National Caribbean American Heritage Month

2021 marked the fourteenth celebration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. "The vision of National Caribbean American Heritage Month (NCAHM) Program is to promote the recognition of the contributions of Caribbean immigrants to the United States of Am......More

2021 marked the fourteenth celebration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. "The vision of National Caribbean American Heritage Month (NCAHM) Program is to promote the recognition of the contributions of Caribbean immigrants to the United States of America from founding father Alexander Hamilton to US Secretary of State General Colin Powell and Hon. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run as candidate for the President of the United States of America." (https://caribbeanamericanmonth.com/)

Race Unity Day

Started by the Bahá'í National Spiritual Assembly in the United States in 1957, Race Unity Day (also called Race Amity Day until 1965) is designed to raise awareness to the importance of racial harmony and understanding.

Juneteenth (District Office Closed)

A celebration of hope and justice, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. Observed for more than 150 years by African-American communities around the country, Juneteenth is also often observed for ce......More

A celebration of hope and justice, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. Observed for more than 150 years by African-American communities around the country, Juneteenth is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. "What is Juneteenth?" (History Channel)

The Martyrdom of the Bab

One of nine holy days in the Ba'hai faith, this day commemorates the events surrounding the death of the Báb in 1850. The Báb had many followers but his beliefs did not meet with approval from the leaders of the state religion in Persia, and they decided he should be ta......More

One of nine holy days in the Ba'hai faith, this day commemorates the events surrounding the death of the Báb in 1850. The Báb had many followers but his beliefs did not meet with approval from the leaders of the state religion in Persia, and they decided he should be taken from prison and put to death. To commemorate this day, Bahá'ís read special prayers at noon, which is the time the execution was scheduled, and they also rest and do not attend work.

South Asian Heritage Month

This month-long celebration recognizes the presence and heritage of people with roots in the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished immigration ......More

This month-long celebration recognizes the presence and heritage of people with roots in the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished immigration quotas based on national origin and led to an increase of migrants from South Asia, forever changing the racial demographics of the U.S. Aspects of the Act prioritized immigration for professionals, but the demographics of South Asian America have since become more diverse: documented and undocumented immigrants, refugees, second, third, and fourth- generation South Asian Americans now comprise this community. Teaching Toolkit: Asian Heritage Month (Ottawa Public Library)

Domestic Violence Prevention Month

Domestic Violence Prevention Month reminds us all of the need to support survivors and to allow space for the voices of victims to be heard. Domestic violence affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nat......More

Domestic Violence Prevention Month reminds us all of the need to support survivors and to allow space for the voices of victims to be heard. Domestic violence affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality, and it is prevalent in all communities. Millions of children are exposed to domestic violence, which can lead to long-lasting negative effects on emotional well-being, and social and academic functioning. Books to Read with Your Children

Birth of the Bab in Shiraz

The Báb, born Sayyed ʻAlí Muḥammad Shírází was the founder of Bábism, and claimed to be a Messenger of God. The Birth of the Bab and the Birth of Baha’u’llah are considered to be the Twin High Holy Days among people of the Baha'i faith. These days are celebrated around ......More

The Báb, born Sayyed ʻAlí Muḥammad Shírází was the founder of Bábism, and claimed to be a Messenger of God. The Birth of the Bab and the Birth of Baha’u’llah are considered to be the Twin High Holy Days among people of the Baha'i faith. These days are celebrated around the world after the 8th new moon following Naw Ruz.

National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

This annual month of recognition acknowledges and raises awareness of the many youth, families and individuals who are at risk of and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Youth who experience homelessness may lose their home, community, friends, routines and t......More

This annual month of recognition acknowledges and raises awareness of the many youth, families and individuals who are at risk of and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Youth who experience homelessness may lose their home, community, friends, routines and their sense of safety and stability. The National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington, D.C. provides a list of ways that we can all help to end homelessness: https://nationalhomeless.org/get-involved/ Articles, Stories, Printables and Activities from Sesame Street in Communities 

International Day for People with Disability

An annual observance to "promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society," International Day for People with Disabilities has been recognized by the UN General Assembly since 1992. According to the World Report on Disability (WHO......More

An annual observance to "promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society," International Day for People with Disabilities has been recognized by the UN General Assembly since 1992. According to the World Report on Disability (WHO), nearly 15 percent of the world's population has some kind of disability.  In her 2020 article in Allure magazine, author Madison Lawson asks that we recognize the day by "boost{ing} disabled creators content on social media platforms like TikTok, educat{ing} themselves on our history and civil rights movements, and think{ing} about the ways in which the things you do can be more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities, both on and offline." Articles and Lesson Plans for Teaching about Disability