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April 

Arab-American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month, celebrated in April, raises awareness about the diverse Arab American community, history, traditions, and challenges. Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with only a few states recognizing the objective. The month was supported by Pierre Subeh, a Middle Eastern-American business expert and author, whose social change campaign believed that it would support Middle Eastern heritage in combating post-9/11 anti-Arab sentiments and recognizing the social difficulties that Arab Americans face every day in their communities. The initiative was officially passed by the United States Department of State on April 1, 2021. Arab American Heritage Month is a time to appreciate the past and present contributions as well as promote and engage in dialogue among diverse communities. For more information, visit https://arabamericafoundation.org/national-arab-american-heritage-month/

Celebrate Diversity Month

            Since 2004, April marks Celebrate Diversity Month, a time to celebrate our differences and similarities, embracing the range of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that make up our world. As globalization, immigration, and current events bring people from diverse backgrounds together, there is a growing recognition of the need to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity. Celebrate Diversity Month is a reminder that diversity is not just something to be tolerated, but something to be celebrated and embraced, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are. 

Stress Awareness Month

             Stress Awareness Month originated in 1992 when the Health Resource Network (HRN) launched the initiative to educate people about the dangers of stress and effective stress management techniques. Since then, Stress Awareness Month has grown in popularity, with organizations, schools, and individuals worldwide participating in activities to promote stress awareness and mental well-being. One of the key goals of the month is to reduce the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues by encouraging open discussions on stress and its effects and also providing workshops and seminars to cope with stress, such as mindfulness practices. For more information, visit https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/civil/national-stress-awareness-month

4/2 Autism Acceptance Month + World Autism Awareness Day

Autism Acceptance Month, observed in April, is an important period of fostering support for individuals who are on the autism spectrum, shedding light on the challenges faced by those with autism, and also celebrating their unique abilities, talents, and perspectives. Autism Acceptance Month was founded in April 1970 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., a psychologist and autism researcher, and was originally called “Autism Awareness Month.” In 2021, the Autism Society of America (ASA) changed its celebration from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. Within the month, April 2^nd celebrates World Autism Awareness Day, established by the United Nations to highlight the need for increased awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The day is marked by various activities, such as lighting up landmarks in blue, the color associated with autism awareness, educational events and conferences, and social media campaigns aimed at raising awareness and understanding.

4/6 + 4/9 Laylat al-Qadr + Eid al-Fitr

             Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, is a significant Islamic belief observed during the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on odd-numbered nights. It commemorates the night when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is a night of immense blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual significance, engaging in acts of worship such as performing extra prayers (Taraweeh), Duas (supplication), and reciting the Quran. Many devotees spend the entire night in prayer and reflection, seeking closeness to Allah and spiritual purification. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of rejoicing and celebration. It is observed by a large, community-wide prayer service in the morning, followed by meals and conversation with friends and family.

4/7 World Health day

            Taking a moment to focus on important health issues and promote healthier living worldwide, April 7^th, World Health Day, is a global awareness day organized by the World Health Organization to address these problems. Each year, World Health Day focuses on a specific theme, ranging from mental health awareness to the importance of vaccination. The theme for World Health Day 2024, “My health, my right,” promoting access to health services, education, clean air, and providing health essentials to everyone, everywhere. It’s a crucial call to action to address the pressing challenges threatening the right to health globally. For more information, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day

4/13 Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a significant festival celebrated primarily by the Sikh community, marking the establishment of the Khalsa Panth (initiated followers of Sikhism) by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Vaisakhi also marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year and the harvest festival in the Punjab region. The day is commemorated with vibrant processions, prayers at Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), listen to hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), Langar (community meal), and performances of traditional folk dances and music.

4/21 National Volunteer Week

            Observed in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration held in April dedicated to recognizing the contributions of volunteers in various aspects of society. Honoring the efforts of individuals who donate their time, skills, and resources to make a positive impact in their communities. During National Volunteer Week, organizations, non-profits, and community groups often host events, campaigns, and volunteer opportunities to encourage more people to get involved. Whether it’s through environmental initiatives, social welfare programs, healthcare services, or educational projects, volunteers are crucial in addressing societal challenges and creating change.

4/22 Passover

            Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, is one of the most significant festivals in Judaism, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday is observed for eight days (seven days in Israel) during the Hebrew month of Nisan, typically falling in March or April on the Gregorian calendar. Passover is celebrated by a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which means “order” in Hebrew. The Seder is typically held on the first two nights of Passover and involves retelling the story of the Exodus through the Haggadah, a text that guides participants through the rituals of the holiday. Passover is not only a time for reflection on the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom but also a celebration of renewal and rebirth. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice for all people, and the enduring hope for a world free from oppression. Chag Pesach sameach!

4/22 Earth Day

Celebrated annually on April 22^nd, Earth Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on environmental issues. It addresses the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability efforts to protect our planet for future generations. The idea for Earth Day originated with Senator Gaylor Nelson, who was inspired to organize a national “teach-in” on the environment after witnessing the devastation caused by the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. On April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans participated in rallies, demonstrations, and educational events across the country to protest environmental degradation and advocate for greater protections for the planet. The first Earth Day brought significant environmental policy changes in the United States, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. With world-wide environmental threats such as climate change, deforestation, and species extinction, Earth Day is a call to action for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and advocate for policies that promote environmental justice.

Your DEIA Commitee Members:

Shakema Appleton

Lisa Moore