Inclusive Engagement Blog

Cultural and Religious Observances title with an image of a man smiling, a religious stained glass window, a woman wearing a hijab and colorful Indian art made with sand and flower petals

Cultural and religious observations – March 1-7, 2021

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The Irish American by George M. Cohan, sheet music cover
The Irish American by George M. Cohan, sheet music cover., 1905. Photo credit: Library of Congress

Irish American Heritage Month

Culture/religion: National observance
Date: March

Irish American Heritage Month celebrates the contributions Irish Americans have made to the United States. The first celebration dates back to 1792 with the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City.

In October 1990, Congress passed Public Law 101-418 establishing March 1991 as Irish American Heritage Month. Laws were passed and proclamations signed in 1992, 1993 and 1994, and have become an annual event since 1997.

Sources:

Irish-American Heritage Month, Library of Congress

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Abstract art with blue, red, purple, green and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month text
2021 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month logo by Eileen Schofield. Photo credit: NACDD.org

Culture/religion: National observance
Date: March

President Ronald Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987. The purpose of this day is to raise public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities and to provide the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and achieve their full potential.

Sources:

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, National Disability Institute

Women’s History Month

Bring U.S. together. Vote Chisholm 1972, unbought and unbossed. Poster shows portrait of presidential candidate and U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm
U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign poster. Photo credit: Library of Congress

Culture/religion: National Observance
Date: March

Women’s History Month began in 1981 when Congress authorized the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Later, in 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Public Law 100-9 formally designating the month of March 1987 as Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Sources:

WomensHistoryMonth.gov