Commemorative Dates
At LeadMN, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month. Black History is American History. We honor Black leaders and trailblazers who paved a way and inspired countless others throughout history, now, and in the future.
Resources:
National Museum of African American History & Culture, Black Stories
AAREC, African American Registry
Minnesota African American History Museum & Gallery, Learn more
PBS, Black History Month Facts & Films
Biography.com, Civil Rights Leaders
Minnesota Historical Society, Black History, Black Voices
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, established to recognize the Stonewall Riots and the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on the world. LGBTQIA+ groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other group gatherings.
Resources:
Library of Congress, History of Pride
National Today, Timeline of Pride
Over the Rainbow, Queer and Trans History in MN
Minnesota Historical Society, LGBTQIAA+ Communities in MN
Pronouns.org, Why Pronouns Matter
More Resources
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
We celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of people with disabilities who contribute to our economy and to inclusive equal opportunity for all.
History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-disability-employment-awareness-month
Celebrating 76 years by sharing the history and resources of employment for people with disabilities
Americans with Disability Act: Enforcement & Discrimination information: Employment (Title I)
United States Department of Labor: Ideas for Employers and Employees | U.S. Department of Labor
National Organization on Disability: https://www.nod.org
October is LGBTQ+ History Month
In commemoration and celebration of LGBTQ+ people in the United States!
Why LGBTQ+ History Month matters: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/10/celebrating-lgbtq-history-month-started-matters/
Honor and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day! Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to recognize indigenous history, cultures, and indignities, as well as violence perpetrated against First Nations.
For history, culture and events happening in the MN: Hennepin County Library film festival (films featuring Native filmmakers) https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/events/632b49a495f5c5debd6dbf63?_ga=2.147456951.1049163332.1664832029-1812175681.1664832029
For general information: https://nationaltoday.com/indigenous-peoples-day/
Using the pronouns people ask to be used for them matters to be inclusive, respectful and affirming.
More info on pronouns, see www.pronouns.org, and https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gender-pronouns
In recognition of the rich cultures, history and significant contributions of the first Americans, we celebrate and lift up National Native American, American Indian, and Alaskan Native Heritage Month!
For history of Native American Heritage Month check out these resources:
https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/
https://www.ncai.org/initiatives/native-american-heritage-month
December 26 is the start of Kwanza. This annual holiday celebration runs through January 1st and celebrates pan-Africanism as a movement.
Each day of Kwanza celebrates one of seven principles. They are:
Unity (Umoja), Self Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Responsibility (Ujima), Coorporative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani)
For more on the unique United States origins and how the movement have spread, see here https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kwanzaa