Happy New Year! Let’s start the year off right by highlighting some diversity dates you should be aware of in the month of January. Keep up to date with our 2022 Interfaith calendar for this year.
1/1: Emancipation Proclamation
Today we celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation! On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln declared that all persons held as slaves would be freed. While it’s an exciting day to remember in our country’s history, it’s just as important to remember that not all slaves were freed in the U.S. on this day. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 (now celebrated as Juneteenth) that slavery was ended across the Confederacy as troops road into Galveston, Texas.
1/4: Louis Braille’s Birthday
Louis Braille, a French educator, created a system of reading and writing for those who are visually impaired. Today, the system, known simply as “braille,” is the world’s most popular tactile reading and writing system. It’s largely the same today as it was when Louis Braille created it.
1/6: Feast of the Epiphany
This Christian feast day celebrates the relevance of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. It is always celebrated on the 12th day of Christmas, and it commemorates how the star led the three wise men to baby Jesus. Countries around the world will celebrate it by decorating floats and dressing up in costumes as the wise men.
1/14: Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that’s dedicated to the Hindu religious sun god Surya. It is often celebrated with morning prayer followed by kite games and competitions.
1/20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates one of the greatest American leaders of the civil rights movement. He was a Baptist minister and activist who helped to advocate for African Americans before he was assassinated. Celebrate this day by educating yourself on Black history or supporting Black-owned businesses and with online diversity training.
1/27: International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust
This day was created by the United Nations to remember the approximately 6 million Jewish men, women, and children murdered by the Nazis during World War II. Commemorating the war helps you to develop knowledge and awareness of genocide and war. Consider heading to your local library and picking out a book about the Holocaust on this day.
1/29 Oprah Winfrey’s Birthday
Happy Birthday to Oprah! As a famous talk show host, Oprah has been named the “Queen of Media.” Yet, beyond her presence on TV, Oprah is a philanthropist and North America’s first black multibillionaire.
Final thoughts
That wraps up our January Diversity Calendar! Check back in with us for our February 2022 Diversity Calendar. Remaining up to date on diversity days will enrich your life and help you be a lifelong learner.
For more diversity topics, see our 2022 Diversity Calendar.