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 May.
Month-Long Observances
Note that Mental Health Awareness Month is covered under the "Additional Awareness Events this Month" section below.
ALS Awareness Month
ALS Awareness Month is a campaign to spread awareness of and raise funds for research for a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Find out how you can get involved in fighting ALS at the ALS Association website.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. The AANHPI community is incredibly diverse, comprising over 45 distinct ethnicities and over 100 language dialects. Visit the National Park Services AANHPI site to access various resources on the historical contributions of the AANHPI community in the United States.
Haitian Heritage Month
Haitian Heritage Month is a celebration in the United States of Haitian heritage and culture. Boston was the first city to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month in 1998 and is home to one of the largest populations of Haitian immigrants in the United States. The month of May was selected to coincide with Haitian Flag Day on May 18.
Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month is held in May to recognize the more than 350 year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The month was first recognized in 2006, when President George W. Bush proclaimed it an official heritage month. Visit the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) website to learn about the history of Jewish families, institutions, and communities in New England and beyond.
Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). In 2022, ACL's theme "Age My Way" will focus on aging in place - how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. Visit the ACL Administration for Community Living site for more information.
Week and Day Observances
Note that Global Accessibility Action Day and Memorial Day are covered under the "Additional Awareness Events this Month" section below.
Eid al-Fitr
Sunday, May 1-Monday May 2
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is otherwise known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” It is a Muslim holiday for special prayers, family time, gift giving, and charity. In 2022, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated beginning on the evening of Sunday, May 1, and ending on the evening of Monday, May 2.
Cinco de Mayo
Thursday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, is a recognized holiday in celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Battle of Puebla occurred during the Franco-Mexican War, which spanned from 1861-1867. While this is a minor holiday in Mexico, it is widely celebrated in the United States in commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage.
Vesak (Buddhism)
Friday, May 6
Vesak is one of the most important Buddhist festivals and is usually celebrated in May or early June. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Tuesday, May 17
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is a day to celebrate diversity and to raise awareness of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTIQ+) people. This year’s theme is “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights.”
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Saturday, May 21
Established by the United Nations in 2002, following UNESCO’s adoption in 2001, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an occasion to promote culture and highlight the significance of its diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change. It represents an opportunity to celebrate culture’s manifold forms, whether the tangible and intangible, creative industries, or the diversity of cultural expressions, and how these differences contribute to dialogue, mutual understanding, and the social, environmental, and economic vectors of sustainable development.
Declaration of the Bab (Bahá’í)
Monday, May 23
One of nine Bahá’í holy days, the Declaration of the Bab recognizes May 23, 1844, the day when the Bab announced that he was a messenger of God and foretold the coming of another messenger of God in the near future.
Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Bahá’í)
Sunday, May 29
The anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá'í faith, Bahá'u'lláh. This solemn anniversary is a day of rest, and is often observed by reading or chanting from the scriptures.
Additional Awareness Events this Month
The DEIA Communications team will send out email campaigns around the following awareness events this month:
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Global Accessibility Action Day - May 19
- Memorial Day - May 30
Questions?
Please contact the DEIA Communications team with any questions or feedback.