Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is a month-long celebration of contributions African Americans have made to American history, as well as a time to recognize their struggle with adversity while fighting for freedom and equality. Black History Month is celebrated in February each year. The Origin of Black History Month In the summer of … [Read more...] about Honoring Black history…it’s not just a month
Chanukah Culture/religion: Judaism Date: November 29-December 6 Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day festival of lights, celebrated each night with menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. Chanukah means “dedication” in Hebrew and is named as such because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. In second century BCE, Judah the Maccabee drove the Greeks … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 29-December 5, 2021
Thanksgiving Day Culture/religion: National observance Date: November 25 Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States and is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. Originating as a harvest festival and feast between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the fall-winter holiday season. Early … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 22-28, 2021
National Native American Indian Heritage Month Culture/religion: National observance Date: November Native American Heritage Month has evolved from a week-long celebration when president Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 23-30 as “American Indian Week” to a month-long celebration in 1990 when president George H.W. Bush issued a proclamation designating the month of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 1-7, 2021
Mawlid Culture/religion: Islamic Date: October 19 Mawlid commemorates the birth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad on 12 Rabi’ al-awwal, the twelfth day of the third month in the Islamic calendar. In predominantly Muslim countries, Mawlid al-Nabi is a public holiday. Many Muslims do not celebrate this holiday, as they feel it puts too much emphasis on the prophet as … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – October 18-24, 2021