Month-long observances:
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
There are an estimated 47 million people globally living with dementia, and because everyone with a brain is at risk while research progresses slowly, the number continues to grow. This month is an opportunity to spread awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases and the work to be done in prevention and care.
Observance Suggestion: Offer your employees a seminar to learn about dementia and how to train your brain to fight against it. Help employees honor their family and friends impacted by dementia by creating a team to participate in Alzheimer’s Association’s event “The Longest Day.’
African American Music Appreciation Month (formerly Black Music Month)
African American music styles including rap, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, blues, swing, and barbershop have deeply influenced the world. And historically, the topics within the music have told stories about the spectrum of the Black experience in America.
Celebration Suggestion: Create a playlist of African American artists to share or stream over the office speakers throughout the month.
National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Caribbean peoples have enriched America with their contributions to culture, science, and medicine. This month recognizes these contributions as well as the culture and history of Caribbean-American heritage.
Observance Suggestion: Dive into the history of Caribbean culture and learn about the influences on American lives today. Invite employees with Caribbean heritage to share stories about their culture and experiences.
Pride Month (LGBTQIAA)
Pride Month is a tribute to all those who were present in the Stonewall Riots when police clashed with LGBTQIAA people protesting for their right to exist in peace. Celebrations – in particular parades – are bright, joyous, and full of important history for those in the LGBTQIAA community.
Celebration Suggestion: Create an engaging, celebratory way to grow understanding of the LGBTQIAA experience like a Pride trivia event. Get colorful and sponsor and participate in a local Pride parade.
Calendar dates:
June 9 — Race Unity Day
Created by the Baha’i National Spiritual Assembly, this day aims to combat racism by focusing on the current prejudice in our communities.
Observance Suggestion: Bring in an expert strategist to take a look at the culture within your organization. Many pieces of racism hide within the nuances of how things are done and may not be obvious. From there, work with the expert to come up with a strategy that supports cultural diversity in your day-to-day operations.
June 12 – Loving Day (same every year)
Richard and Mildred Loving proved that love goes beyond race and color with their fight against the prevention of interracial marriage. Today, interracial relationships are becoming more common and accepted, and yet they still face harsh judgment for the love they share.
Observance Suggestion: Share the history of Loving Day with employees in your organization’s preferred communication channels and celebrate the progress that’s been made.
June 16-17 – Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
This holy day honors Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God, who, impressed by Ibrahim’s faith, allow a ram to take the boy’s place. Today. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by sharing an animal in three parts: for themselves, for their family, and for the needy.
Observance Suggestion: Allow employees flexibility to take time off for this observance and avoid scheduling critical meetings on these dates. Wish those who observe “Eid Mubarak” (EED moo-BAH-ruck) or “Eid Seed” (EED SAY-eed).
June 19 – Juneteenth (same every year)
Juneteenth celebrates the events on June 19, 1865, when word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas resulting in national freedom for enslaved people in America. While Juneteenth celebrations have taken place in Black communities since 1866, it only became a federal holiday in 2021.
Celebration Suggestion: Partner up with a Black-owned business for a celebration or historical observation in a way where the Black owner calls the shots. Let them have the credit and exposure they deserve without your organization overshadowing them.
June 20 – World Refugee Day (same every year)
Fleeing from dangerous situations is just the beginning of a refugee’s difficult journey. Many people don’t have a say as to which country they end up in and may find themselves living in dangerous, ill-equipped camps for extended periods of time. Created by The United Nations General Assembly, World Refugee Day focuses on ways to improve the lives of refugees.
Observance Suggestion: Explore resources for refugees in your company’s local community to find ways your organization and employees can help.
June 20 – Litha, Summer Solstice (Pagan)
Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, is a time for connection to Mother Earth and showing appreciation for her abundance. While flowers are in bloom and harvest is on its way, Lithia encourages people to align themselves with the energies around them and be thankful for what the planet provides.
Observance Suggestion: Create a list of suggestions for employees to go outside and enjoy nature, from local hiking paths to community celebrations, and encourage them to share pictures of their outdoor adventures.
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada) (same every year)
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day gives us the opportunity to recognize the distinct cultures and traditions of the Indigenous people in the area. There are three groups to celebrate: the Inuit, First Nations, and Metis.
Observance Suggestion: Partner up to amplify Indigenous voices. Make space for them to speak their truths and share specific nonprofits that protect their land and people.
June 28 – International Pride Day (LGBTQIAA) (same every year)
June 28, 1969, marks the beginning of the Stonewall Riots, a 6-day conflict between police and LGBTQIAA protesters standing up for their right to exist. Since then, the day has been celebrated with events and parades focused on the endurance of love and community. Celebration Suggestion: Cap off your Pride month celebrations by sharing the historical events that led to worldwide and ongoing progress for LGBTQIAA rights.
