The DEIA Communications team sends out monthly emails about upcoming diversity awareness events recognized either nationally or internationally due to their cultural, historical, or religious significance. See below for several diversity dates to be aware of in the month of January.
Upcoming Observances
Note that Martin Luther King Jr. Day, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Chinese New Year are covered under the "Additional Awareness Events this Month" section below.
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Sunday, January 1 - Tuesday, January 31
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The significance of January originates from the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued on January 1, 1863, declaring 3.1 million slaves free. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the different forms of human trafficking and educating people about this crime and how to spot it. For more information, visit the National Human Trafficking Prevention Month website.
Poverty in America Awareness Month
Sunday, January 1 - Tuesday, January 31
Poverty is a complex social issue that affects people at a national and international scale. During the month of January, Poverty Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and shine a light on the growing levels of poverty in America. Through a variety of organizations and advocates, Poverty Awareness Month’s goal is to analyze, understand, and support solutions to ending poverty. You can make a difference by supporting nonprofits and raising awareness about the need to end poverty for good. Please consider donating to or volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen or homeless shelter.
World Braille Day
Wednesday, January 4
January 4 is World Braille Day. It is celebrated on this day to honor the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the touch reading and writing system. Recognizing World Braille Day reminds us of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for the blind, deafblind, and partially sighted communities. For more information, visit the United Nations World Braille Day website.
Makar Sankranti
Sunday, January 15
Makar Sankranti is the first major harvest festival to be celebrated in India. It is recognized as both a religious as well as seasonal observance dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God. Makar Sankranti marks the close of the Winter season and the beginning of a new harvest season. Social activities include colorful decorations, children singing, dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts. To learn more, visit the Makar Sankranti: History, Significance & Importance website.
Additional Awareness Events this Month
The DEIA Communications team will send out individual communications around the following awareness events this month:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 16
- Chinese New Year - Sunday, January 22
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Friday, January 27