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 September. 

Monthly Observances

Note that Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month is covered under the "Additional Awareness Events this Month" section below.

National Guide Dog Month

National Guide Dog Month occurs every September. It is is a celebration of the work of guide dogs in the United States as a way to raise awareness, appreciation, and support for guide dog schools across the United States. Guide dogs are used by many blind, deafblind, and low vision people to navigate the physical world, but not everyone will choose to use a guide dog – there are a few other navigation options (white cane, sighted guide, technology); people may prefer one or select a combination of navigation methods. If you do meet someone who uses a guide dog, it’s important to be aware of guide dog etiquette. It’s also important to understand the overall cost of guide dog training. In total, it takes two years to train a guide dog and training costs run between $45,000 to $60,000. Guide dog schools rely on charitable contributions, which can be made through any local or national guide dog schools.

Week and Day Observances

Labor Day

Monday, September 5

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual recognition of the social and economic achievements of American workers and the importance of workers' rights. The day was established in the late 1800s during the Industrial Revolution when many Americans were forced to work 12-hour days, seven days a week, including children as young as 5 in some states. Riots and protests arose across the country. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed the holiday into law. For more information on the history of Labor Day, check out History.com’s Labor Day video.

Mexican Independence Day

Friday, September 16

September 16 is Mexican Independence Day, a day commemorating the moment when Father Hidalgo, a priest and leader, called for Mexico's liberation from Spain in September of 1810. The 11-year battle that resulted in Mexico's independence culminated on August 24, 1821, when Spain signed the Treaty of Córdoba, which formally recognized Mexican independence. Every year on the night of September 15, the president of Mexico stands on the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City and delivers a speech similar to Father Hidalgo's, honors those who fought for the country’s independence, and rings the same bell Hidalgo rang over 300 years ago.

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

Sunday, September 18

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day, a day to combat stigma faced by older Americans with HIV and address aging-related challenges of HIV testing, prevention, and care. Older people in the United States are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage HIV. Early diagnosis and care are key strategies for ending HIV. Visit the HIV website to learn more about HIV testing, including self-testing.

International Day of Peace

Wednesday, September 21

Each year, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace. The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” For more information, please visit the International Day of Peace webpage.
 

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)

Sunday, September 25 – Tuesday, September 27

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a fall holiday and one of Judaism’s holiest days. The festival is a time to celebrate the completion of another year while also taking stock of one’s life. It begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during September or October. Rosh Hashanah 2022 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 25, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, September 27. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of serious introspection that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion. Observant Jews consider Rosh Hashanah and the days surrounding it a time for prayer, good deeds, reflecting on past mistakes and making amends with others. The blasts of the shofar—a trumpet made from a ram’s horn—is the most potent symbol of the holiday. It is intended as a wake-up call to prepare for the Tishrei holidays. Traditional Rosh Hashanah feasts include serving round challah bread and eating apple slices dipped in honey, sometimes after saying a special prayer. Ancient Jews believed apples had healing properties, and the honey signifies the hope that the new year will be sweet.

Navratri (Hindu)

Monday, September 26 – Wednesday, October 5

Navratri, a nine-day fast festival is one of the auspicious festivals of Hindus. Navratri is derived from two Sanskrit words; ‘nava’ means nine, and ‘ratri’ means night. Navratri holds different significance and is celebrated in different ways across India. It’s celebrated in March/April as Chaitra Navratri and in September/October (near autumn equinox) as Sharad Navratri as it follows the lunar calendar. Sharad Navratri in 2022 will be celebrated from September 26 to October 4 with the tenth day celebration on October 5. It is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Durga by fasting. The popular legend connected to Navratri highlights the notable battle between the powerful demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga. It culminates on the tenth day in Vijayadashami (end of Durga Puja) and Dussehra (end of Ramlila) festivals celebrating the victory of good over evil. On Vijayadashami, clay statues of Durga are ceremoniously walked to a river or ocean coast and immersed. It also coincides with Ramlila events, where episodes from the story of Rama (represents good) and Ravana (represents evil) are enacted by artists in neighborhoods locally. Ramlila, means “Rama’s play” (a UNESCO declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity event), is a performance of the Ramayana epic in a series of scenes that include song, narration, recital, and dialogue. Dussehra is celebrated with burning of effigies of Ravana.

Additional Awareness Events this Month

The DEIA Communications team will send out an email campaign around the following awareness event this month: 

  • Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)