Social & Cultural Awareness Dates
Social & Cultural Awareness Dates
In celebration of the histories and contributions of all identities, UCCS commemorates nationally and locally recognized social and cultural awareness dates throughout the year. These recognitions are an opportunity for all members of the community to learn more about traditions, people, scholarship, history, and current experiences. It is important to note that the celebration of each legacy included in the calendar is not time-limited and this calendar is a helpful tool to ensure we're including all members of our community.
Resource Pages
Check out our educational resource pages, organized by Social & Cultural Months
January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January. The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King, who was a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. People are encouraged to use the day to “reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King.” Visit our resources page.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Visit the International Holocaust Memorial Museum website.
Awareness Dates:
Disability Awareness Dates:
National Birth Defect Awareness Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
January 11 - Paget's Disease Awareness Day
January 24 - Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day
January 30 - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness Day
Last Sunday in January - World Leprosy Day
February
Black Heritage Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration which commemorates Black Americans’
achievements, honors their contributions to the United States and the world, and recognizes their crucial role in U.S. history. In 1926, this celebration was created by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson. See additional resources.
Awareness Dates:
Low Vision Awareness Month
February 2 - Rheumatoid Arthritis Day
February 4 - World Cancer Awareness Day
1st week of February - Tinnitus Awareness Week
February 7-14 - Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week
2nd Monday in February - International Epilepsy Day
February 14 - Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day
February 17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 20 - World Day of Social Justice
February 28 (29th in a leap year) - Rare Disease Day
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
February 9-15 - National Salute to Veteran Patients
February 19 - Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
March
Women's History Month
In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women. Visit the resource page.
Irish American Heritage Month
Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish. The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City. Read the article.
Awareness Dates:
National Brain Injury Awareness Month
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
National Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Essential Tremor Awareness Month
National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
National Trisomy Awareness Month
2nd week of March - World Glaucoma Week
March 1 - Disability Community Day of Mourning
March 1 - International Wheelchair Day
March 3 - World Hearing Day
March 4 - National Brain injury Awareness Day
March 12 - World Glaucoma Day
March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day
March 25 - National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
March 26 - Purple Day for Epilepsy
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
Month of the Military Caregiver
March 29 - Vietnam Veterans Day
April
Arab American Heritage Month
National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. In 2019, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) issued a congressional resolution for NAAHM to be recognized on a national scale. Visit the resource page.
Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance. Read the article.
Deaf History Month
National Deaf History Month was first introduced in 1997 by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). This month-long observance highlights the achievements, culture, and language of deaf people, fostering greater awareness and appreciation within the broader society. Read the article.
Awareness Dates:
Autism Awareness Month
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month
National Stress Awareness Month
Parkinson's Awareness Month
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month
Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
April 6 - Bohring-Opitz Syndrome Awareness Day
April 7- World Health Day
April 11 - World Parkinson's Disease Day
April 13 - Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Day
April 15 - National American Sign Language (ASL) Day
April 22 - Earth Day
Every last Wednesday of April - International Guide Dog Day
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
Month of the Military Child
April 5 - Gold Star Spouse Day
April 9 - National Former POW Recognition Day
April 17 - Purple Up! Day
April 30 - National Military Brats Day
May
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, our Nation celebrates the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement, and remarkable contributions of these communities. Visit the resource page.
Jewish American Heritage Month
This month recognizes Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more. Visit the site.
Haitian Heritage Month
Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized month and an opportunity for individuals to celebrate the rich culture, distinctive art, and delicious food, and learn the traditions of Haiti and its people. The celebration is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18th. Read the article.
Military Appreciation Month
Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces day. Read the article.
Awareness Dates:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mobility Awareness Month
Myositis Awareness Month
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
Prader Willi Syndrome Awareness Month
Williams Syndrome Awareness Month
May 4-10 - Deaf Awareness Week
May 6 - World Asthma Day
May 11-17 - National Women's Health Week
May 12 - International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND)
May 20 - World Autoimmune Arthritis Day
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
May 1 - Loyalty Day
May 7-13 - Public Service Recognition Week
May 12 - Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 20 - Armed Forces Day
May 30 - Memorial Day
June
LGBTQ+ PRIDE Month
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ+ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Visit the resources page.
Caribbean Heritage Month
The campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month was spearheaded by Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder, and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Through the commemoration of this month, America is reminded that its greatness lies in its diversity. Visit the NCAHM site.
Immigrant Heritage Month
Since June of 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month has given people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America. Visit the site.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Visit the resources page.
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20th and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.Visit the site.
Awareness Dates:
Aphasia Awareness Month
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
Audiobook Appreciation Month (audiobooks are a vital accessibility resource!)
PTSD Awareness Month
June 7 - Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day
June 13 - International Albinism Awareness Day
June 17 - CDKL5 Awareness Day
June 18 - Autistic Pride Day
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
June 12 - Women Veterans Day
June 14 - Flag Day
June 14 - Army Birthday
July
Disability Pride Month
All disabilities and their intersecting identities should be acknowledged, valued, and respected, and one way to do that is during Disability Pride Month. Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Visit the resource page.
International Non-binary People's Day
July 14 is recognized around the world as International Non-Binary People’s Day. This occasion shines a light on those who identify as non-binary and celebrates the rich diversity of the community. Read the article.
Awareness Dates:
National Cleft and Craniofacial Acceptance and Prevention Month
National Fragile X Syndrome Awareness Month
National Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
2nd week of July - National Therapeutic Recreation Week
July 26 - American Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
July 4 - Independence Day
July 25 - National Hire a Veteran Day
August
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
In order to raise awareness of the needs of Indigenous Peoples, every year on August 9th, the world commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.Visit the site.
Women's Equality Day
The date - August 26 - was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.Visit the site.
Awareness Dates:
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
August 20 - National Accessible Air Travel Day
August 21 - National Senior Citizens Day
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
August 7 - Purple Heart Day
September
Hispanic American Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Learn more.
Deaf Awareness Month
Deaf Awareness Month originated from the International Week of the Deaf, which was established by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD – wfdeaf.org) in 1958 to highlight the culture, language, and rights of Deaf communities worldwide. Learn more.
Disability Awareness Dates:
Craniofacial Awareness Month
International Orthostatic Tremor Awareness Month
National Guide Dog Month
National Pain Awareness Month
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
World Alzheimer's Disease Month
Last week of September - International Week of the Deaf
September 9 - International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness (FASD) Day
September 17 - Kleefstra Awareness Day
September 18 - National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
3rd Saturday in September - Usher Syndrome Awareness Day
September 21 - World Alzheimer's Day
September 25 - International Ataxia Awareness Day
September 30 - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
National Service Dog Month
September 11 - Patriot Day, National Day of Service and Rememberance
September 20 - POW/MIA Recognition Day
September 29 - Gold Stay Mother's and Family's Day
October
Disability Employment Awareness Month
Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. Learn more on the Office of Disability Employment's website.
Italian American Heritage Month
Although Italy as a unified nation did not exist until 1861, the Italian peninsula has sent millions of its people to the shores of North America. These new arrivals thought of themselves as Neopolitans, Sicilians, Calabrians or Syracuseans. They might not have understood each other’s dialects, but on arrival in the United States they became Italian Americans. This month recognizes their many contributions. Learn more on the Joint Resolution.
Flipino American History Month
The Filipino American National Historical Society recognizes 1763 as the year in which the first permanent Filipino settlement in the United States was established in St. Malo, Louisiana. October celebrates the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States. Learn more on the Congress Resolution.
Polish American Heritage Month
Thanks to the advocacy effort of Polish Americans, the House Joint Resolution 577 passed in 1984, declaring August the Polish American Heritage Month. President Ronald Reagan urged all Americans to join in the celebration honoring their Polish heritage in the United States. Two years later the month was changed to October. Learn more from the Polish American Congress site.
National Coming Out Day
The first observed National Coming Out Day was on October 11, 1988, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. Learn more on the Library of Congress website.
LGBTQ+ History Month
This month recognizes the evidence of the community’s history and ensures it is visible in the present. The first and second Marches on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights took place in October 1979 and 1987. Learn more on the National Endowment for the Humanities website.
Indigenous People's Day
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous peoples, show our gratitude for the myriad contributions they have made to our world, and renew our commitment to respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Read the proclamation.
Awareness Dates:
Disability Awareness Dates:
ADHD Awareness Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Dwarfism Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Learning Disability Awareness Month
National Disability History Month
National Special Needs Law Month
Selective Mutism Awareness Month
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Begins first Monday of October - Dyslexia Awareness Week
2nd full week of October - Dyspraxia Awareness Week
3rd full week of October - Invisible Disabilities Week
October 5 - World Meningitis Day
October 6 - World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
The Thursday during Dyslexia Awareness Week- World Dyslexia Awareness Day
October 7 - International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day
2nd Thursday of October - World Sight Day
October 15 - Blind Americans Equality Day/White Cane Awareness Day
October 20 - World Osteoporosis Day
3rd Wednesday of October - Disability Mentoring Day
October 22 - International Stuttering Awareness Day
October 29 - World Stroke Day
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
October 5 - American Veterans Disabled for Life Awareness Day
October 26 - National Day of the Deployed
October 27 - Navy Day
November
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native and Indigenous people. Visit the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs
National Military Family Appreciation Month
November is Military Family Appreciation Month—a time when America honors and recognizes those unique sacrifices and challenges family members make in support of their loved ones in uniform. No matter what rank or branch, or where life has taken them, our nation’s military families share the common threads of service and sacrifice. Visit the National Military Family Association website.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day - originally called Armistice Day - began as an occasion to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service. It falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. Visit our resource page.
Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week is a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the trans community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around issues that affect the transgender community. It falls on November 13-19 every year, and is followed by Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. Read the article.
Disability Awareness Dates:
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
Warrior Care Month
November 9 - Gold Star Father's Day
November 10 - Marine Corps Day
December
Human Right's Day
Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on December 10th. It commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Read the article on the United Nations website.
Awareness Dates:
Disability Awareness Dates:
December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Veteran and U.S. Armed Forces Awareness Dates:
December 2 - Giving Tuesday
December 7 - National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
December 13 - National Wreaths Across America
December 13 - U.S. National Guard Birthday