Month-long observances:
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
An estimated 47 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and with everyone at risk while research advances slowly, this number continues to rise. This month provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as the critical work needed in prevention, care, and support.
Observance Suggestion: Host a seminar to educate employees about dementia and brain health, offering tips on how to train the brain to help reduce risk. 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 — spanning genres like rap, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, blues, swing, and barbershop — has profoundly shaped global music and culture. Historically, the music has served as a narrative of the Black experience in America, expressing joy, struggle, and resilience.
Celebration Suggestion: Create a playlist of African American artists to share or stream over the office speakers to celebrate the cultural impact of these musical traditions.
National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Caribbean Americans have enriched U.S. culture, science, and medicine with significant contributions. This month celebrates their heritage, recognizing the vibrant history and the ongoing influence of Caribbean culture in American society.
Observance Suggestion: Explore the rich history of Caribbean culture and its impact on the U.S. today. Invite employees with Caribbean heritage to share their stories and cultural experiences, fostering connection and understanding.
LGBTQIAA Pride Month
Pride Month honors the legacy of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment when LGBTQIAA individuals fought for their right to live freely and without persecution. Today, Pride is celebrated with vibrant parades and events that highlight the resilience and history of the LGBTQIAA community.
Celebration Suggestion: Organize an interactive Pride trivia event to deepen understanding of LGBTQIAA history and experiences. Embrace the spirit of celebration by sponsoring or participating in a local Pride parade, bringing color and joy to the occasion.
Calendar dates:
June 6-7 — Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
This holy day honors Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God, who, impressed by Ibrahim’s faith, allowed 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 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 8 — 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 for interracial marriage. Today, interracial relationships are becoming more common and accepted, and yet many 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 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: Collaborate with a Black-owned business for a celebration or historical commemoration, ensuring that the Black business owner leads the initiative. Ensure they gain the credit and recognition they deserve, while your organization supports without overshadowing their contributions or visibility.
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. 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, or consider hosting a company-wide virtual donation drive for Miles4Migrants, an organization that leverages unused airline miles to help reunite refugees with their families.
June 20 — Litha, Summer Solstice
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, the Pagan celebration of 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 26-27 — Hijri New Year (Muslim)
Also known as the Islamic New Year and Arabic New Year, this celebration ushers in a new beginning and the opportunity to leave sins in the past. This is an extremely important celebration for Muslims, and a time to surrender to God.
Observance Suggestion: Ask Muslim employees how they would like to celebrate, allowing time off for employees to spend time with family.
June 28 — International Pride Day (same every year)
June 28, 1969, marked 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.
