JANUARY December 26 - January 1, 2021 Kwanza A celebration honoring African American Heritage Celebration of human rights for blind and partially January 4th World Braille Day sighted individuals Birthday, 10th Guru Gobind Sikhism holiday that marks the birth anniversary of January 5th Singh the 10th Guru of the Sikhs January 7th Orthodox Christian holiday January 18th Martin Luther King Jr. Day The buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gauatama, January 20th experienced enlightenement. Annual international day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust coinciding with the anniversity of the liberation of the January 27th Un Holocost Auschwitz camp in 1945. International Transgender January 31st Day of Visibility

FEBRUARY A unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster Jewish Disabilities acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and mental health conditions and those who love Whole and Inclusion Month them Celebrates black history and African American Whole month culture. Commemorates the signing of the 13th 1st Amendment which abolished slavery in 1865. Celebrated by Buddhists, Daoists and Confucianists. Also known as the Spring the Festival, an important festival celebrated at the February 12th Lunar turn of the traditional lunisolar . A Polish army officer and engineer who advanced Tadeusz Kosciuszko's the fight for liberty in Poland and the February 12th Birthday during the Revolutionary War. February 14th Valentine's Day George 's birthday, along with the February 15th Presidents' Day celebration of all the United States presidents. A commemorative holiday to celebrate the birth of Susan B. Anthony and women's suffrage in the February 15th Susan B. Anthony Day United States. A Western Christian celebrating a day of pentience as well as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. This holiday is alos known as , February 16th Fat Tuesday, and day. This holiday falls on the first day of Lent for Western Christian churches, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for , not counting February 17th Sundays. day to recognize efforts to achieve fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental February 20th World day of Social Justice principles and rights at work. A joyous Jewish holiday. The Book of Esther tells the story of how the Jewish people living in Persia February 25th at sunset - 26th were saved.

MARCH This day honors women as significant agents of Whole month Women's History Month historical change. National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Whole month Month A celebration of the countless achievements of Irish Americans and recognize the remarkable Irish-American Heritage contributions they have made to our Nation’s Whole month Month character, culture, and prosperity. National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Whole month Month It is a local holiday that commemorates and celebrates the birthday of Casimir Pulaski – a Polish soldier who contributed to the Independence of the United States and is often March 1st Pulaski Day called the “father of the American Calvary.” The celebration of the economic, political and March 8th International Women's Day social achievements of women worldwide. An Islamic holiday that celebrates the night Allah took Mohammad on a journey from Mecca to March 10th and 11th Isra and Mi’raj Jerusalem and then to heaven. A Hindu holiday which celebrates the grand marriage of lord of destruction, Shiva, with the goddess of fertility, love and beauty, Parvati. The festival is celebrated at the 13th night or 14th day March 11th of the waning moon in the . The beginning of for Eastern Christian churches, which starts 40 days before Orthodox March 15th Clean Monday Easter, counting Sundays. A Christian holiday which is a feast day of hte patron Saint of Ireland. In the United States, a secular version is celerated by peopple of all faiths March 17th St. Patrick's Day through appreciation of all things Irish. International Day for the Elimination of Racial A call to action to eliminate all forms of racial March 21st Discrimination discrimination worldwide. A Jewish festival of Freedom. commemorates the ancient Hebrew's exodus from March 27th at sunset - April 4th Passover Egyptian bondage. March 28 (evening)- March 29th A Hindu celebration of the begnning of good (evening) harvest season, or spring. A Christian holiday obsevered the Sunday before Easter/Pascha to commorate the entry of Jesus March 28th into Jerusalem March 13th - April 15th Deaf History Month

APRIL Arab American Heritage Celebrates Arab American heritage, culture and Whole month Month contributions. Whole month World Autism Month A month that marks important anniversaries for past and contemporary genocides. Throughout the month, individuals, communities and organizations Genocide Awareness join together to remember and honor victims and Whole month Month survivors of mass atrocities. A Christian holiday, also known as , is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last April 1st Holy Thursday time before the Crucifixion. A Christian holiday, also known as Holy Friday in Eastern Christianity, it commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus on the Friday before April 2nd Easter/Pascha. Known as Pascha in Eastern Christianity, it April 4th Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Dyngus Day is a Polish-American holiday celebrated after Easter Sunday in Buffalo, New York and elsewhere. To mark the end of Lent, the joyful celebration consists of delicious food, April 5th Dyngus Day entertaining parades, and wonderful music. Day of Rememerance of the Victims of Rwandan April 7th Genocide Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day to reflect and remember the victims, honor the survivors and April 8th Yom Hashoah pay tribute to the liberators. Occurs during the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first April 12 (evening) May 11 revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet (evening) . (Baptism of A Sikhism and Hinduism holiday, celebrated as the Sikhism - Creation of occasion to transform the Sikhs into a family of April 14th Khalsa) soldiersaints, known as the Khalsa Panth. April 16th (starts at sunset) - Yom Ha'atzmaut Israeli Commemorates the declaration of independence April 17th of Israel in 1948. A spring festival that celebrates the birthday April 21st of the Hindu God Lord Rama. Native American gathering of nations where over American Indian Heritage 500 tribes gather for three days to honor their April 23rd Day culture. A strict day of fasting for many Greek Orthodox April 30th Orthodox Good Friday Christians in the United States.

MAY Asian Pacific American It recognizes the contributions and culture of Whole Month Heritage Month Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Jewish American Heritage Whole Month Month It honors the contributions of American Jews. Haitian Heritage Month is a celebration in the United States of Haitian heritage and culture. It was first celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts, in Whole Month Haitian Heritage Month 1998. Also known as , it celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers worldwide. The day commemorates the Hay market Riot of 1886 in , in which police and protesters clashed following a workers’ strike for an eight- May 1st International Worker's Day hour work day. Orthodox Christian celebration of the resurrection May 2nd Orthodox Easter of Jesus Christ. Serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or May 3rd World Press Freedom jail to bring people their daily news. This holiday celebrates the declaration of the May 3rd Polish Polish Consitution of May 3, 1791. May 3rd - May 7th Teacher Appreciation Week May 6th - May 12th Nurses Week May 9th Mother's Day Celebration to all Mother's and motherhood. The “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide marking the end of Ramadan. (Islamic) May 12th Eid al-Fitr A Christian holiday, also known as Holy Thursday, celebrated 40 days after Easter/Pascha, it commemorates the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. May 13th Ascension Day A Jewish holiday, also known as “Feast of Weeks,” when the covenant established at Sinai between God and Israel, and the revelation of the Ten Commandments May 17-18 A day that recognizes cultural diversity as a World Day for Cultural source of innovation, exchange and creativity. May 21st Diversity A Christian holiday, also known as Whitsunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter/Pascha commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus. Marks the birth of the Christian Church. May 23rd Also known as or Buddha Day, it marks the birth, spiritual awakening and death () of May 26th Visakha Puja the historical Buddha. A federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in May 31st Memorial Day the country's armed forces.

JUNE Commemorates the anniversary of the 28, 1969 Stonewall riot in New York City, the incident that initiated the modern gay rights movement in Whole month LGBTQ Pride Month the United States. Martyrdom of 5th Guru The commemoration of the martyrdom of Guru June 11th Arjun Dev (Sikhism) Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th Guru and the 1st Sikh Martyr. Birthday of young Jewish girl whose diary describes her family’s experiences hiding from the June 12th Anne Frank Day Nazis through assistance of Gentile friends. Observes the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia which struck down the miscegenation laws June 12th Loving Day remaining in 16 states barring interracial marriage. is the day the country celebrates its national flag and holds events related to its flag, such as flag-raising ceremonies, displaying the flag on public buildings and in homes, as well as June 14th Flag Day holding parades and salutes. Children of all ages show appreciation for their June 20th Father's Day fathers and father figures. Raises awareness about the plight of refugees and June 20th World Refugee Day displaced persons. Originally commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865, it is now celebrated throughout the U.S. to honor African- June 19th American freedom and achievement. On June 26, 2015, in the case of Obergefell v. Anniversary Of Legalization Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled that the Of Same-sex Marriage in fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same- June 26th the US sex couples. International Day in Support June 26th of Victims in Torture

JULY It is the anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are July 4th Independence Day organized throughout the United States. This holisay was created to inspire people to embrace the values of democracy and contribute towards the ideals of ensuring a just an fair July 18th Nelson Mandela Day society. An Islamic holiday commemorating of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience of a command from God. Marks the end of the annual July 19th (evening) - July 23 (pilgrimage to Mecca). (evening) Eid-Al-Adha A Buddhist holiday also known as, , it commemorates the historical Buddha's first discourse following his spiritual awakening. July 24th Day Commemorates the 1990 signing of the Americans Americans with Disabilities with Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal July 26th Act Day opportunity for people with disabilities.

AUGUST Celebrates the richness of indigenous cultures and recognizes the challenges indigenous peoples face today, ranging from poverty and disease to International Day of the dispossession, discrimination and denial of basic August 9th World's Indigenus Peoples human rights. The month of marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year. This first day, al-Hijra, remembers the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. It also marks the beginning of the ten-day Shı̄ʿite Remembrance of Muharram, a period of intense grief and martyrdom of Hussein, the son of and August 9th Muharram grandson of Muhammad. Celebrates young people and the integral role they August 12th International Youth Day play in helping to create a world fit for children. An Islamic holiday consisting of a day of fasting observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram to celebrate Moses’ exodus from Egypt. For Shi’a Muslims, it also marks the climax of the ten-day Remembrance of Muharram, which mourns the martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of August 18th . Recognizes the many contributions older adults August 21st Senior Citizen Day make in communities across the United States. A Hindu holiday, also called Rakhi, this festival celebrates the protective relationship between August 22nd brothers and their sisters. International Day for the Memorializes the tragedy of the transatlantic slave Rememberance of the trade, coinciding with the anniversary of the Slave Trade and its uprising in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the August 23rd Abolition Dominican Republic) that initiated its abolition. Commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women August 26th Women's Equality Day the right to vote.

SEPTEMBER Blindness Awareness Whole month Month Celebrates the contributions, heritage and culture National Hispanic Heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. 15th - 15th Month Recognizes the role of charity in alleviating human suffering, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, including the work of September 5th International Day of Charity Mother Teresa. Celebrated the first Monday in September in September 6th recognition of U.S. workers. Jewish New Year and High Holy Days which marks the beginning of a period of repentance and September 6th at sunset - 8th Rosh Hasanah prayer. Day of Atonement is the most solemn Holy Day on the Jewish Calendar. It is a day of prayer, reflection, , and fasting. September 15th at sunset - 16th Commemorating the ratification of the United Constitution and Citizenship States Constitution in 1787 and also honors all September 17th Day who have become U.S. citizens. International Week of the Draws attention to the accomplishments of people September 20th - 26th Deaf who are deaf and also promotes their rights. A Jewish holiday that is a week-long “Feast of Booths” commemorating the 40-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land. It is a Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving. September 20th at sunset - 27th “The Eighth (Day) of Assembly” is a Jewish holiday September 27th at sunset - 29th concluding Sukkot. “Rejoicing in the Torah” is a Jewish holiday that September 28th at sunset - 29th celebrates the Torah (5 Books of Moses).

OCTOBER Global Diversity Awareness Increasing awareness and acceptance of diverse Whole month Month cultures. The celebration of the Italian-American culture and Whole month Italian Heritage Month the traditions that have come with it. National Disability Employment Awareness Recognizes the contributions of workers with Whole month Month disabilities. Marks and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people in Whole month LGBT History Month the United States. This is an annual event celebrated in October to honor Polish heritage in the United States. October Start of Polish American is notable as the month when the first polish October 1st Heritage Month settlers came to Jamestown, Virginia. Marked on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non- violence, a U.N commemoration promoting the International Day of Non- principle of non-violence and the desire to secure October 2nd Violence a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding. Held annually to commemorate teacher October 5th World Teachers Day organizations worldwide. A Hindu holiday consisting of a nine-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It worships God in the form of the universal mother commonly referred to as Durga, Devi or Shakti, October 6-14th and marks the start of fall. Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrates and honors Native American history October 11th () and culture. Dia De La Raza, “Day of Celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries and October 11th the Race”: communities. Encourages honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Commemorates October 11, 1987, when 500,000 people marched on Washington, DC, for gay and October 11th Coming Out Day lesbian equality. Anniversary of the day when Rama killed the evil demon Ravana. Also known as , which October 15th Dussehra celebrates the goddess Durga. International Day for the Call to action for the eradication of poverty and October 17th Eradication of Poverty destitution worldwide. The observance of the birthday of founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the . Shi’a Muslims celebrate it five days later than October 18th Al-Nabi Sunni Muslims. Guru Gobind Singh declared that instead of having Transfer Guruship to Guru another human Guru, from now on the Sikhs would Granth Sahib (Our Holy regard the scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, as October 20th Scripture) their Guru. The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Sunni Muslims celebrate it five days earlier than October 23rd Mawlid Al-Nabi Shi’a Muslims. A Christian holiday which commemorates the October 31st Reformation Day beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.

NOVEMBER Honoring the history and culture of Native National American Indian Americans and indigenous people in the United Whole month Heritage Month States. Commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints. Eastern Christianity observes it on the first November 1st All Saint's Day Sunday after Pentecost. A Hindu holiday aslo called Deepavali, “Festival of Lights”, it celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. November 4th Commemorates the 1938 pogrom against Jews November 9-10th Krisallnacht throughout Germany and Vienna. Honors military veterans and the U.S. Armed November 11th Veteran's Day Services. This is a in Poland which commemorates the anniversary of the restoration of Poland's sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic in 1918 from the German, Austro- November 11th Polish Independence Day Hungarian, and Russian Empires. Celebrates public education and honors individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child in the U. S. receives a quality November 15-19th American Education Week education. Emphasizes the dangers of intolerance and is a call to action for the advancement of human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as a day to encourage tolerance, respect, International Day for dialogue and cooperation among different cultures November 16th Tolerance and peoples. Birthday, 1st Guru Nanak Commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the November 19th Dev founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru. Transgender Day of Memorializes those who were killed due to anti- November 20th Remembrance transgender hatred or prejudice. Martyrdom of 9th Guru Teg Marks the day of martyrdom of the 9th Nanak, November 24th Bahadur Guru Tegh Bahadur. Advent is a season of spiritual preparation in observance of the birth of Jesus. In Western Christianity, it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In Eastern Christianity, the season is November 28th - December 24th Advent longer and begins in the middle of November. Eight-day Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek King, Antiochus, who sought to November 28th at sunset - suppress freedom of worship. December 6th

DECEMBER December 1st World Aids Day International day of action on HIV and AIDS. Raises awareness about persons with disabilities International Day of in order to improve their lives and provide them December 3rd Persons with Disabilities with equal opportunity National Pearl Harbor December 7th Remembrance Day On this day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of December 10th Human Rights Day Human Rights. A Christian holiday that celebrates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary (by her title, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of and the Americas) before Juan Diego, an indigenous convert to Roman Catholicism, on the Mexican hill December 12th Our Lady Of Guadalupe of Tepeyac in 1531. A Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and December 24th Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus A Christian holiday which commemorates the birth of Jesus. December 25th Chrismas A seven-day celebration honoring African American heritage and its continued vitality. December 26th 2021 - January “” means “first fruits (of the harvest)” in 1st 2022 Kwanzaa Swahili.