting of U.S. Citizenship to Puerto Ricans
On this date, Congress passed the Jones Act, which gave Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship and the right to elect representatives to the House and Senate.
March 8 – International Women’s Day
This global holiday is celebrated as a means to bring gender issues to the forefront such as reproductive rights, violence against women, and equal pay.
March 10 – Harriet Tubman’s Birthday (Observed)
The Moses of her people, this American abolitionist helped others gain freedom as a conductor of the Underground Railroad. She also served as a spy, scout, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union in the Civil War despite only being paid $200.
March 10 – Ramadan*
The arrival of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, brings forth a month of fasting, praying, and reflection.
March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day
This global day of awareness can be supported by wearing fun socks, which is a tradition that started because Chromosome 21 strands look like socks and are unique looking.
March 24 – Purim*
This holiday celebrates the rescue of Jews by Esther from a plot to kill them. Fasting the day before Purim honors the fasting of Esther before her plea to the king for the Jewish people.
March 25 – Holi
This Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring is an important Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It also celebrates the arrival of Spring and the blossom of love and hopes for a good harvest.
March 31 – Easter
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion and the end of the 40-day Lent period with nearly two billion followers worldwide.
Discover more March religious holidays to celebrate with our Interfaith Calendar 2024.
April features Celebrate Diversity Month which recognizes the diversity of the world and is a time of understanding differences whether gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or other factors. By taking time to appreciate these differences, April creates a time for a deeper understanding of those around you. It’s also a great time to increase diversity training in the workplace.
Lesbian Visibility Week is celebrated to increase awareness and a better understanding of issues related to the LGBT community and its different identities. It’s associated with Lesbian Visibility Day, which is observed every April 26 and seeks to raise awareness for the community as a whole.
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
This annual celebration helps raise awareness and acceptance of those with neurodivergence and developmental disorders.
April 6 – Tartan Day
The day acknowledges the role that Scottish Americans have made to the nation.
April 22 – Earth Day
Celebrate the 54th annual celebration of Earth Day by attending neighborhood or beach cleanups, planting a tree, or even helping to lead some type of recycling effort in your workplace.
April 22 – 30 – Passover
Passover or Pesach celebrates the freeing of enslaved Israelites. It is also known as the Festival of Unleavened Bread as Matzo or Matzah is eaten during Seder dinner.
Learn about more April diversity events with our April Diversity Calendar 2024, and check out Awareness Months 2024.
Mental Health Awareness Month helps raise awareness in May and all year long for those living with both mental and behavioral issues. Discover more about these monthly themes with our Healthcare Calendar 2024.
The Military is also honored during National Military Appreciation Month in May as a means to remind all Americans to pay tributes to those who sacrifice for our freedoms.
May 4 – National Day of Prayer
Even before being signed into law in 1952, days of prayers occurred during the Continental Congress as far back as 1775.
May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
This annual day hopes to raise awareness of issues relating to the LGBTQ+ community.
May 19 – Malcolm X’s Birthday
The well-known Muslim minister and human rights activist helped advance civil rights as an advocate for Black empowerment. He was assassinated in 1965.
May 26 – Buddha’s Birthday
Sing Happy Birthday to Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Gautama Buddha and founded modern-day Buddhism.
Discover more May religious holidays or May heritage events with our May Diversity Calendar 2024. Make sure to celebrate diversity months 2024.
