As we continue our series highlighting the important dates on the EDI calendar, we’re looking here at Race & Culture.
Remember that the Empower Up list of important dates and events is constantly updated and can help you with month-by-month planning, as it covers the key dates associated with all groups and communities.
January 27th – Holocaust Memorial Day
Commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.
LINK: https://www.hmd.org.uk
February 5th-11th – Race Equality Week
A UK-wide initiative focusing on addressing and overcoming barriers to racial equality in the workplace.
LINK: https://www.raceequalitymatters.com/race-equality-week/
February 10th – Chinese New Year
Marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar, celebrated with traditions and rituals honouring ancestors and deities, and symbolising prosperity and togetherness.
LINK: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/lunar-new-year
February 14th – St. Valentine’s Day
A day celebrating love and affection between intimate companions, marked by the exchange of cards, gifts, and romantic gestures.
LINK: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/16945378
February 20th – World Day of Social Justice
A UN initiative to tackle issues of poverty, exclusion, gender equality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections.
LINK: https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/international-days/world-day-of-social-justice.html
March 21st – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Another United Nations initiative to observe the struggle against racial discrimination and promotes racial equality.
LINK: https://www.ohchr.org/en/get-involved/stories/international-day-elimination-racial-discrimination
May 13th-19th – Black Inclusion Week
Aims to celebrate black heritage and culture, and advance the inclusion of black people in different spheres of society.
LINK: https://blackinclusionweek.org
May 21st – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Encourages understanding and respect for diverse cultures and the importance of dialogue to achieve sustainable development.
June 1st – Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Month
Raises awareness and explores the history, culture, and language of these communities.
LINK: https://globaldimension.org.uk/calendar/gypsy-roma-and-traveller-history-month/
June 20th – World Refugee Day
Recognises the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees worldwide.
LINK: https://www.unhcr.org/uk/world-refugee-day
June 22nd – Windrush Generation Arrival Anniversary
Commemorates the arrival of the first large group of Caribbean migrants to the UK in 1948 and celebrates their contributions to British society.
LINK: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/windrush-day
July 16th-August 17th – South Asian Heritage Month
Celebrates the rich heritage and culture of South Asians and their contributions to society.
LINK: https://southasianheritage.org.uk
September 15th-October 15th – Latin American Heritage Month
Celebrates the culture, achievements, and contributions of Latin American communities.
LINK: https://nationaltoday.com/hispanic-heritage-month/
September 15th – World Afro Day
A global day of change, education, and celebration of Afro hair, culture, and identity.
LINK: https://www.worldafroday.com
September 21st – International Day of Peace
Dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace and non-violence, both within and among all nations and peoples.
LINK: https://internationaldayofpeace.org
October – Black History Month
Celebrates the contributions and achievements of black people throughout history.
LINK: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
November 25th – Islamophobia Awareness Month
Raises awareness about the impact of Islamophobia and promotes understanding of Islam.
LINK: https://www.islamophobia-awareness.org
December 2nd – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Marks the date of the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others in 1949.
LINK: https://www.islamophobia-awareness.org
December 10th – Human Rights Day: Commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948.
LINK: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day
December 18th – International Migrants Day
Recognises the contributions and rights of migrants worldwide.
LINK: https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day
December 20th – International Human Solidarity Day
Promotes the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing to combat poverty worldwide.
LINK: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-solidarity-day
To ensure that you’re on top of all the important dates in the EDI calendar, bookmark the Empower Up Events page here.
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash
