Below you’ll find a small sampling of this month’s diversity events. To view all 100+ events and religious observances, see our Diversity Calendar suite
September heralds the shift from summer to fall – and time for learning and growth. Check out all the diversity days and events to honor with our September diversity celebrations. It’s great opportunity to inspire people working or studying – whether in person or virtually from home – about diversity days worth recognizing.
9/15-10/15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
Our September diversity month is highlighted by the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. September 15 was chosen as the start date, because it’s the anniversary of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,and Nicaragua. All five of these countries declared independence in 1821. Try making recipes from these diverse cultures throughout the month to celebrate! And foster racial equity and inclusion in your workplace with our Online Diversity Training.
9/5: Anniversary of Tashunka Witko’s Death
In September 1877, Tashunka Witko, also known as Crazy Horse, was fatally wounded by a military guard while allegedly resisting imprisonment at Camp Robinson in present-day Nebraska. An Oglala Sioux, he’s among the most famous Native American warriors and thus a part of our September diversity events.
9/19-9/20: Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on previous day, September 18. That’s because the ancient Jewish calendar is based on the phases of the moon. On this day, we’ll launch into the Jewish New Year 5780. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Days of Awe, which culminates 10 days later with Yom Kippur. It calls for a reflection about the past year and of the year to come. Discover more holy days with our 2020 Interfaith Calendar.
9/22: Autumnal Equinox
Our September multicultural holidays include Autumnal Equinox. Today the sun will pass directly over the Earth’s equator, and the day and night will be exactly equal in length. Both the autumnal and vernal equinox – as well as the winter and summer solstice – play a key role in many major religions.
9/25: Birthday of Christopher Reeve
Our September diversity topics include people with disabilities. Happy Birthday, Christopher Reeve! In May of 1995, Reeve was thrown from a horse and paralyzed. After his accident, he advocated for research into spinal cord injuries, and lobbied on behalf of others suffering from similar injuries. He founded the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to finding treatments and cures for paralysis.
9/28: Yom Kippur
Our September multicultural calendar includes Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement” in the Jewish religion. It ends the Days of Awe (or Repentance), which are 10 days during which Jews reflect on their sins and seek forgiveness from God. It’s considered the holiest day of the year as Jews atone for their sins. The best greeting to give on this day is “Have an easy fast” or “Have a good holy day.”
Final thoughts
Our September 2020 diversity calendar helps you develop awareness and inclusion each and every day. How can you celebrate these at your workplace or school – whether in person or virtually? And get a head start on next month with our October 2020 Diversity Calendar, and the rest of the year with our 2020 Diversity Calendar.