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 July.
Month-Long Observances
Note that Disability Pride Month is covered under the "Additional Awareness Events this Month" section below.
French-American Heritage Month
July is designated as French-American Heritage Month and is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the influences and the contributions that the French have had on the United States in art, culture, language, etiquette, and more. There are many ways to celebrate the month and recognize the shared culture and partnership with France. You may choose to enjoy French cuisine with friends, contribute to an organization supporting French-American culture, engage in social media discussions, or take a road trip to New York for a view of the iconic Statue of Liberty, which was made in Paris and presented to the United States in 1881 as a gift to commemorate the alliance between France and the United States.
Week and Day Observances
Note that Disability Independence Day is covered under the “Additional Awareness Events this Month” section below.
Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)
Saturday, July 9
The Martyrdom of the Bab is a holiday commemorating the July 9, 1850 execution of the co-founder of the Baha’i faith, the Báb, in Persia. On this day, the Báb was charged with apostasy and shot by order of the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire. The Martyrdom is commemorated with prayers and scripture.
Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
Saturday, July 9 – Sunday, July 10
Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Minā, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca, but is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. It is distinguished by the performance of communal prayer (ṣalāt) at daybreak on its first day. Usually lasting three to four days, the holiday begins on the 10th day of the Muslim calendar lunar month of Dhul-Hijja. During the festival, families that can afford to sacrifice a ritually acceptable animal (sheep, goat, camel, or cow) do so and then divide the flesh equally among themselves, the poor, and friends and neighbors. Eid al-Adha is also a time for visiting with friends and family and for exchanging gifts.
Bastille Day
Thursday, July 14
Bastille Day is a French national holiday. It marks the fall of Bastille, a military fortress and prison, on July 14, 1789, when an angry mob stormed into it, signaling the beginning of the French Revolution. In addition, it marks the Fête de la Fédération (Festival of the Federation) that celebrated the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790. It is celebrated with a day of leisurely family activities, outdoor concerts, cultural programs, and a lavish military parade displaying French power on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. In the evening, fireworks and popular dances known as Bal des Pompiers (the Firemen's Ball) take place throughout the country. The Marquis de Lafayette gave the prison’s key to George Washington as a gift. It is on display at Mount Vernon. President George Washington considered the key a significant “token of victory gained by Liberty over Despotism by another.”
Nelson Mandela International Day
Monday, July 18
On July 18, 2009, the UN General Assembly made a unanimous decision to recognize Nelson Mandela’s birthday as Nelson Mandela International Day. This decision was made with Mandela’s wish to be honored after his passing by working in communities rather than celebrating his birthday. The day is dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s life and work and is used as inspiration for people around the world to act and create long-lasting impact. The global theme for 2022 is “Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.” This year’s theme is focused on inspiring change in a world where inequality continues to grow and where the impact of COVID-19 has “exposed existing disparities and damaged vulnerable communities in all kinds of ways.” For more information on Nelson Mandela International Day and ways to honor Mandela, visit www.mandeladay.com.
Pioneer Day (Mormon)
Sunday, July 24
Pioneer Day commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. It’s a state holiday in Utah and is considered a special occasion by many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Hijri New Year (Muslim)
Friday, July 29 – Saturday, July 30
The Islamic calendar begins in the year 622 C.E., and is known as the Hijri calendar. It is a lunar rather than a solar calendar, and therefore depends on the sighting of the new moon or crescent to determine the start of each month. As such, Islamic observances are not tied to any season or time of the year, but rather to the event itself. This also assures that with the variations in temperature and length of the day, such observances as Ramadan are shared in an equal manner by different locations around the world. This year, Hijri New Year begins in the evening of July 29.
Additional Awareness Events this Month
The DEIA Communications team will send out email campaigns around the following awareness events this month:
- Disability Pride Month
- Disability Independence Day – July 26
Questions?
Please contact the DEIA Communications team with any questions or feedback.