MAR-APR - Special Days & Events
March 21 | International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On March 21st, the world comes together to stand against racism and promote unity. This date marks the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, where police killed 69 peaceful protestors fighting apartheid’s oppressive pass laws. This tragedy became a turning point and fueled the global fight for racial justice.
In 1966, the United Nations declared this day a call to action against racial discrimination which persists despite world progress. Challenges like far-right extremism, xenophobia, and online hate still threaten marginalized communities.
Let us all commit to a world free of racial discrimination - we are all members of the human race. #EndRacism (George Chege) Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day
March 25 | International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Hey there, world changers! On March 25th the world will acknowledge the brutal history of the transatlantic slave trade, its lasting inequalities, and the resilience of those who suffered.
Why it matters. The slave trade spanned over 400 years, and its legacies still endure today and shape systemic inequalities around the world. Over 12 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas to fuel the wealth of nations – but at an incalculable human cost.
As we reflect on history, let us be inspired to take meaningful action for justice. While the past informs us, it is the present and the future that we have the power to shape! (George Chege) Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/transatlantic-slave-trade
March 31 | International Transgender Day of Visibility
Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.
It is necessary for trans people to be seen through authentic, diverse, and accurate stories which reflect the actual lived experiences of trans people; both for themselves and for the people who believe they’ve never met a trans person. This includes in news media, where too often trans people’s voices are missing from coverage of anti-trans laws and policies affecting their lives.
For more information, visit https://glaad.org/tdov/. There are resources covering Transgender Health Care, Transgender Youth, Political Climate for Transgender People, Familiarizing with the Transgender Community and Advancing Ally ship and TV shows, films, and creators GLAAD celebrates for trans representation.
April | Alcohol Awareness Month
Need help with alcohol use? See our outpatient programs.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, an opportunity to update your knowledge about alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the adverse impact of alcohol misuse on health and society. Alcohol-related problems continue to take a heavy toll on individuals, families, and communities. Researchers estimate that each year there are more than 178,000 alcohol-related deaths, making alcohol a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In addition, more than 200 disease and injury-related conditions are associated with alcohol use.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers a wealth of research-based resources related to alcohol use. These resources are free, cover many topics, and are available in multiple languages.
During Alcohol Awareness Month, you can also find information across the NIAAA website to learn more about NIAAA-supported research and initiatives. These efforts aim to generate and disseminate fundamental knowledge about the adverse effects of alcohol on health and well-being. Such research is critical in helping us to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol-related problems. (Christine McKenna) SOURCE: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/announcement/april-alcohol-awareness-month
April | National Arab American Heritage Month
During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month. Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts. (Christina McKenna) SOURCE: https://arabamericafoundation.org/national-arab-american-heritage-month/
April 2 | Autism Awareness Day
National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger's syndrome during April. Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others.
According to WHO, about one in 270 people in the world has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of developmental disabilities that causes challenges in many areas of one’s life. Some of the profoundly affected areas include social, communication, and behavior. Children with ASD are usually nonverbal or they have restricted or repetitive behaviors. ASD also affects people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. (Christine McKenna) SOURCE: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/april/national-autism-month-april