Since 1979, June has been celebrated as Black Music Appreciation Month. The month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the African American musical influences that built our nation's cultural heritage. Many unique forms and music genres are deeply rooted in African American culture. Some of these forms include folk music, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and roll, hip-hop and rap, as well as…
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The month of June officially became National Caribbean American Heritage Month in 2006. The annual celebration provides a time for Americans to honor the achievements and contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants living in the U.S. who have shaped our society in business, journalism, government, sports, the military, and the arts. About 90 percent of Caribbean-Americans come…
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HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness that leads to action. The selection of June 5 for this annual observance coincides with the anniversary of the first official reporting of what became known as the AIDS epidemic in 1981. June 5, 1981 is considered the start of the HIV epidemic when the CDC first reported on five cases of a mysterious disease affecting…
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The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and the shortest night of the year. The significance of summer solstice varies among cultures. Some communities celebrate it with holidays, festivals, and rituals. Pagans recognize it as Litha, a day of inner power and brightness. In Sweden, midsummer is one of the year's major holidays when the country closes down as much as during Christmas.…
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What is Loving Day?, Loving Day is celebrated around the world every year on June 12th. While everyone is welcome to celebrate, interracial couples, multiracial families, people of mixed race, and transracially adopted people can find the day to be of special significance. Mildred and Richard Loving’s love story and impact on racial justice are remembered in Loving Day celebrations. The Loving Day website not only…, Who are the Lovings and why do they have a day named after them?, Mildred Delores Jeter and Richard Perry Loving both grew up in Virginia where marriage between interracial couples was against the law. In 1958, the Lovings fell in love and decided to get married. They traveled to Washington, D.C., and were legally married there before returning home. Unbeknownst to them, doing so was breaking another law. At the time, not only was it illegal for them to get…, Loving Day in Today's World, Since Loving v. Virginia was decided on June 12th, this day is celebrated annually as Loving Day. The decision signifies a step towards racial justice, along with an impactful moment in the civil rights movement. By fighting against the injustices they experienced, the Lovings stood up for themselves and for so many others. This case is part of a long history of racism and a reminder to continue…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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