Events

Serves to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of transgender and gender non-conforming people in society, as well as raise awareness of and speak out against the harmful impacts of transphobia, discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression, and intersecting forms of discrimination. Every single person deserves to live a true and authentic life free from discrimination regardless of who they are or how they express themselves. Yet, transgender and non-binary people continue to experience significant disparities, including negative mental health impacts, unemployment, homelessness, harassment, and bullying, and they are often victims of violence simply for being themselves. Learn more…

Chavez was a major civil rights activist and labor leader in the 20^th century whose contributions to numerous political movements, including farm workers, Mexican-Americans, and other groups, has had a lasting impact on American society. Declared a holiday in 2014, Cesar Chavez Day focuses on the accomplishments and ongoing struggles of those Cesar Chavez sought to empower. Learn more…

Honored all over Hawaii, parades, canoe races, and luaus commemorate this great prince who improved the lives of his Hawaiian people. Born in 1871, he was elected to the U.S. Congress and gained reelection an astounding 10 times. He was influential in helping pass the 1920 Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which provides homesteads for Native Hawaiians. Learn more…

The transatlantic slave trade began in the 1600s and resulted in the mass exploitation and death of millions of people, predominantly of African descent. This day intends to raise awareness about this chapter in history and draw awareness of the lasting impact it has had on nations, groups, and individuals. Learn more…

Commemorates the abolition of slavery in what was then the Spanish colony of Puerto Rico in 1873. Learn more…

Considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims and celebrated by commemorating the revelation of the Qur’an, as well as fasting during sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Learn more…

Recognized as a day on which the international community can come together to recommit our efforts to combat all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism, and hate to ensure a world where everyone is respected, safe, and has equitable access to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of society. Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

In Canada, this date is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that while progress has been made, Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities and religious minorities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. It is also a day to re-commit efforts to combat all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate to ensure a world where everyone is respected, safe, and has equitable access to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of society. Learn more…

An ancient holiday celebrated by the populations of Central Asia, Persia, and the Middle East which marks the first day of spring. While rooted in Zoroastrian religious traditions, its core values—including hospitality and the triumph of good over evil—have spread widely and influenced other traditions. Celebrations include ritual dancing, commemorations of the dead, and the meeting of friends and family, typically over a table lain with symbolic and traditionally prepared foods. Learn more…

Also called the Feast of Saint Patrick, it is a cultural and religious celebration observing the death of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Learn more…

Celebrates both the accomplishments of women and their contributions to science, culture, and industry, as well as the historical struggle by women for social, political, and economic equality. The idea of a day honoring women first began to gain traction during the fight for women’s suffrage in the early 20th century, with political activists dedicated to the cause of liberation staging events and demonstrations to promote equality. International Women’s Day was honored on March 8 for the first time in 1911 following a conference of women’s organizations in Copenhagen, and it soon saw mass recognition, perhaps most significantly in Russia, where a strike and march by women on March 8, 1917, triggered the Russian Revolution. International Women’s Day was finally adopted by the UN in 1977. Learn more…