Diversity and Inclusion Calendar

HR's Workplace, Equity, and Inclusion (WEI) Office invite the University community to broaden their awareness of significant diversity and inclusion dates and milestones.

The University of Miami is committed to promoting a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and can add value. The University's DIRECCT Values, reminds us Diversity, inclusion, and equity are the foundation for empowering people so everyone may realize their full capabilities.

If you have any questions or recommendations on the dates below, email inclusion-news@miami.edu.

Jump to a month:

January	February
March	April
May	June
July	August
September	October
November	December

January

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	Poverty in America Awareness Month, calls attention to the growth of poverty in America.
1	Global Family Day/World Peace Day, emphasizes the idea of the world as a global village in which we are all family, regardless of citizenship, borders, or race.
4	World Braille Day, recognizes the importance of braille as a means of communication.
15	World Religion Day, promotes inter-faith understanding and harmony.
16	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, celebrates Martin Luther King’s life and legacy as a Civil Rights activist, on this day all Americans are encouraged to volunteer to improve their communities
21	Lunar New Year, beginning of a calendar year whose months are moon cycles, based on the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar.
22	Chinese New Year, the Chinese festival marking the start of the new year, beginning on the second new moon after the winter solstice and ending on the full moon fifteen days later.
23	World Freedom Day, commemorates the historical falling of the Berlin Wall after World War II.
26	International Customs Day, recognizes the role of customs officials and agencies in maintaining the flow of goods across the world's borders.
27	International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day of memoriam, honoring the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

February

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. Black History Month Leadership Insights: Authenticity, Courage, and Belonging, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Get inspired by leadership stories and practical advice on creating and sustaining a culture of belonging, and how authenticity and courage shape the experience of belonging. Click here to register via ULearn.
15	Nirvana Day, the celebration of Buddha's death when he reached total Nirvana at the age of 80.
20	World Day of Social Justice, supporting efforts by the international community to search for solutions to achieve sustainable development, poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, universal social protection, gender equality and access to social well-being and justice for all.

March

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.
All Month	Greek-American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of grecian culture and history, recognizing the 25th as Greek Independence day since it marks the day the greeks broke free from the Ottoman Empire.
All Month	Gender Equality Month, an extension of the observance of International Women's Day on March 8. Both events serve to underscore gender equality as a basic human rights principle.
All Month	Irish-American Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans in our nation's history.
All Month	Ethnic Equality Month, an important time to recognize the similarities all people have, yet acknowledge, appreciate and respect the differences in all of us.
All Month	National Women's History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
All Month	National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month, raises the public's awareness of multiple sclerosis.
6-7	Purim, a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century bce, were marked for death by their Persian rulers.
8	International Women's Day, celebrating women’s achievement and raising awareness for the battle for gender equality.
11	World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue and Film, sharing and discussing Muslim culture to create understanding across faiths and to promote a better knowledge of Muslim culture.
20-21	Naw-Ruz (Baha'i New Year), Naw-Rúz (literally new day) is the Bahá'í new year festival and falls at the spring equinox, although it has been fixed at 21st March for countries outside the Middle East. Naw-Rúz symbolizes the new life of spring.
21	International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, recognizes the global fight to end all forms of racism and racial discrimination. It commemorates the lives of 69 people who were killed in 1960 while participating in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa.
21	World Down Syndrome Day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organize and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
22	Ash Wednesday, commonly observed with ashes and fasting, it marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.
22	Ramadan Begins, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset.
24	Equal Pay Day, symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.
25	International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system.
30	National Doctors Day, honors medical doctors for their dedication and contributions to society and the community.

April

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	UM Campus Pride Month, LGBT Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. At the U, it is celebrated in April.
All Month	National Volunteer Month, a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes.
All Month	Earth Month, a month-long emphasis on the planet, sustainability and how you can make the world a better place.
All Month	Autism Awareness Month, celebrates the accomplishments of those with autism and promotes acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support.
All Month	Arab-American Heritage Month, recognizing the achievements of Arab Americans.
All Month	Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month, highlights Scottish heritage and recognizes the Scottish-Americans who have had an impact on U.S. society.
All Month	Celebrate Diversity Month, recognizing and honoring the diversity surrounding us all.
2	World Autism Awareness Day, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world come together on April 2, Autism Awareness Day, in recognition of people with autism and those who love and support them.
7	International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, remembering the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, more than 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered. Moderate Hutu and others who opposed the massacres were also killed during this period.
9	Easter, the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and held (in the Western Church) between March 21 and April 25, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.
5-13	Passover, commemorates the Biblical story of Exodus — where God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
14	National Day of Silence , a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence.
19	Youth Homelessness Matters Day, raises awareness of youth homelessness.
20	First Day of Ridvan—Festival of Ridvan, an important Baha'i holiday; Riḍván is a twelve-day festival that celebrates the beginnings of the Bahá'í Faith in 1863.
20	Ramadan Ends, commemorates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. An occasion for special prayers, family visits, gift-giving and charity, it takes place over one to three days, beginning on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.
22	Earth Day, annual celebration honoring the achievements of the environmental movement and raising awareness of the importance of long-term ecological sustainability.
26	Administrative Professionals Day, recognizes and celebrates the work of secretaries, administrative assistants and other office professionals for their contributions to the workplace.
27	Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
28	The Ninth Day of Ridvan, honors a historic event in the Baha’i faith. In April of 1863, Baha’u’llah, founder of the Baha’i faith, learned that he had been officially banished from the Ottoman Empire. At the time, both the Persian and the Ottoman governments opposed and feared the rapid spread of Baha’u’llah’s teachings, so they reacted with violence against his followers. At least 20,000 innocent people died as a result. However, the Ottoman government was unable to slow the spread of the Baha’i faith and so they banished the founder and his followers. They ended up near the eastern bank of the Tigris River in the Garden of Ridván. On their Ninth day in the garden, the flooding Tigris receded enough so that Baha’u’llah’s family could cross the river and join him. This reunification of Baha’u’llah’s family inspired the symbolic meaning of the Ninth Day of Ridván.

May

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
All Month	Haitian Heritage Month, nationally recognized month and an opportunity for individuals including Haitians and lovers of the the Haitian culture to celebrate the rich culture, distinctive art, delicious food and learn the traditions of Haiti and its people. The celebration is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18th, a major patriotic day celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora created to encourage patriotism.
All Month	Jewish-American Heritage Month-, an annual recognition and celebration of American Jews' achievements and contributions to the United States of America.
All Month	Mental Health Month, raises awareness about mental health.
All Month	South Asian Heritage Month, paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.
All Month	Personal History Awareness Month, celebrating genealogy.
All Month	Speech and Hearing Awareness Month, raises awareness about communication disorders.
All Month	Older Americans Month, celebrating the strength of older adults and the aging network.
Week May 7-13, 2021	Hospital Week, highlights our hospitals, health systems and health care workers and the innovative ways they are supporting the needs of their community members.
2	The Twelfth Day of Ridvan, commemorating the last day Baha’u’llah spent in the Garden of Ridván in Baghdad in 1863. It was during this time that Bahá’í declared His Prophetic Mission to His followers. Ridván is a joyous occasion, but the twelfth day was one of sadness.
5	Cinco de Mayo, holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
8-9	Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who Lost their Lives during WWII, two-day observance gives people, non-government organizations, and governments the chance to remember people who died during World War II.
18	Ascension of Bahau'llah, commemorates the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá'í faith, Bahá'u'lláh, and his teachings.
21	World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, raises awareness of the wealth of world cultures.
22	International Day for Biological Diversity, increases understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
22	Declaration of the Bab in Shiraz, Shavuot, commemorates May 23, 1844 when the Bab, the Martyred Prophet Herald of the Baha’i Faith, announced in Persia, that he was the Herald of a new messenger from God in Shiraz Persia.
29	Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country.

June

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	National Caribbean American Heritage Month, celebration of Carribean American heritage through dancing, sharing traditional meals, festivals and parades.
All Month	HIV Testing Awareness Month, an annual occasion to encourage people to get an HIV test. Learn more about the UHealth Rapid Access Wellness Clinic.
All Month	Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. If you haven’t already, take a moment to visit the University of Miami’s LGBTQ Student Center. The Center provides a holistic approach to educating and creating awareness around issues of gender, sexuality, and identity using restorative practices that transform the lives of our students and the greater Miami community. Everyone is welcomed! Find resources that celebrate and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ culture.
All Month	Black Music Month, recognizes how Black artists and African American sonic influences changed the sounds of American music. We put together some films and performances that highlight the variety of influential styles of Black musicians.
8	Race Unity Day, focusing attention on racial prejudice.
12	Loving Day, commemorates a date in history when the Supreme Court of America ruled to disband all anti-miscegenation laws in 1967.
12	Women Veterans Day, also referred to as Women Veterans Recognition Day and Women Veterans Appreciation Day, its the anniversary of the day the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. Prior to then, only women nurses could serve in the regular and reserve forces during peacetime.
19	Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. As part of ongoing efforts to advance the University of Miami’s commitment to racial justice, the University expanded the number of designated holidays in 2022 to include Juneteenth. View the full holiday schedule.

July

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	French-American Heritage Month, recognizing the important contributions made by Americans of French descent.
4	Filipino-American Friendship Day, a day in the Philippines designated by President Diosdado Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.
10	The Martyrdom of the Bab, commemorates the 1850 execution of the co-founder of the Baha'i faith, the Báb, in Persia.
11	World Population Day, focuses attention on the urgency and importance of population issues.
24	Pioneer Day, commemorates the arrival of the first group of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley, on July 24, 1847.
26	Tisha B'Av, the 9th day of the month of Av (August 6-7, 2022), is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, on which worshippers fast, deprive themselves and pray.
26	Disability Independence Day, commemorates the ADA, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.

August

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	National Civility Month, raises awareness on the decline of civility around the world.
9	International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, raises awareness and protects the rights of the world’s indigenous population.
13	International Lefthanders Day, raises awareness of the needs of lefthanders worldwide.
19	World Humanitarian Action Day, a global celebration of people helping people.
23	International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, pays tribute to all those who fought for freedom of the slaves.
26	Women’s Equality Day, celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the United States' Constitution.

September

Day(s)	Focus
All Month Sept 15 and ends Oct 15	Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. At the University of Miami, students, and faculty and staff members prepare programs to encourage learning, dialogue, and celebrations. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, in collaboration with several student organizations, will celebrate and honor the culture through a monthlong series of events. Learn more.
All Month	National Guide Dog Month, celebrates the contributes guide dogs have made throughout history and in modern society.
4	Labor Day, celebrates of workers.
11	Patriot Day, commemorates the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
15-17	Rosh Hashanah, commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance.
15	International Day of Democracy, provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world.
16	Mexican Independence Day, celebrates the anniversary of the country's independence from Spain.
21	International Day of Peace, promotes global solidarity for building a peaceful and sustainable world.
22	National Native American Day, celebrates the cultures and contributions of the many Native American tribes.
24-25	Yom Kippur , the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year, the last of the ten days of penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year).
26	European Languages Day, promotes rich linguistic diversity worldwide.
27	World Tourism Day, highlights the important role tourism plays in preserving and promoting culture and heritage all around the world.
29	Beginning of Sukkot, a weeklong Jewish holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur, celebrating the gathering of the harvest.

October

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	UM Campus Disability Awareness Month, supporting an inclusive environment for people with disabilities.
All Month	Bullying Prevention Month, raising awareness about bullying.
All Month	Domestic Violence Awareness Month, uniting advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence.
All Month	Down Syndrome Awareness Month, celebrating people with Down syndrome and raising awareness of their abilities and accomplishments.
All Month	Family History Month, promoting awareness of family history.
All Month	Filipino-American Heritage Month, commemorates the first Filipinos to arrive in the continental United States at what is now Morro Bay, California.
All Month	Italian-American Heritage Month, recognizing the accomplishments of Italian Americans in the US.
All Month	LGBT History Month, celebrating LGBTQ accomplishments in the US.
All Month	National Disability Employment Awareness Month, paying tribute to those accomplishments of the people with disabilities in the workforce.
All Month	National German Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), recognizing accomplishments of those of German heritage.
All Month	National Work and Family Month, promoting healthier and more flexible work environments.
All Month	Polish-American Heritage Month, recognizing accomplishments of those of Polish-American heritage.
Week Oct 5-9	Mental Illness Awareness Week, raising awareness of mental illness.
2	International Day of Non-Violence, celebrating the work of Ghandi in the movement for non violent protest in India.
6	German American Heritage Day, celebrates and honors the 300th anniversary of German immigration to and culture in the United States.
6	End of Sukkot, a weeklong Jewish holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur, celebrating the gathering of the harvest.
10	World Mental Health Day, day for global mental health awareness.
11	National Coming Out Day, celebrating coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer.
15	White Cane Safety Day, celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired.
16	Spirit Day, raises awareness of bullying.
16	Birth of the Bab in Shiraz, followers of the Baha'i faith celebrate the Birth of the Báb on October 20. They believe the Báb helped awaken people to a new period in human history. The Báb, which translates to 'the gate', was born Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad on October 20, 1819 in what was then Shiraz, Persia, now Iran. He was a prophet and a leader of the Bahá'í revelation who was often likened to John the Baptist. He encouraged people to purify themselves for the coming of the messenger of God.
17	International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, an international day to raise awareness about the need to end global poverty in all its forms everywhere.
17	Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary, a one-of-a-kind tribute to America's Servicewomen, past and present.
17	Birth of Baha'u'llah, celebrates the birth of Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith.
22	International Stuttering Awareness Day, raises public awareness of stuttering, which affects one percent of the world's population.

November

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	National Native American Heritage Month, recognizes the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S.
All Month	National American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month, celebrates rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and acknowledges the important contributions of Native people.
11	Veterans Day/Armistice Day, celebrating veterans in the US.
13	World Kindness Day, promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world.
13 - 19	Transgender Awareness Week, promotes visibility of transgender people.
16	International Day for Tolerance, fosters mutual understanding among cultures and people.
17	International Students' Day, an international observance of the student community.
20	Transgender Day of Remembrance, honoring the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

December

Day(s)	Focus
All Month	Universal Human Rights Month, a time for people to stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
1	World AIDS Day, raising awareness of the HIV epidemic.
3	International Day for People with Disability, promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
7-15	Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the larger Syrian army. It also celebrates a miracle that happened during this time, where just a day's supply of oil allowed the menorah (Hanukkiah or Hanukkah Menorah) in the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem to remain lit for eight days.
10	International Human Rights Day, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.
18	International Migrants Day, recognizing the rights, contributions and struggles of migrants.
20	International Human Solidarity Day, celebrating our unity in diversity.
25	Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration.
26– Jan. 1	Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African-American culture that is held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu.