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Equity and Inclusion » Resources

Resources

In order to continue our work and knowledge of what it means to have a fully inclusive and equitable school environment, we are providing a series of school-based and outside resources in order to help educate ourselves and our community on equity and inclusion.
 
 
Watch this video to learn about the power of diversity in Revere Public Schools:
 
 

Check back here frequently as we add more useful resources to help you on your journey of learning about diversity. In order to continue our work and knowledge of what it means to have a fully inclusive and equitable school environment, we are providing a series of school-based and outside resources in order to help educate ourselves and our community on equity and inclusion.

 

Glossary of Important Terms - A useful resource for vocabulary used in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Racial Equity Tools Glossary - Another resource of important terms and tools in the field of equity, bias, and inclusion.

Anti-Racism Resources

In an effort to build educators and staff understanding of Revere Public School's work toward building an anti-racist community, we have differentiated resources for different constituents, including students, educators, families, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of racism. We also provide solutions on how to dismantle systemic racism in our country.

The Need for Critical Race Theory - In response to attacks on Critical Race Theory, we collaborated with the Students for Educational Equity (SEE) at Brown University to create this 5-part guide on the importance of #TeachingTruth and why it’s needed!

Our America - Look up your hometown's equity report based on five quality of life categories - housing, health, education, policing, and environment

Equal Justice Initiative - Information about ending mass incarceration, challenging racial and economic injustices, and protecting basic human rights

The Danger of a Single Story - A TEDTalk given by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about how important it is the challenge our own narratives

These Hands - "These Hands" is part of P&G's Widen the Screen program, which aims to address systemic bias and inequality in advertising and media.

The Look - "The Look" uses historical references to highlight the bias experience of black men in America.

Educational Equity (Great Schools) - Defining education equity as ensuring just outcomes for each student, raising marginalized voices, and challenging the imbalance of power and privilege.

Black People Need Stronger Allies - An article about how to be a stronger ally to the Black community.

Self Care Tips for Black People Struggling Through a Stressful Week - If images of Black suffering have left you feeling sad, angry, and overwhelmed, here are some things you might do to get a tiny bit of relief

Stages of Racial Identity Development - The included charts summarize several frameworks that have been developed to describe stages of racial and ethnic identity development

Dr. Joy DeGruy: Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome - This video addresses the residual impacts of generations of slavery and opens up the discussion of how the black community can use the strength gained in the past to heal the present.

Manifestations of Racism - A worksheet that addresses the manifestations of racism: interpersonal, institutional, ideological, and internalized, and offers a guided discussion on racism

Bearing Witness: The Death of George Floyd - A blog that offers resources on racism and ways to address issues of racial, as well as other, types of bias

15 Classroom Resources for Discussing Racism, Policing, and Protest - Resources for the classroom

Anti-Racism Resources for BPS Educators on Race, Racism, and Police Violence - Resources for the classroom

Bystander Intervention Tips - Learn three easy steps to effectively intervene in racist incidents

Where Did BIPOC Come From? - BIPOC is an acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Stages of Racial Identity Development - The included charts summarize several frameworks that have been developed to describe stages of racial and ethnic identity development
 
Manifestations of Racism - A worksheet that addresses the manifestations of racism: interpersonal, institutional, ideological, and internalized, and offers a guided discussion on racism.
 
Bearing Witness: The Death of George Floyd - A blog that offers resources on racism and ways to address issues of racial, as well as other types, of bias
 
Anti-Racism Resources for BPS Educators on Race, Racism, and Police Violence - Resources for the classroom
 
15 Classroom Resources for Discussing Racism, Policing, and Protest - Resources for the classroom
 
Bystander Intervention Tips - Learn three easy steps to safely and effectively intervene in racist incidents
 

A Practical Guide for White Allies and Accomplices - Six things white people can do to in order to be better allies

Stages of Racial Identity Development - The included charts summarize several frameworks that have been developed to describe stages of racial and ethnic identity development

Being an Ally isn't About Me - How I learned being a white liberal doesn't make me a good ally

3 White Privilege Blind Sports That are Keeping Us Racist - To our fellow white Bostonians - we clearly have some work to do: things we've learned about becoming a better ally

Robin DiAngelo: White Fragility - A video of Robin DiAngelo reading from her book "White Fragility: Why it's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism", which explains the phenomenon of white fragility and discusses how white people can develop their capacity to engage more constructively about race

Manifestations of Racism - A worksheet that addresses the manifestations of racism: interpersonal, institutional, ideological, and internalized, and offers a guided discussion on racism

Bearing Witness: The Death of George Floyd - A blog that offers resources on racism and ways to address issues of racial as well as other types of bias

Classroom Resources for Discussing Racism, Policing, and Protest - Resources for the classroom

Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices -  Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides their definition of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices and their importance in our schools and classrooms. 

International Coalition for Multilingual Education and Equity - Use this link to access a comprehensive list of resources for leaders and educators in the field of multilingual education and equity. This list includes professional development opportunities and workshops.

Every June, we celebrate the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. While celebrating Pride every month is imperative to equity, inclusion, and visibility, the challenges of being part of the LGBTQ community do not begin and end each June. Use this resource guide throughout the year to help have inspiring, courageous conversations, to educate yourself and your loved ones, or just to learn some new trivia.
 
While most of these resources are appropriate for most readers, we have separated them into categories for easy browsing.

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1998. Focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, they offer a toll-free telephone number where confidential assistance is provided by trained counselors.

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network): GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.

Safe Schools Coalition:  public-private partnership, in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, queer and questioning youth, working to help schools become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Know Your Rights!: The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This is true for other fundamental rights, as well.

GSA Network: GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.

Bullied: A Student, a School, and a Case that Made History: This documentary shows the devastating impact of bullying on students, in this case a gay student who works with lawyers to win a precedent setting case to create a safe place for students in school.

Mermaids: Mermaids supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care. Transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and teens need support and understanding, as well as the freedom to explore their gender identity. 

Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQIA+ Youth: HMI has been serving LGBTQIA+ youth since 1979, the longest history of any such organization in the US. We share our experience through program models, trainings, resources, and advocacy work.

The It Gets Better Project:The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. Learn more about our work.

Don't Filter Me! Web Content Filtering in Schools: GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.

PFLAG: Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ+ Teens: It is important for parents and children to realize that acceptance is a process that involves the entire family. Just as it takes time and support for LGBTQ children to understand and accept their identity, this is also true for parents.

Family Acceptance Project: The Family Acceptance Project is a research, intervention, education and policy initiative to prevent health and mental health risks and to promote well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, drug use and HIV — in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.

Get the Facts about Trans Youth: Transgender students in schools with supportive policies are less likely to miss school due to feeling unsafe, and they are more likely to feel greater belonging to their school communities. Yet only 12% of transgender and gender diverse students reported that their school or district had official policies or guidelines supporting transgender or gender diverse students.

TransFamilies: Trans Families inspires hope, increases understanding, and creates a visible pathway to support trans and gender diverse children and all those who touch their lives.

Strong Family Alliance:  Strong Family Alliance is an organization with a simple mission – to save lives and preserve families by helping children come out and parents become informed supporters and allies.

Helping Families to Support Their LGBTQ+ Children: Research findings that show the critical role of family acceptance and rejection – and earlier ages of coming out – call for a paradigm shift to serve LGBT children and adolescents in the context of their families.

6 tips for Talking about Pride Month and LGBTQ+ Rights with Kids: Teach kids the important role they play in supporting equal rights for all with these expert tips for starting the conversation.

 

Tips for Navigating Difficult Conversations: Conversations surrounding gender and sexuality can be fraught, particularly during holidays and family gatherings. Use this resource as a guide to navigate these conversations.

Reflections on What Makes This Pride Month So Significant: NPR's Michel Martin reflects on the uniqueness of this Pride month with journalist Eric Marcus, attorney Christy Mallory and activist J. Clapp.

June is LGBTQ Pride Month: In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBT Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBT Americans.

Library of Congress: This research guide serves as an introduction into the excellent collection of LGBTQ+ resources available at the Library of Congress. In addition to high profile collections like the Frank Kameny Papers, the Library also owns a number of LGBTQ+ periodicals and primary source materials. The Library provides on-site access to a number of relevant databases and electronic resources in LGBTQ+ Studies as well.

Michigan State University: MSU provides and excellent repository of research on LGBTQ+ history, Pride resources, and resources for allies.

Anti-Defamation League: In schools and classrooms, LGBTQ+ Pride Month is an excellent time to talk with students about LGBTQ+ people and their struggles to achieve equity and justice in all aspects of their lives.

American Bar Association: The purpose of the this commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgender (LGBTQ+) individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. 
 
 

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RPS Resources
 
Below, please find any documents presented to the School Committee by the Equity Advisory Board, as well as any descriptions of the various roles on the Equity Board.
DEI Calendar
 
While we are generally aware of the major holidays celebrated by citizens in the United States, there are many holidays celebrated by different people and cultures. This is by no means a comprehensive list of holidays and observances, we aim to bring awareness to celebrations to our community.
NEW YEAR’S DAY The first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, commonly used for civil dating purposes.    
 
GURU GOBIND SINGH JI’S BIRTHDAY   •   Sikh Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh guru of Nanak and founder of the Khalsa.    
 
CHRISTMAS   •   Armenian Orthodox Christian The day Armenian Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Before the Roman empire adopted Christianity, this was the original day all Christians observed the birth of Jesus.    
 
EPIPHANY   •   Christian Celebrates the manifestation of Jesus as Christ. The Western Church associates Epiphany with the journey of the Magi to the infant Jesus Christ, and the Eastern Orthodox Church associates Theophany with the baptism of Jesus Christ by John.    
 
CHRISTMAS   •   Eastern Christian Commemorating the birth of Jesus, most Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13 days later than other Christian churches based on their use of the Julian rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar.    
 
MAHAYANA NEW YEAR   •   Buddhist In Mahayana countries the New Year starts on the first full moon day in January.    
 
MAKAR SANKRANTI   •   Hindu Seasonal celebration marking turning of the sun toward the north.    
 
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY The birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is on January 15th but it is observed on the third Monday in January.    
 
INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY Annual day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945. 
 
LUNAR NEW YEAR • Confucian, Daoist and Buddhist Also known as the Spring Festival, an important festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
 
TU B’SHVAT • Jewish New Year's Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Now a day for environmental awareness and action, such as tree planting.
 
VALENTINE’S DAY • Celebrates the idea of romantic love.
 
NIRVANA DAY • Buddhist Celebrates the day when the historical Buddha achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. Sometimes celebrated on February 8.
 
SUSAN B. ANTHONY DAY •  A commemorative holiday to celebrate the birth of Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906) and women's suffrage in the United States.
 
MAHA SHIVARATRI • Hindu Also called Shiva Ratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is a festival in reverence of the god Shiva. The festival is celebrated at the 13th night or 14th day of the waning moon in the Hindu calendar (month of February or March of the English calendar).
 
PRESIDENTS’ DAY • Honors all past presidents of the United States of America.
 
WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE • U.N. day to recognize efforts to achieve fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
 
SHROVE TUESDAY • Western Christian A day of penitence as well as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Also known as Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and Carnival Day as this day is observed in many ways worldwide.
 
ASH WEDNESDAY • Western Christian The first day of Lent for Western Christian churches, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, not counting Sundays.
 
AYYÁM-I-HA OR INTERCALARY DAYS • Bahá’í A period of celebration devoted to charity, gift-giving and festivities prior to the annual period of fasting.
 
CLEAN MONDAY • Eastern Orthodox Christian The beginning of Great Lent for Eastern Orthodox Christian churches, which starts 40 days before Pascha, counting Sundays.
 
NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH • Honors women as significant agents of historical change.
 
NINETEEN-DAY FAST • Bahá’í Baha'is between 15 and 70 years of age do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and set aside time for prayer and meditation.
 
MAGHA PUJA • Buddhist Also known as Sangha Day, it commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 disciples, completely enlightened monks, in the historical Buddha's presence.
 
PURIM • Jewish The “Feast of Lots” marks the saving of the Jewish people of ancient Persia from extermination.
 
HOLA MOHALLA • Sikh An annual event which is a martial arts parade historically coinciding with Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. Celebrations related to Holla Mohalla may be held in various locations over several weekends preceding the actual date of the holiday.
 
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY • Celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women worldwide.
 
ST. PATRICK’S DAY • Christian Feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. In the U.S., a secular version is celebrated by people of all faiths through appreciation of all things Irish.
 
VERNAL EQUINOX • Marks the first day of the season of spring. The sun shines nearly equally on both hemispheres when it’s spring in the Northern Hemisphere and simultaneously fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
 
HOLI • Hindu A spring festival in India and Nepal dedicated to the god of pleasure, also known as the festival of colours or the festival of sharing love.
 
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION • Call to action to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination worldwide.
 
NOWRÚZ (Also known as NAW-RÚZ) • Zoroastrian (Bahá’í) Celebrates the first day of Spring and the Iranian New Year, which occurs on the vernal equinox, on or near March 21. Also celebrated as New Year’s Day in Baha’i tradition. (This date may vary based on region or sect.)
 
RAMADAN • Islamic Observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad.
 
KHORDAD SAL • Zoroastrian The Zoroastrian celebration of the birth of Zoroaster, the founder of the Zoroastrianism religion. The holiday is specifically celebrated in India and Iran, immediately following the Persian new year, Nowrúz.
 
RAMA NAVAMI • Hindu Celebrates the birthday of Rama, king of ancient India, hero of the epic Ramayana, and seventh incarnation of Vishnu.
 
CESAR CHAVEZ DAY Honors Mexican American farm worker, labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez (19271993) who was a nationally respected voice for social justice.
 
ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH • Celebrates the Arab American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans.
 
GENOCIDE AWARENESS MONTH •  A month that marks important anniversaries for past and contemporary genocides. Throughout the month, individuals, communities and organizations join together to remember and honor victims and survivors of mass atrocities.
 
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH • Introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.
 
DAY OF SILENCE • Students take a day-long vow of silence to protest the actual silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) students and their straight allies due to bias and harassment.
 
PALM SUNDAY • Western Christian Observed the Sunday before Easter to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
 
THERAVADA NEW YEAR • Buddhist In Theravada countries the New Year is celebrated on the first full moon day in April.
 
PASSOVER/PESACH • Jewish The eight-day “Feast of Unleavened Bread” celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
 
GOOD FRIDAY • Western Christian Commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Friday before Easter. Known as Holy Friday in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
 
EASTER • Western Christian Known as Pascha in Eastern Christianity, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
 
PALM SUNDAY • Eastern Orthodox Christian Observed the Sunday before Pascha to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
 
HOLY THURSDAY • Eastern Orthodox Christian Also known as Maundy Thursday, it is celebrated on the Thursday before Pascha commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus Christ and the Apostles were together for the last time before the Crucifixion.
 
HOLY FRIDAY • Eastern Orthodox Christian Commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Friday before Pascha. Known as Good Friday in Western Christianity.
 
VAISAKHI (also spelled Baisakhi) • Sikh The festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated). On this day, Sikhs gather and celebrate Vaisakhi at their local Gurdwaras (Sikh house of worship) by remembering this day as the birth of the Khalsa.
 
PASCHA • Eastern Orthodox Christian Known as Easter in Western Christianity, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 
LAILAT AL-QADR • Islamic Commemorates the night that the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is known as the “Night of Power.” Often set on the 27th day of Ramadan, Sunnis may observe it on the 21st, 23rd, 25th or 29th and Shīʿite (Shiite) observe it on the 19th, 21st or 23rd day of Ramadan.
 
YOM HASHOAH • Jewish “Holocaust Remembrance Day” memorializes the heroic martyrdom of six million Jews who perished in the Nazi Holocaust.
 
EID AL-FITR • Islamic The “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast” marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting from dawn until dusk.
 
FESTIVAL OF RIDVÁN • Bahá’í Annual festival commemorating the 12 days when Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, resided in a garden called Ridván (Paradise) and publicly proclaimed his mission as God’s messenger for this age. The first (April 21), ninth (April 29), and twelfth (May 2) days are celebrated as holy days when Baha’is suspend work.
 
ARMENIAN MARTYRS’ DAY • Memorializes the genocide of approximately 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923 in Turkey.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month • Recognizes the contributions and celebrates the culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
 
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH • Recognizes the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievements of American Jews.
 
May 1 INTERNATIONAL WORKER’S DAY also known as May Day • Celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers worldwide. The day commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, in which police and protesters clashed following a workers’ strike for an eight-hour work day.
 
May 3 WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY • Serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news.
 
May 5 CINCO DE MAYO • In 1862 Mexican forces defeated French occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla.
 
May 5 VISAKHA PUJA • Buddhist Also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, it marks the birth, spiritual awakening and death (nirvana) of the historical Buddha. (This date may vary based on region or sect.)
 
May 9 LAG B’OMER • Jewish Celebrates the end of a divine-sent plague and/or Roman occupation during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime (died c. 135 CE).
 
May 12 MOTHER’S DAY • Children of all ages show appreciation for their mothers and mother figures.
 
May 21 WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY • Recognizes cultural diversity as a source of innovation, exchange and creativity, as well as the obligation to create a more peaceful and equitable society based on mutual respect.
 
May 24 DECLARATION OF THE BÁB • Bahá’í Commemoration of May 23, 1844, when the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith, announced in Shíráz, Persia, that he was the herald of a new messenger of God.
 
May 25 ASCENSION DAY • Western Christian Also known as Holy Thursday, celebrated 40 days after Easter, it commemorates the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.
 
May 25 ASCENSION DAY • Eastern Orthodox Christian Also known as Holy Ascension, celebrated 40 days after Pascha, it commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven.
 
May 26-27 SHAVUOT • Jewish The “Feast of Weeks” celebrates the covenant established at Sinai between God and Israel, and the revelation of the Ten Commandments.
 
May 28 PENTECOST • Western Christian Also known as Whitsunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus Christ. Marks the birth of the Christian Church.
 
May 29 ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH • Bahá’í Observance of the anniversary of the death in exile of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
 
May 29 MEMORIAL DAY • A federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.
 
LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH • Commemorates the anniversary of the June 28, 1969 Stonewall riot in New York City, the incident that initiated the modern gay rights movement in the United States.
 
June 4 PENTECOST • Eastern Orthodox Christian The seventh Sunday after Pascha commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus Christ.
 
June 5 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY • The United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
 
June 11 ALL SAINTS’ DAY • Eastern Orthodox Christian In Orthodox churches observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost, it commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints.
 
June 12 ANNE FRANK DAY • Birthday of young Jewish girl whose diary describes her family’s experiences hiding from the Nazis through assistance of Gentile friends.
 
June 12 LOVING DAY • Observes the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia which struck down the miscegenation laws remaining in 16 states barring interracial marriage.
 
June 14 FLAG DAY • Anniversary of the adoption of the Unites States flag by Congress in 1777.
 
June 18 FATHER’S DAY • Children of all ages show appreciation for their fathers and father figures.
 
June 19 JUNETEENTH • Originally commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865, it is now celebrated throughout the U.S. to honor African American freedom and achievement.
 
June 20 WORLD REFUGEE DAY • Raises awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced persons.
 
June 21 SUMMER SOLSTICE • Marks the first day of the season of summer. The length of time between sunrise and sunset is the longest of the year with the sun shining the farthest from the Southern Hemisphere and the closest to the Northern Hemisphere.
 
June 26 ANNIVERSARY OF LEGALIZATION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN THE U.S. • On June 26, 2015, in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.
 
June 28 EID AL-ADHA • Islamic commemoration of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience of a command from God. Marks the end of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
 
July 3  DHARMA DAY •  Buddhist Also known as Asalha Puja, it commemorates the historical Buddha's first discourse following his spiritual awakening.    
 
July 4  INDEPENDENCE DAY • Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. 
 
July 10  MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB • Bahá’í Observance of the anniversary of the execution by a firing squad in Tabríz, Persia, of the 30year-old Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith.    
 
July 19-August 16  MUHARRAM • Islamic The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year. This first day, alHijra, remembers the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. It also marks the beginning of the ten-day Shīʿite Remembrance of Muharram, a period of intense grief and martyrdom of Hussein, the son of Ali and grandson of Muhammad.    
 
July 26  AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) DAY • Commemorates the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities.    
 
July 27  TISH’A B’AV • Jewish Mourning of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE.    
 
July 28  ASHURA • Islamic A day of fasting observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram to celebrate Moses’ exodus from Egypt. For Shi’a Muslims, it also marks the climax of the ten-day Remembrance of Muharram, which mourns the martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of Kerbala. 
 
August 9  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES • Celebrates the richness of indigenous cultures and recognizes the challenges indigenous peoples face today, ranging from poverty and disease to dispossession, discrimination and denial of basic human rights.    
 
August 12  INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY • Celebrates young people and the integral role they play in helping to create a world fit for children.    
 
August 13-15  ULLAMBANA (also known as Obon) • Buddhist Ullambana, a Sanskrit term that means “hanging upside down and suffering,” honors the spirits of past ancestors and strives to relieve aching souls from suffering. It lasts about half of the month of August. Obon, the Japanese transliteration of Ullambana, is only three days and varies from region to region—July in the eastern region and August in the western region.    
 
August 21  SENIOR CITIZEN DAY • Recognizes the many contributions older adults make in communities across the United States.    
 
August 23  INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE SLAVE TRADE AND ITS ABOLITION • Memorializes the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade, coinciding with the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) that initiated its abolition.    
 
August 26  WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY • Commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.  
 
August 30  RAKSHA BANDHAN • Hindu Also called Rakhi, this festival celebrates the protective relationship between brothers and their sisters
 
September 4  LABOR DAY • Celebrated the first Monday in September in recognition of U.S. workers.    
 
September 5  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY • Recognizes the role of charity in alleviating human suffering, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa.    
 
September 6  KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI (Also known as JAYANTI) • Hindu Celebrates Krishna’s birthday, Vishnu’s eighth incarnation on earth.    
 
September 8  INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY • Call to action for universal literacy.    
 
September 15 - October 15 NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH • Celebrates the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.    
 
September 16-17  ROSH HASHANAH • Jewish Beginning of the Jewish New Year and first of the High Holy Days, which marks the beginning of a ten-day period of penitence and spiritual renewal.    
 
September 17  CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY • Commemorates the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787. Also honors all who have become U.S. citizens.    
 
September 19  GANESH CHATURTHI • Hindu Celebrates the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-deity.    
 
September 23   AUTUMNAL EQUINOX • Marks the first day of the season of fall. The sun shines nearly equally on both hemispheres when it’s fall in the Northern Hemisphere and simultaneously spring in the Southern Hemisphere.    
 
September 23  BI VISIBILITY DAY • Seeks to draw attention to public policy concerns and foster respect for bi+ individuals and communities.    
 
September 25  YOM KIPPUR  • Jewish The “Day of Atonement” marks the end of the Ten Days of Penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah.    
 
September 27  MAWLID AL-NABI (Also known as MILAD AL-NABI) • Islamic (Sunni) The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Shi’a Muslims celebrate it five days later than Sunni Muslims.    
 
September 30 - October 6  SUKKOT • Jewish The week-long “Feast of Booths” commemorates the 40-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land. 
 
NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH • A campaign to unite communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.
 
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH • Recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities.
 
LGBT HISTORY MONTH • Marks and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people in the United States.
 
October 2 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE • Marked on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, a U.N commemoration promoting the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding.
 
October 5 WORLD TEACHER’S DAY • Held annually to commemorate teacher organizations worldwide.
 
October 7 MAWLID AL-NABI (Also known as MILAD AL-NABI) • Islamic (Shi’a) The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Sunni Muslims celebrate it five days earlier than Shi’a Muslims.
 
October 7 SHEMINI ATZERET • Jewish “The Eighth [Day] of Assembly” observed on the day immediately following Sukkot.
 
October 8 SIMCHAT TORAH • Jewish “Rejoicing in the Torah” celebrates the conclusion of the public reading of the Pentateuch (first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and its beginning anew.
 
October 9 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY (Native American Day) • Celebrates and honors Native American history and culture. [The second Monday of October is also marked as a U.S. federal holiday, Columbus Day. Many people are opposed to the celebration of a man who led and committed atrocities against Indigenous people. Some states and cities in the U.S. have officially changed the day to Indigenous People’s Day. Similarly, it is celebrated as Día de la Raza, “Day of the Race,” in Spanish-speaking countries and communities.]
 
October 11 COMING OUT DAY • Encourages honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Commemorates October 11, 1987, when 500,000 people marched on Washington, DC, for gay and lesbian equality.
 
October 15-24 NAVARATRI • Hindu Nine-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It worships God in the form of the universal mother commonly referred to as Durga, Devi or Shakti, and marks the start of fall.
 
October 16 BIRTH OF THE BÁB • Bahá’í Bahá’í observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1819 of Siyyid, “the Báb,” the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith, in Shíráz, Persia.
 
October 17 BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH • Bahá’í Observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1817 of Bahá’u’lláh, prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, in Núr, Persia.
 
October 17 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY • Call to action for the eradication of poverty and destitution worldwide.
 
October 20 GUR-GADDI GURU GRANTH SAHIB • Sikh Since 1708, Sikhs have accepted Sri Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal Guru that holds the spirit of all Ten Gurus of the Sikhs. They consider Guru Granth Sahib to be a spiritual guide not only for Sikhs but for all of mankind; it plays a central role in guiding the Sikhs' way of life.
 
October 24 DUSSEHRA/DASSERA • Hindu Anniversary of the day when Rama killed the evil demon Ravana. Also known as Durga Puja, which celebrates the goddess Durga.
 
October 24 UNITED NATIONS DAY • Commemorates the founding of the world organization in 1945.
 
October 31 HALLOWEEN • The eve of All Saints’ Day.
 
October 31 REFORMATION DAY • Christian Commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.
 
NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH • Adoptees, birth families, adoptive families and adoption professionals reflect on, educate and celebrate adoption practices.
 
NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH • Celebrates and honors the history and culture of Native Americans and indigenous people in the United States.
 
November 1 ALL SAINTS’ DAY • Western Christian Commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints. Eastern Orthodox Christianity observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
 
November 2 ALL SOULS’ DAY • Christian Commemoration of all faithful Christians who are now dead. In Mexican tradition it is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos between October 31 and November 2, and is an occasion to remember dead ancestors and celebrate the continuity of life.
 
November 7 ELECTION DAY • A day set by U.S. law for the election of public officials.
 
November 9-10 KRISTALLNACHT • Also known as the Night of the Broken Glass, commemorates the 1938 pogrom against Jews throughout Germany and Vienna.
 
November 11 VETERANS’ DAY • Honors military veterans and the U.S. Armed Services.
 
November 12 BANDI-CHHOR DIWAS • Sikh A commemorative occasion having no fixed date which occurs in October or November and celebrates the release of the Sixth Guru Har Gobind Sahib from imprisonment and coincides with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
 
November 12 DIWALI • Hindu Also called Deepavali, “Festival of Lights”, it celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
 
November 13 - 17 AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK • Celebrates public education and honors individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child in the U. S. receives a quality education.
 
November 16 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE • Emphasizes the dangers of intolerance and is a call to action for the advancement of human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as a day to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures and peoples.
 
November 20 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE • Memorializes those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.
 
November 23 THANKSGIVING DAY • Following a 19th century tradition, it commemorates the Pilgrims’ harvest feast in the autumn of 1621. It is considered by some to be a "national day of mourning," in recognition of the conquest of Native Americans by colonists.
 
November 26 DAY OF THE COVENANT • Bahá’í Day of the Covenant is a festival observed to commemorate Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His son, Abdu’l-Bahá, as His successor.
 
November 27 GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY • Sikh A very important holiday in the Sikh faith as Guru Nanak Dev’s was the First Guru of the Sikhs and the Founder of Sikhism. He was born in mid-November; the holiday is celebrated according to the lunar date.
 
December 1 WORLD AIDS DAY • International day of action on HIV and AIDS. December
 
December 3 ADVENT • Western Christian Advent is a season of spiritual preparation in observance of the birth of Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the season is longer and begins in the middle of November.
 
December 3 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES • Raises awareness about persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.
 
December 8 BODHI DAY • Buddhist Also known as Rohatsu, commemorates the day that the Buddha, Siddharta Gautama, experienced enlightenment or spiritual awakening (bodhi). Celebrated on the eighth day either of December or the 12th month of the lunar calendar.
 
December 8-15 HANUKKAH • Jewish Eight-day “Festival of Lights”, also known as Chanukah, celebrating the rededication of the Temple to the service of God in 164 BCE. Commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek King, Antiochus, who sought to suppress freedom of worship.
 
December 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY • On this day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 
December 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE • Christian Celebrates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary (by her title, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of Mexico and the Americas) before Juan Diego, an indigenous convert to Roman Catholicism, on the Mexican hill of Tepeyac in 1531.
 
December 15 BILL OF RIGHTS DAY • Commemorates the signing into law of the ten original amendments of the United States Constitution in 1791.
 
December 21 WINTER SOLSTICE • Marks the first day of the season of winter. The length of time between sunrise and sunset is the shortest of the year with the sun shining closest to the Southern Hemisphere and the farthest from the Northern Hemisphere.
 
December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE • Christian Celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.
 
December 25 CHRISTMAS • Western Christian Commemorates the birth of Jesus.
 
December 26, 2023-January 1, 2024 KWANZAA A • seven-day celebration honoring African American heritage and its continued vitality. “Kwanzaa” means “first fruits (of the harvest)” in Swahili.
 
December 29 WOUNDED KNEE DAY • On December 29, 1890 more than 200 Lakota Sioux were massacred by U.S. troops at Wounded Knee in South Dakota.
 
December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE • In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve, the last day of the year, is on December 31. In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink. etc.