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.
Summer is upon us, and July brings forth a captivating mosaic of celebrations. While the United States commemorates its independence, this month also offers a rich tapestry of religious and cultural events. Take time this July to learn about some other important celebrations across the world.
In our monthly samples, we aim to share July awareness days, July diversity days, July heritage months, July high holy days, July religious holidays, and religious festivals.
Celebrated Themes
Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This month aims to change the way people think about disability and end the stigma that people with disabilities are limited in what they can do. Nearly 15% of the population has at least one disability in the United States.
Monthly Standouts
While there are countless religious holidays and cultural events to celebrate in July, here are some standout days to learn about from our Diversity Calendar 2023.
July 1: Canada Day
“O Canada!” This day commemorates the anniversary of the Constitution Act, which united the provinces and territories of Canada into one nation in 1867. Until 1982, it was known as Dominion Day. Similar to the 4th of July, citizens enjoy picnics and barbecues, festivals, and fireworks.
July 2: Thurgood Marshall’s Birthday
The First African American justice of the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall, was a civil rights attorney who led the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. He played a crucial role in the ending of racial segregation in 1954 with the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which rejected the “separate but equal” doctrine. President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to the court in 1967.
July 6: Dalai Lama’s Birthday
His Holiness was first acknowledged as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the 14th Dalai Lama, at the age of 2. The term “Dalai Lama” is given to the spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He dedicates his life to serving his people. This year, he celebrates his 88th birthday.
July 14: International Non-Binary People’s Day
This day aims to raise awareness for issues faced by non-binary individuals worldwide. Many countries don’t legally recognize non-binary genders, making it difficult to obtain proper identification and passports. This LGBTQ+ awareness day is celebrated during Non-Binary Awareness Week. Celebrate this day by raising awareness and fostering inclusiveness with our online LGBT Training in the Workplace.
July 18: Nelson Mandela’s Birthday
The Father of South Africa was born on this day in 1918. He played a pivotal role in establishing democracy after serving 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid, a system of racial segregation. Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95.
July 19: Hijri New Year
This day marks the start of the Islamic New Year, observed by most Muslims on the first day of Muharram, the first sacred month of the lunar calendar. The first 10 days of the month are significant Islamic holy days, especially for Shia Muslims, who spend the time mourning the death of Husayn Ibn Ali al-Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Keep up to date with more religious observances with our 2023 Interfaith Calendar.
July 24: Pioneer Day
The Utah state holiday celebrates the arrival of Brigham Young and Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. Not only is it a state holiday, but also a special occasion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the day has strong links to the church, it is celebrated by all residents as it showcases the arrival of the transcontinental railroad.
July 26: National Disability Independence Day
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on this date in 1990 to create the first equality declaration for Americans living with a disability. It prohibits discrimination by both state and local governments and sets important accessibility standards for public places. It also helps protect these individuals from discrimination in the workplace.
Visit our Diversity Calendar 2023 to learn about more holidays and celebrations celebrated this year.
Don’t Forget To….
Make your workplace a place of acceptance with regular diverse celebrations. Help your employees to learn about new cultural celebrations throughout the year with our Online Diversity Calendar. Take some time to raise awareness for various causes celebrated monthly too.
This wraps up our July Diversity Calendar. For more information about religious observances, visit our Interfaith Calendar 2023.