In 1973, U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day” to commemorate the day in 1920 when female citizens of the U.S. were constitutionally granted the right to vote through the certification of the 19th Amendment. This right was a long time in the making; the first women’s rights convention was held more than 70 years earlier – July 1848 - at Seneca Falls when women declared the…
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Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. 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,…
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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…
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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.
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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 .
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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…
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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.
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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…
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Mental Health Awareness Month takes place every year during the month of May. This time is dedicated to spreading education, resources, and awareness about mental illnesses and the millions of Americans who struggle every day. This month is also an effort to de-stigmatize and open the conversation surrounding mental health. According to the Mental Health Foundation :, 1 in 5, adults live with a mental illness Almost, 1 in 25, adults live with a serious mental illness, 50%, of chronic mental illnesses start before 14, 75%, of chronic mental illnesses start by 24 Just over, 10 million, people over the age of 18 have more than 1 addiction or mental health disorder Suicide is the, 10th leading, cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than, 41,000 American lives, each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide. Mental Health Awareness Month was first recognized in 1949 by Mental Health America (then known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene and later National Mental Health Association). Mental Health America was founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers in 1909, Beers was one of five children in a family who all battled mental…
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In 1999, Congress passed a resolution recognizing May as National Military Appreciation Month. The month is dedicated to honoring and thanking the many men and women who have served the U.S. and have risked their lives fighting to protect our freedom. The month of May was selected due to fact that Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day take place during May.
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