In Mecca and other areas, Muslims of the 7th century CE faced religious persecution for their beliefs. Therefore, the exodus of Muhammed and his followers to the city that would later be called Medina — a movement called the Hijra — where Muhammad would set forth a Constitution that delineated Muslim’s rights and responsibilities. This event is of great importance in the Muslim faith, which is why Islamic New Year commemorates this sacred moment of history.

It’s not just the first day of the month Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar year, that’s important to observe for Muslims around the world. The entire month is of holy significance. For example, it is also in Muharram — second only in importance as a solemn occasion to Ramadan — that the 10th day, Ashura takes place, marking Noah’s leaving the Ark and also Moses crossing the Red Sea.

For Shia Muslims, it’s also the death anniversary of Muhammad’s grandson Hussein. They mark the occasion with mourning ceremonies. Shias, particularly those in Afghanistan, Bahrain, India, Lebanon and Pakistan, take part in remembrance parades called “matam”, where men gather in the street to take part in ritual chest-beating. For Sunnis, Muharram is a time of ushering in the new, with solemn prayer and reflection.

The lunar calendar is 11 or 12 days shorter than the Western solar calendar, so a sort of “cycle” is created around Islamic New Year as it falls back year after year. This is so those of the faith can experience the same range of temperatures and weather events as all the historical figures in their holy books did.

Muharram is an important religious and cultural event, so asking Muslim friends about the significance of Muharram can be an interesting learning lesson. Muslims themselves could also share stories, ideas and feelings with others, to mark the Islamic New Year.

The Islamic New Year is observed as a public holiday in the majority of Islamic countries. The customs and traditions are different in various sects of the Islamic religion but generally involve religious recitals and religious acts of worship. Unlike the New Year celebrations of other calendars, the Islamic New Year is usually quiet, with Muslims reflecting on time and their mortality.

The month of Muharram itself is an important one for Muslims. Special prayers and sermons are carried out at mosques and some public places.

HOW TO OBSERVE ISLAMIC NEW YEAR

For Shias: mourn the passing of Hussein, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson

The leader’s murder was an outrageous event in Muslim history, when he was committed during a month where violence is especially shunned. Join the community at your mosque, or take a solemn moment to shed a tear at the injustice.

For Sunnis: contemplate peace and new beginnings

Again, the mosque is a good location to join others of the faith, but even alone or with close family, today is the time for remembering what it all means and planning how to carry on and move forward into a whole new year.

For everybody: remember that all people are the same

Even if your interest is purely academic, the day of Islamic New Year can be a place to start cataloguing all the differences between cultures that only serve to accentuate the similarities. Days of fasting, revering your prophet, taking a sabbath day each week, or even being agnostic or atheist among friends and acquaintances who worship — whoever you are, there are people like you in every country and under any creed.

Muslims comprise over 24% of the world’s population

This means about a quarter of all people are likely celebrating Muslim New Year today, in one way or another, so diligently understanding peers and bearing in mind a few facts can go a long way.

It’s about freedom to worship

In Mecca, Muhammad and his followers often faced harsh criticism and discrimination, even abuse, because they believed in a single God (Allah) and not a pantheon of multiple gods. But they persevered, not unlike the faithful in the Christian bible. In other words, the desire for freedom and the willingness to fight or flee for it is universal.

A holy time for the faithful

Nobody can go wrong by speaking in reverence or holding a feeling of solemnity for this day. This act should be appreciated by those who notice because respect and kindness are never bad habits to get into.

The festival of Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah — the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Prophet Ibrahim, known in Christianity and Judaism as Abraham, went through trials and tests throughout his life. One of these tests was when he was commanded by Allah (God) in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismael. Both father and son agreed to obey the will of God and headed to Mount Moriah. Ismail lay with his forehead against the ground with a sharp knife placed on his neck by his father. Just when Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God sent a large ram to be slaughtered in the place of Ismael, which Ibrahim then sacrificed to the glory of God.

This event is of great significance, as it displayed the extent to which Ibrahim was willing to obey God’s decree, in order to please him. After getting tested time and time again, Ibrahim’s faith remained staunch and he was rewarded by God. Eid al-Adha is among the biggest Islamic holidays of the year. It is popularly known as ‘Qurbani’ or the Festival of Sacrifice, reminding everyone of God’s mercy and blessings to those who relentlessly do good.

Eid al-Adha also marks the end of Hajj, the obligatory sacred pilgrimage for Muslims to the holy city of Mecca. The main ritual of this day is to slaughter a goat, sheep, or camel, followed by its distribution. One-third of the meat goes to poor people, one-third is distributed to friends and neighbors, and one-third is enjoyed by one’s family. This act emphasizes the importance of sharing with the less fortunate. The festival of Eid is a joyous one and is celebrated by dressing up, visiting friends and relatives, preparing special meat dishes and desserts, gifting children with gifts and money, and hosting barbecue parties.

There are different names for the occasion of Eid al-Adha. It is known as ‘Kurban Bayramı’ in Turkey, ‘Hari Raya Haji’ in Malaysia and Singapore, and ‘Tabaski’ in West Africa. Regardless of the name, the spirit of the holiday runs strongly among Muslims worldwide.

Eid al-Adha is a day of sacrifice but is celebrated grandly. Preparations for the holiday begin a month in advance, with designers launching clothing lines especially for the occasion of Eid. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated, and shopping lists are compiled for preparing celebratory feasts. The biggest preparation is the purchasing of the animal for sacrifice. Bazaars are set up where local vendors sell goats, cows, camels, and sheep. Haggling and buying the animal at the best price is a tradition in itself. In countries where this is not legal or common, a whole carcass is purchased and divided into portions of meat.

The day of Eid begins with Muslims waking up early, washing, and dressing in their finest clothes to perform the Eid prayers, followed by greeting friends, family, and neighbors at the mosque. Everyone is greeted with “Eid Mubarak,” wishing each other a blessed Eid. The rest of the day is spent rationing the meat from the sacrificed animal, distributing it, and then preparing for the evening festivities, which involve dressing up and having outdoor barbecues. It is very common to post your outfit of the day and Eid selfies on social media.

It honors faith and sacrifice
Eid al-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Ibrahim's unwavering faith, even when God commanded him to sacrifice the the thing he cherished most in life — his son. This is a good time for us to think about what we are willing to do for the people we love. Most importantly, we remember that little acts of kindness can make a monumental impact in someone else's life.

It's an opportunity to share our abundance
This Muslim tradition, practiced on Eid al-Adha, symbolically illustrates the power of sharing by dividing meat into three portions to be eaten by family, friends and those in need. Being conscious of extending what we have beyond our own doors is a wonderful way for anyone to take part in celebrating this holiday

It's a lesson in gratitude
For Muslims, it's crucial to speak the name of Allah before killing an animal to be shared on Eid al-Adha. In this way, you honor the life of the animal sacrificing itself to feed the people. For all of us who eat meat, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, this is a good day to be grateful to all the animals.

In the 1700s, America wasn’t really a nation of ‘united states.’ Instead, there were 13 colonies with distinct personalities. From 1763 to 1773, Britain’s King George III increasingly placed pressure on the colonies as he and the British Parliament enacted a succession of draconian taxes and laws on them. Excessive taxes on British luxury goods like tea and sugar were designed to benefit the British crown without any regard for the hardships of the colonists. By 1764, the phrase “Taxation without representation is tyranny” spread throughout the colonies as the rallying cry of outrage.

The more the colonists rebelled, the more King George doubled down with force. Imagine if enemy soldiers not only had the right to enter your home but the soldiers could demand that you feed and house them. The Quartering Act of 1765 allowed British soldiers to do just that.

But the Stamp Act of 1765 became the straw that broke the colonists’ backs. Passed by Parliament in March, this act taxed any piece of printed paper, including newspapers, legal documents, ships’ papers — and even playing cards! As the colonial grumbling got louder and bolder, in the fall of 1768, British ships arrived in Boston Harbor as a show of force. Remember, the British Navy dominated the seas all over the world due to the far-reaching presence of the British Empire.

Tensions boiled over on March 5, 1770, in Boston Harbor during a street fight between a group of colonists and British soldiers. The soldiers fired shots that killed 47-year-old Crispus Attucks, the first American and Black man to die along with three other colonists in the Boston Massacre. 

In 1773, the Boston Tea Party (from which today’s Tea Party Republicans get their name) erupted when colonists disguised as Mohican Indians raided a British ship, dumping all the tea overboard to avoid paying the taxes. Continued pressure led to resistance and the start of the Revolutionary War in the towns of Lexington and Concord when a militia of patriots battled British soldiers on April 19, 1775.  Conditions were ripe for American independence.

When the first battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, only a handful of colonists wished for total independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered extremists.

However, halfway through the following year, many more colonists had come to lean more toward independence, as a result of growing hostility towards Britain and the spread of revolutionary views like those conveyed in the bestselling pamphlet published in early 1776 by Thomas Paine — “Common Sense.”

On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia and Richard Henry Lee, the Virginia delegate, introduced a motion calling for the independence of the colonies. Amid heated debate, Congress rescheduled the vote on Lee’s resolution but appointed a five-man committee — including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Robert R. Livingston of New York — to draft a formal statement justifying the defect from Great Britain.

On July 2, 1776, in a virtually unanimous vote, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence, and on July 4th, it formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Ultimately, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence was a contentious process. After much debate over what to include and what to leave out, Thomas Jefferson, tasked with pulling the document together, envisioned a nation where “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness” crystallized the very meaning of being an American. The document proclaimed the 13 American colonies’ liberation from Britain and reaffirmed their rights as free men — declaring that they were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.

John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

By an extraordinary coincidence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as presidents of the United States, both died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, James Monroe, another Founding Father who was elected as president, also died on July 4, 1831, making him the third President who died on the anniversary of independence. The only U.S. president to have been born on Independence Day was Calvin Coolidge, who was born on July 4, 1872.

1) Read the Declaration of Independence
Most Americans have never actually read the Declaration of Independence. But if it weren't for this short but historically significant document, they may not have been able to spend the day grilling or lighting fireworks, and definitely wouldn't have had the day off.

2) Watch fireworks
It's a blast — in more ways than one. Gazing at fireworks on the Fourth is a tradition that goes back centuries. In fact, John Adams alluded to this type of celebration in a letter he wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776.

3) Visit a national landmark or historical site
America is full of fascinating historical landmarks and sites. No matter where in the country you live, there is almost certainly a site of historical importance nearby. Some ideas could include a Native American reservation, a Civil War battleground, a government building, or a war memorial.

1) John Adams refused July 4: Because the actual vote for independence took place on July 2, 1776, John Adams refused to recognize celebrations for July 4.

2) Technically… The Declaration of Independence was finalized on July 4, but most of the signers actually signed the document on August 2, 1776.

3) Edits and revisions - There were a total of 86 edits made to the original draft written by Thomas Jefferson.

4) Independence wasn’t the only reason - The Declaration of Independence was penned down formally so that colonies seeking foreign allies could legally declare themselves free from the British.

5) It’s not a map, but…There isn’t a treasure map as shown in the movie “National Treasure,” but there is actually something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence — “Original Declaration of Independence dates 4th July 1776.”

According to the official website of the historical event, Juneteenth is ‘the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.’ Other than marking a pivotal date of significance in American history, Juneteenth also serves as an opportunity for African Americans to cherish their culture and heritage. 

More than 155 years old, Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. The reason for it being celebrated on June 19 is because, on this day in 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army landed in Texas, he brought the news that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free. 

The proclamation declaring the abolishment of slavery was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, in the nation’s third year of an ongoing civil war. Known as the Emancipation Proclamation, it declared that ‘all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State […] shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.’ Granger’s arrival at Texas was to enforce this decree, which had originally gone into effect two years earlier. The news had come as a shock to more than 250,000 slaves in Texas who were unaware of it.

On June 19, in the city of Galveston, Granger publicly read General Order No. 3, which stated: ‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.’

As to why the news of the abolition of slavery reached Texas so late, there are varying accounts. One story states that the messenger bearing the news was assassinated on his journey. Some historians believe that the report on the Emancipation Proclamation was withheld by slave owners in Texas on purpose so that they can go about their business as usual and keep the labor force working. Historians also note that, until 1865, Texas remained a Confederate State, so Lincoln’s proclamation could not have been enforced until Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army and they took over. Either way, Granger’s arrival with the grand news stirred the air with jubilance and massive celebrations across the state. A former slave named Felix Haywood gave his recount of the first celebration in 1865 in the book “Lone Star Pasts: Memory and History in Texas” — ‘We was all walkin’ on golden clouds […] Everybody went wild […] We was free. Just like that, we was free.’

Juneteenth is an extremely important holiday in history, commemorating the day when the enslaved people of Texas learned that slavery had been abolished and that they are free.

We need to learn from past mistakes: Acknowledging our past helps us to understand what all of us must do as a society to improve. We need to fight for equal access to education for African-American students, freedom of speech, and non-discrimination in all areas of life.

Empathy: Most of us can't imagine a world like this. When Texas finally "freed" their slaves in 1865, it came 30 months after Lincoln's proclamation. Still, even today, America struggles with racial discrimination.

Below are five courageous Americans who fought for equality:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. • Perhaps the most widely recognized name associated with the civil rights movement, Dr. King gave us the famous "I Have a Dream" speech in August 1963 — his 1968 murder proved that the movement still had a lot of work to do.

Rosa Parks • With a simple refusal to surrender her seat on a public bus, Parks made a bold statement for African Americans in the South — her December 1955 arrest inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Mildred Loving • Loving and her husband, Richard, were jailed for unlawful cohabitation in Virginia where interracial marriage was illegal in 1958 — their case reached the Supreme Court in 1967, which ruled unanimously in their favor.

Frederick Douglass • An escaped slave, Douglass became an advocate for the abolition of slavery as well as women's rights.

Dred Scott • Enslaved African American Dred Scott sued for his family's freedom in 1857 — the Supreme Court ruled against him, finding that no person of African ancestry could claim U.S. citizenship.

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognizing the influence LGBT people have had around the world. 

As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals, and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attract millions of participants.

LGBT Pride / Gay Pride is a movement that celebrates sexual diversity. For lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people it is a way of protesting discrimination and violence. It promotes their dignity, equal rights, and self-affirmation and is a way of increasing society’s awareness of the issues they face.

Pride Month is so important because it marks the start of huge change within the LGBT+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long-standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness. 

The riots were prompted by a raid that took place during the early morning, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The LGBT community held a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations to protest against the raid and call for the establishment of places where gays and lesbians could go and be open about their sexual orientation. In such places, there should be no fears of being arrested. The riots served as a catalyst for the rights of LGBT people, and within 6 months, 2 gay activist groups had formed in New York. Over the years since the event, many gay rights organizations have been formed. Not just in the US but around the world.

Let’s start by clearing the biggest misconception: No, Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day. But, that does not mean it’s less important or notable than it actually is, for the history behind it dawns on the importance of the landscape of North America as a whole.

An economically struggling Mexico was intervened by the French for the second time, who had the hopes to gain control of the Latin American country under the rule of Napoleon III. The French General, Charles de Lorencez, directed his army towards the capital of Mexico City, with the intent to overthrow the president of Mexico, Benito Juarez.

But things didn’t go as planned, as they encountered heavy resistance, culminating at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Even if their forces had half the numbers of their opponents, the Mexican Army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to successfully win over the French army at Puebla, a city just 70 miles from Mexico City. Four days later, on May 9, Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday.

While the battle in itself was not a major strategic win, and the French took control of Mexico in 1864, it served to lift the spirits of resistance forces and helped them to gain an alliance with the Americans to successfully make Napoleon’s forces withdraw. Since it is believed the French would have likely aided the Confederacy at the Civil War, Mexico’s resistance likely changed the history of the United States.

Pro-Union Mexican citizens in the state of California heavily celebrated the victory at the Battle of Puebla viewing it as a victory for the Union’s cause, later formalizing and spreading the annual celebrations across all of California, and Mexican-Americans all around.

In Mexico, the majority of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations occur in Puebla, where the battle had taken place. People dress up either as French and Mexican soldiers or in colorful outfits to participate in large parades. Patriotic clothing is sold by vendors for people to wear and stalls selling Mexican food are also found everywhere. Although tacos and margaritas are consumed the most on this holiday, as well as mole poblano, which is the official dish of Cinco de Mayo. The battle is also sometimes reenacted for locals and tourists to witness the Mexicans’ grand victory against the French troops. 

Cinco de Mayo is also observed in the United States. Costume parties are hosted for friends and family, with the colors of the Mexican flag (red, white, and green) used in decorations. Mexican folk music is played and danced to. The celebrations are also taken to the streets with large parades and special promotions on Mexican food. 

Good neighbors
When Mexico celebrates, we celebrate with them. The U.S. would not be what it is today without the support of Mexico’s great citizens. Cinco de Mayo's a great time to revel in all Mexico has to offer and celebrate the country and all it’s added to our own!

Fiestas
Who doesn’t love a good party? On Cinco de Mayo there are celebrations most everywhere. Someone may invite you to one or you may throw your own. Alternatively, many restaurants, clubs, and organizations host events. It’s a good time to relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of friends and family!

Amazing food
Cinco de Mayo's an excellent excuse to enjoy Mexican cuisine and even try your hand at a traditional recipe you haven’t had before. If cooking isn’t your thing, go out to eat! Support your local Mexican restaurant and try something new off the menu.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting, Ramadan, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. 

It is widely believed that Prophet Muhammad got the first revelation of the Holy Quran during the holy month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is also a joyous occasion that celebrates all the virtues of Islam and unifies people. 

On Eid al-Fitr, people usually wear new clothes and shoes. They also visit family and friends, ending the day with a special meal. Women also commemorate the occasion by applying henna/mehndi on their hands and feet. 

It’s a celebration of good times
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month-long tradition of fasting and abstinence. Muslims do not eat or drink anything from sunrise till sunset. Ramadan is a time of reflection for Muslims as they are made to understand what the needy community goes through when there’s nothing to eat or drink. Eid al-Fitr, thus, is not only a time of going back to normal life but is also a reminder of the things we should be thankful for.

It’s a celebration of gatherings
Merriment and celebrations abound during Eid al-Fitr. People visit family and friends, often going for overnight stays. Special Eid greetings are exchanged in the form of gifts. Women also apply henna/mehndi on their hands in groups

It’s a celebration of food
People prepare special food items on Eid al-Fitr. Be it sweet dishes like ‘sheer khurma’ or savory platters consisting of chicken or mutton, it’s a celebration of food and being grateful for it.

Eid al-Fitr’s day changes every year according to the Islamic calendar, which depends on lunar cycles. Every year, the day shifts by at least a 10-day margin, falling earlier and earlier. This year’s Eid al-Fitr will most likely fall on May 3. In any case, the occasion is loved worldwide by the Muslim community and it is celebrated for three days. After a month of fasting and abstinence, Muslims celebrate the festival with much fanfare. It is also a day when ‘Zakat,’ a compulsory form of charity for Muslims who can afford it, is paid. Zakat, which amounts to 2.5% of the gross net of a Muslim household, is given to the less fortunate in society. ‘Fitrana’ is another form of charity that is also given during this time, and this type of charity aims to rectify any accidental mistakes a person may have made while fasting.

Many countries celebrate Eid al-Fitr according to their specific cultures and traditions. In the Middle East, people offer morning prayers by going to a specially designated area called ‘Eid-gah’. Eid-gah is usually a vast empty space. Unlike other Muslim prayers, Eid morning prayers do not have a special call for prayer. In other countries, like Malaysia and Pakistan, people visit their families and friends, taking along gifts and special food items. These countries’ traditions also see people making special food dishes like ‘sheer khurma’ and ‘sawaiyan’ on the morning of Eid. These sweet items are made with vermicelli, milk, sugar, and dry fruits. South Asians also refer to Eid al-Fitr as ‘choti’ Eid, meaning the smaller Eid. There are two Eid festivals in Islam; Eid al-Adha is considered the ‘bigger’ festival as it commemorates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage with the sacrifice of animals like sheep, goats, cows, and camels

Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949. It was commemorated by the Mental Health America organization, which was then known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene and then later as the National Mental Health Association before it got its current name. The association was founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers. Beers, who was born in 1876 in Connecticut, was one of five children in his family who all suffered from mental illness and psychological distress. All of them also went on to spend time at mental institutions and it was from his hospital admittance that he discovered that the mental health field had a notorious reputation for malpractice, maltreatment, and immense bias.

Beers went on to author “A Mind That Found Itself”, which is a bestseller even today. Gaining popularity and support from medical professionals, Beers founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. Beers and his colleagues at the association wanted to find ways to make sure that mental health patients not only received the right care but also did not feel alone in their fight against mental diseases.

Since 1949, each year, a theme is selected to be highlighted and celebrated throughout May. Recent years have seen themes like ‘Do More for 1 in 4’ (2011), ‘B4Stage4’ (2015), and ‘Nature’ (2021). During the month, various events are held that are covered by media and well-known figures like politicians and actors. Mental Health America also diligently releases a mental health toolkit for outreach activities.

• EMERGENCY: 911 (If there is an immediate risk of endangering oneself or others, contact 911. Inform the operator that you are calling about a mental health crisis.)

• SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255

• SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE (ESPAÑOL): 1-888-628-9454

• PA SUPPORT & LOCAL REFERRAL HELPLINE: 1-855-284-2494

• CHESTER COUNTY TEEN TALK LINE: 1-855-852-8336

• CHESTER COUNTY TEEN TEXT LINE: 484-362-9515

• PA SUPPORT & LOCAL REFERRAL HELPLINE: 1-855-284-2494

• 24-HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE • CHESTER COUNTY, PA: 610-280-3270

• 24-HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE • DELAWARE COUNTY, PA: 610-447-7600

• 24-HOUR CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text PA to 741741

• FAMILY SUPPORT LINE: 610-891-5275

• ALCOHOL: 1-866-569-7077

• DRUGS: 1-800-662-4357

You can also visit the following website for more information:

Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/get-involved/contact-us

Take care of yourself - Life has numerous ups and downs. Some are solvable but others not so much. When your mental health acts up, seek the right treatment and make yourself better because, after all, life has much more to offer than just pain and suffering.

Take care of your loved ones - Check up on your friends and family. Many times, all people need is a shoulder to cry on and/or an ear to listen. Support and encourage them if they are being treated for any mental problems.

Talk about mental health - One of the best ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is by talking about it with your peers. The more you talk about it, the more normalized it will become. This is one of the aims of the month as the stigma attached to mental health has led to countless delays in treatment AND research on the matter.

It’s a celebration of mental health - The only way to enjoy life to the fullest and experience all its wonders is if we take care of ourselves, mentally and physically. Don’t shy away from talking about what’s plaguing you because it might not be your fault, no matter how much society tells you otherwise.

It’s a celebration of changing attitudes - We have come a long way from the times when mental patients were treated as outcasts, not only by their loved ones but also by medical professionals. Times have started changing and more and more people are changing their outlook on mental illnesses. However, we still have a long way to go.

It’s a celebration of humans - We humans are a set of meticulously put-together details. Our minds (and bodies) work in harmony to bring us amazing feats in technology, science, humanities, literature, etc. Our mental power, therefore, needs to be taken care of for a better tomorrow for the coming generations.

Asian/Pacific American (APA) or Asian/Pacific Islander (API) or Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) is a term sometimes used in the United States to include both Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans.

The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs defined Asian-Pacific Islander as: "A person with origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, South Asia, or the Pacific Islands. 

This area includes, for example, China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Samoa; and in South Asia, includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.

The rich history and heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is thousands of years old and is integral to the shaping of the history of the United States. Formerly known as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, the celebration was officially renamed Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2009. The month-long observance recognizes the influence and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the achievements and culture of the United States. 

The first documented arrival of Asians in America was in 1587 when Filipinos arrived in California. Additionally, evidence suggests that the first Japanese individual to arrive in North America was a young boy in October 1587. It’s believed he accompanied a Franciscan friar.

The first Chinese arrived in Hawaii in 1778. The first Koreans landed in the States in 1884. The first Samoans in the United States were documented in 1920 in Hawaii and the first Vietnamese in 1912. 

In the 1970s, a former congressional staffer, Jeanie Jew, proposed the idea of celebrating Asian Pacific Americans to Representative Frank Horton. In June 1977, a United States House of Representatives resolution was introduced by Horton and Norman Y. Mineta, proclaiming the first 10 days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. A month later, a similar bill was introduced in the Senate. 

President Jimmy Carter made the then-week-long celebration official when he signed a joint resolution on October 5, 1978. In 1990, Asian-Pacific Heritage Week was extended to a month when George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress, designating May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

Cook a traditional recipe - Embark on a cultural culinary journey in your kitchen! Begin with fresh ingredients and serve up some Asian or Hawaiian dishes.

Join the social media celebrations - You don’t have to be an Asian American or Pacific Islander to join the fun on social media. Maybe you have a friend or neighbor who is one. Tag them in posts relevant to the day.

Travel back to your roots - Connect with relatives and trace your genealogy. Don’t forget to record your experiences in a memoir and make your family tree. It's something the next generation can treasure!

It honors immigrants - Asian American immigrants and Pacific Islanders contribute greatly to the U.S. economy. This is a time to recognize how they have strengthened our communities.

We learn about diversity - Events and activities give us a glimpse of Asian American and Pacific Islanders’ rich cultures.

It emphasizes racial equality - Celebrations like these keep the healthy dialogue between different races alive.

Haiti, a country populated majorly by African descendants, gained its independence from French colonizers in 1804. The Battle of Vertiéres was a testament to the grit of the Haitian people, during which they overthrew the French to become a free country. Haiti was the first Black republic in the world to free itself from colonial rule. Today, the Haitian community exhibits these nuances of their history through their evocative art, literature, costumes, faith, and life.

Haitian culture is an amalgamation of Taino and African practices blended with European elements, thanks to French colonization. This mix of elements can be found in their cuisine too, which includes the rustic flavors of local dishes with a hint of French sophistication.

Moving on to cultural practices, Haitians are a joyous lot. Dancing is a way of life for this community and you can see this on any public occasion, be it a wedding or a church function. The practice of voodoo is also quite prevalent on the island and it entails the act of dancing as a ritual. Like in most communities of Caribbean origin, carnivals are a much-loved affair for Haitians. Their love for dance and music isn’t restricted to their national boundary alone. You can experience a similar festive vibe in Palm Beach County, Florida, where the Haitian community hosts the biggest and most visited heritage month celebrations every year.

If you’re planning to attend the celebration in Florida, dress up in a vibrant Karabela or a Dashiki shirt and dance and sing to your heart’s content. Have fun!

It recognizes cultural diversity - This occasion acknowledges and appreciates the Haitian community for their contributions to our nation. By doing so, it upholds the U.S. tradition of multiculturalism.

It empowers self-identity - The month allows students and members of the Haitian community to take pride in their cultural history while maintaining their self-identity. It gives the Haitian community a month to embrace their heritage.

The festivities - Haitian Heritage Month is synonymous with street fests, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and more.

WHAT WAS HAITI'S FIRST NAME?

Haiti’s first name was Saint Domingue. The name was changed to Haiti after they gained independence in 1804.

WHAT LANGUAGE DO HAITIANS SPEAK?

Almost all Haitians born and raised in the country speak Haitian Creole. A minority of Haitians can speak French too. English is not spoken in Haiti - Haitian Creole and French are the only two languages spoken in the country.

5 QUICK FACTS ABOUT HAITI

Second in independence - Haiti is only second to the U.S. (in the Western Hemisphere) when it comes to gaining independence from European colonizers.

Christopher Columbus discovered Haiti - Haiti was first discovered by Columbus — he thought he had stumbled upon Asia or, to be more specific, India.

They said “no” to slavery - The Haitian Revolution of 1791 did not just end slavery, it also ended French control over the country.

Plant-based currency? - Haiti’s currency is not made from a plant, but they surely derived its name from the gourd — Haitian Gourde (H.T.G.) is what everyone calls it.

Pumpkin soup, anyone? - On the first day of every year, Haitians celebrate their independence by drinking pumpkin soup, which was only considered a meal for the slave masters under French rule.

Jews first arrived on American soil back in 1654 in New Amsterdam. In search of better opportunities and lifestyles, they made the U.S. their new home base, finding in it a space where they could openly practice their faith and lead their lives freely without the fear of persecution. The efforts to create a Jewish American Heritage Month had been in the pipeline since 1980. The U.S. Congress passed and authorized a bill that would allow President Carter to designate a special week in either April or May for Jewish heritage celebrations. Finally, in April of 2006, the whole month of May was dedicated to recognizing and honoring Jewish contributions and achievements. 

Albert Einstein and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are some of the most prominent Jewish American figures. Einstein faced ridicule and bullying growing up with many of his teachers giving up on him. If he had succumbed to society’s ugliness, we, as human beings, might have missed out on a lot of great things today. Likewise, Ginsburg faced sexism at her workplace. People did not want to work with her just because she was a woman and many still believed that a woman’s place was in the kitchen. However, she pushed on and became the harbinger of many helpful laws, including abortion rights. 

Jewish people have also been great advocates for other minorities and their rights in America. They participated in the Civil Rights Movement, making up a large portion of white Americans who showed up at voter registrations, rallies, sit-ins, etc. While, today, things may not be as difficult as they were even less than a hundred years ago, all the achievements by Jewish people, big and small, deserve to be recognized and celebrated — and there’s no better time than in Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM).

Read up on Jewish Americans - There are tons upon tons of famous Jewish American figures. Albert Einstein and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are just two, and their contributions, while extremely significant, are just the tip of the iceberg. So go on and research more on iconic Jewish personalities, both living and dead.

Celebrate with your Jewish loved ones - There’s no better way to honor the day than by spending it with those who are being celebrated. Make a day (or a month, in this case) out of it by spending time together, going to museums, reading about Jewish history, and listening to your friends’ and their families' journeys.

It’s a celebration of Jewish American achievements - Despite facing persecution and racism through time, the Jewish American community did not give up and has come through each time. If it were not for them considering America their home and dedicating their achievements to the country, the American image might have been very different today.

It’s a celebration of resilience - Never giving up is a core tenet of taking full advantage of life. If Jewish Americans had given up in the face of hardships and difficulties, a lot of brilliant minds and ideas would have been lost.

It’s a celebration of humanity - No matter from which religion we come, our skin color, or our socioeconomic backgrounds, we are all human beings at the end of the day. Remembering our humanity and work for its betterment together is the only way to survive and thrive.

While those of the Christian faith observe Easter by participating in religious rituals, vigils, and going to Church, there are many non-religious traditions on Easter for children. The most common tradition is dying Easter eggs, including a lot of fun activities such as egg rolling and egg hunts. Flying kites and games like leapfrog are also popular, as well as games associated with the Easter bunny. 

The Easter bunny became a popular addition to the holiday in the 18h Century. 

Chocolate and other candy, especially bunny- or egg-shaped ones are widely consumed. Pastel colors like pink, baby blue, and lilac are associated with this day and are seen everywhere on clothing, dyed eggs, and at events.

Easter is a 2,000-year-old Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and marks the arrival of Spring. For many, Easter is all about chocolate bunnies, dyed eggs, and bouquets of daffodils and lilies, but the holiday is one of the most important observances of the year for Christians around the world. 

Easter is also significantly associated with the exodus of the Jews from Egypt as depicted in the Old Testament and the Jewish holiday of Passover. The Last Supper, which took place the night before Jesus was arrested, is also linked to these events. 

The Sunday before Easter is called Palm Sunday. It commemorates and celebrates the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem when his followers greeted him by laying palm leaves at his feet to demonstrate their reverence for him. In many churches, the observance of Easter begins on the night of Holy Saturday, just before Easter Sunday. This religious service is known as the Easter Vigil. 

According to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the Great Lent, which begins 40 days before Easter on Clean Monday, marks the beginning of the Easter rituals. The 40 days, which do not include Sundays, is a time of repentance, fasting, and commemoration of the biblical events leading up to the persecution, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The last week is known as Holy Week and is concluded with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. 

Religiously, Easter is celebrated by Christians in a number of ways, including the baptismal rite and traditional liturgy observed by Catholics on the night of Holy Saturday, or the sunrise practices on Easter Sunday favored by Protestants. Easter is also celebrated zealously by members of the Orthodox church, but the day on which they observe Easter differs by 13 days from the Catholics, since they follow the Julian calendar. 

Over time, many pagan celebrations have been merged with Easter to welcome the season of spring. These relatively modern traditions include the Easter bunny — a figure associated with spring, who brings colorful eggs symbolizing new life. The origins of the concept of the Easter bunny have been disputed, but many agree that it started in Germany. Either way, the kids always look forward to his arrival, and decorating eggs, consuming candy, and community Easter egg hunts have become a huge part of the evolved Easter holiday.

Seder referee to the Passover Meal.

The Seder is the traditional Passover meal that includes reading, drinking 4 cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions.

As per Biblical command, it is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the anniversary of our nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago.

The Four Questions are featured prominently in most Passover Haggadahs and come early in the Maggid section of the Passover seder.

The honor of asking the Four Questions is typically reserved for the youngest (capable) person at the seder, though many families recite or sing the Four Questions together.

Here’s are the questions in English (to view the question in Hebrew and in transliteration click here):
 

Why is this night different from all other nights?

1st Question:
On all other nights we eat leavened products and matzah, and on this night only matzah.

2nd Question:
On all other nights we eat all vegetables, and on this night only bitter herbs.

3rd Question:
On all other nights, we don’t dip our food even once, and on this night we dip twice.

4th Question:
On all other nights we eat sitting or reclining, and on this night we only recline.

(Note that the first phrase is recited before each question.)
 

Interested in the answers to each of the four questions above? NationalToday.com shares the following:

(#1) Why dip our food twice? Dipping food is considered a luxury — as opposed to the poor (and enslaved) who eat "dry" and non-dipped foods.

(#2) Why eat only matzah? Matzah commemorates the fact that the bread did not have enough time to rise when the Jews hastily left Egypt.

(#3) Why eat "maror" (bitter herbs) instead of other vegetables? They remind us of the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.

(#4) Why do we recline? We commemorate our freedom by reclining on cushions like royalty.

PASSOVER FOODS:
Matzah, or unleavened bread, is the main food of Passover. You can purchase it in numerous stores, or you can make your own. But the holiday has many traditional, popular foods, from haroset (a mixture of fruit, nuts, wine, and cinnamon) to matzah ball soup — and the absence of leavening calls upon a cook to employ all of his/her culinary creativity. View Passover recipes here!

PASSOVER PRACTICES:
The central Passover practice is a set of intense dietary changes, mainly the absence of hametz, or foods with leaven. In recent years, many Jews have compensated for the lack of grain by cooking with quinoa, although not all recognize it as kosher for Passover.

The ecstatic cycle of psalms called Hallel is recited both at night and day (during the seder and morning prayers).

Additionally, Passover commences a 49-day period called the Omer, which recalls the count between offerings brought to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. This count culminates in the holiday of Shavuot, the anniversary of the receiving of the Torah at Sinai.

Passover is the most-celebrated Jewish holiday of the year. It celebrates the liberation and exodus of the Israelites from enslavement in Egypt over 3,300 years ago. According to the “Torah,” Jews are to observe Passover for seven days, beginning on the 15th of the Hebrew month Nisan, which usually occurs between late March and early April. 

On the first evening of Passover, the Jews eat a special Passover Seder (ritual dinner) with close family and friends. Jews outside of Israel also eat a second seder on the second evening of Passover. At the feast, they also read the “Haggadah,” which retells the story of the release of the Jews from slavery, and drink a cup of wine at specific times during the story. Served on a special plate, the traditional Passover Seder features foods symbolic to the Passover story, which are eaten at 15 different stages during the reading of the “Haggadah.” 

Foods on the Passover Seder plate include matzos (loaves of unleavened bread, symbolizing the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt), maror (bitter herbs, symbolizing the maltreatment and agony the Jews experienced during slavery), chazeret (bitter lettuce, often romaine), and charoset (a brown-textured nut and fruit paste). Other items include karpas (a vegetable, such as parsley or celery, dipped in salt water or vinegar), beitzah (a hard-boiled egg), and zeroa, or z’ora (a roasted goat, chicken, or lamb bone). The last two items represent the sacrifice offered in the Temple of Jerusalem.

At the end of the seder, participants pray and sing, and they rest during the day to commemorate their freedom.

It's a holy day: Jesus was forced to carry his cross to Calvary, where he was crucified alongside two criminals. He remained alive on the cross for up to six hours. According to biblical tradition, from noon to 3 P.M. on that day, the sky grew dark.

We're reminded of Jesus' sacrifice: Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus was born to a virgin, Mary. As an adult, he became a preacher, performing miracles, and then was put to death by authorities. This sacrifice allowed for the forgiving or pardoning of Christians' sins.

Historical Jesus: Just about every scholar of antiquity believes that Jesus was a historical figure. New Testament expert Bart Ehrman writes that "(Jesus) certainly existed, as virtually every competent scholar of antiquity, Christian or non-Christian, agrees."

Pray: Many Christian churches hold prayer services during the hours of Christ's crucifixion. Many religious people observe a period of prayerful silence during this time, especially between the hours of noon and 3 P.M.

Fast: Depending on your Christian denomination, it may be appropriate to fast on Good Friday. It is a traditional day of fasting within the Catholic Church, for example.

Volunteer: Jesus stressed the need to help those less fortunate than ourselves. If your religious beliefs allow it, consider volunteering at your church or in your community on this day in the spirit of giving back.

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the site of Calvary is commemorated on Good Friday — a Christian religious holiday. Taking place during Holy Week, the holiday is considered part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday before Easter Sunday. The day is also widely known as Great Friday, Black Friday, or Holy Friday. Around the world, Good Friday is a national holiday in many countries, especially in the Catholic and Anglican nations. Fasting is the traditional way to observe this solemn day, followed by somber processions. 

The exact origins of Good Friday are unknown, but the celebration dates back to the 4th century. Fasting and putting limitations on oneself to mourn the death of Jesus is an ancient practice. Why the holiday is called Good Friday is also unknown, but there are several theories. Some believe that ‘God’s Friday’ evolved to ‘Good Friday,’ while religious devouts firmly believe that the day is named ‘good’ as a symbol of Jesus and everything he stood for against evil-doers. It is also widely believed that Jesus died on a Friday, but this doesn’t explain the addition of ‘good’ to the holiday.  

Jesus sacrificed his life out of love for his believers and all mankind. His death was the ultimate sacrifice. Despite it being a terrible day in history, the event paved the way for mankind’s salvation, with Jesus being resurrected two days later. 

Community spirit: Ramadan is the month that brings people closer to their neighbors and the community at large. The best part is the distributing of food packages to the poor and homeless. Praying next to people they don’t usually meet builds peace in the community.

It develops good habits: The main goal during Ramadan is for people to become the best version of themselves. They make an effort to read and understand the Qur’an every day, try to be more charitable, and try their best to ditch bad habits.

Planning for Eid: Eid comes right after Ramadan but it’s still an important part of Ramadan. From buying new clothes to making plans for family gatherings, and getting ready to give gifts to loved ones, Eid is considered the reward for fasting!

FASTING DURING RAMADAN:
PHYSICAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

• Detoxification: By not eating or drinking, a person’s body is given the chance to detoxify the digestive system throughout the month.
• More nutrient absorption: During Ramadan, the metabolism becomes more efficient, which means the amount of nutrients a person can absorb from food improves.
• Lowers cholesterol: Observing Ramadan has a positive effect on a person’s lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood.
• Helps prevent diabetes: During the fasting process, glucose levels are stabilized, which can lead to the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

IS FASTING IN RAMADAN COMPULSORY?
Fasting is only obligatory for Muslims who have reached puberty. So children who have not reached puberty are exempt but are encouraged to fast some days or a portion of a day. However, there are exemptions for those who are seriously ill or whose health would be at risk due to fasting such as the elderly and the infirm.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT INVALIDATE A FAST DURING RAMADAN?
Intentionally eating or drinking, among other things can invalidate a fast. However, eating or drinking if it is done through a genuine mistake or unintentionally, does not nullify the fast; followers can continue fasting as normal.

Dine with family: It's customary during Ramadan to invite friends, family, and acquaintances over for "suhoor" (pre-dawn meal) and "iftar" (break of a fast). Muslims and non-Muslims both can join in the fun and community spirit.

Give to charity: If they are capable, Muslims give to those in need during this time. In general, they give at least 2.5% of their assets during Ramadan. People can donate to the ones they know personally who require assistance. They can also give to local charities and food banks.

Fast from negative behaviors: Muslims fast from certain behaviors during the month of Ramadan. They abstain from anger, jealousy, complaining, and other negative thoughts and actions. They pay more careful attention to their behavior during Ramadan.

 

To understand how Ramadan became such an important part of Islam, we need to go back to the very beginning — 610 A.D., to be precise. This is the year during which an Arabian man by the name of Muhammad was meditating in the cave of Hira, located in the Jabal an-Nour mountain close to Mecca. While he was meditating, Muhammad was visited by the angel Jibril who revealed the first words of what later came to be known as the Qur’an. The angel told Muhammad that those words came directly from Allah and that He is the one and only God. At that time in Arabia, it was common for people to worship several different gods, but the angel told Muhammad that Allah is the only true God.

After revealing the words of God, the angel commanded that Muhammad recite what he had just been shown. Muhammad couldn’t read or write at that time, but he was able to recite the words perfectly. It was then explained to Muhammad that he was the last of the prophets who Allah had sent to spread the teachings of the religion of Islam. 

The night the Prophet Muhammad first saw the angel Jibril is known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). Many Muslims believe this night occurred on the 27th night of the lunar year (which is what the Islamic calendar is based on), though some believe it occurred on any of the other odd nights in the final 10 days of the month.

 

• There is no cure, but there are treatments! Nowadays, there are many ways to treat autism spectrum disorders, but they can only be reached when the person is diagnosed! By becoming aware we can help others to get in touch with specialists and start a treatment that can increase their wellness.

• Don't try to change, start by understanding! People with autism spectrum disorders have specific characteristics, behaviors, tastes, and ways to do things! The key is to understand their way to see the world and their performance without trying to make them change.

• Adulthood with Autism disorders. There is no cure for Autism spectrum disorders! Once you get diagnosed it's a condition for the rest of your life, and research demonstrates that job activities that encourage independence can increase daily skills and reduce autism symptoms.

• Share information online. Even nowadays when almost everyone has access to information, there are still many people that don't know about autism and the characteristics of people with it. Become an advocate for the autistic community by educating the masses.

• Get involved with autism associations. There are many people who either have autism or have a family member with autism and are a part of community-wide, nation-wide, or global-wide association. Get in contact with them to get involved in any activities planned for the day.

• Take care of the people with autism spectrum diagnosis you know.World Autism Awareness Day is the perfect day to have a good time with your friends who are diagnosed with autism! Make sure to plan sensory-sensitive activities for you both to enjoy and pack gluten-free and casein-free foods to share.

There are many famous people with autism as, although autism can create challenges with everyday life, it can also be seen as a gift which enables people to share talents with the world around them. There are many notable figures in today’s society who have received an autism diagnosis. Plus, with autism being a fairly “new” diagnosis, several geniuses throughout history are believed to have been on the spectrum.

Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins
Thomas Wiggins, known as Blind Tom, was a child piano prodigy who was blind, and a slave. He possessed the marveled gift of being able to hear a short selection of complex music and echo it. At just four years old, he became a pianist, who began touring the United States by the age of eight. Although a lot of his profit was passed over to his slave owners, he became the highest paid pianist of the 19th century and, in 1960, at 10 years old, was the first black musician to perform at the White House.

His skills were said to surpass Mozart. If he was alive today, many believe that he would have been diagnosed autistic. He was highly fascinated with sound and had the ability to mimic sounds from bird calls to trains. He is also said to have rocked and twitched, and he was nonverbal.

Thanks to the knowledge we now have of autism, we understand Blind Tom sought after sensory input, as he was hyposensitive to sound, and rocking and twitching was probably his stim—music became his escape to feed his sensory needs.

Albert Einstein
It’s not certain the great Albert Einstein was on the autism spectrum, however, it has been widely speculated. Features of autism were present in his personality: namely, obsessive interests, difficulty in social relationships, and problems communicating.

Einstein was described as a loner and repeated sentences until he was seven years old. He also had trouble socializing. Looking simply at character traits might be too presumptuous, but it is worth noting great minds who have shaped major fields such as science are not superhumans, they just have abilities or gifts that many of us don’t.

Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton, often called the father of modern science, was an English mathematician and physicist.

Just like Einstein, there are speculations he too could have been on the autism spectrum. His telling traits were that he hardly spoke, he was constantly immersed in his work, and his temperament was believed to be either lukewarm or bad-tempered with the few friends he had.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH AUTISM HERE: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/famous-people-with-autism/

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by behavioral and communicational affections that impact a person’s ability to navigate social interactions and also causes repetitive and restricted behavior.

The first historical appearance of the word “Autism” was made in 1911 by the psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, who used the term to describe a specific cluster of symptoms that were considered simple symptoms of schizophrenia as an extreme social withdrawal.

In that order, it was in 1943, when pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Leo Kanner characterized Autism as a social and emotional disorder in his article “Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact”, and in 1944 Hans Asperger published his “Autism Psychopathology Article” where he described autism as a disorder of normal intelligence children who have difficulties with social and communication skills. These articles were an important contribution to the studies that helped to classified Autism as a disorder separate from schizophrenia in 1980.

With the continuous investigation and research on autism, World Autism Awareness Day was set to April 2 of each year by the “United Nations General Assembly” on “Resolution 62/139” and adopted on December 18 of 2007, to encourage member states to take action in raising awareness about people with autism spectrum disorder and support the research finding new ways to improve wellness and inclusion.

Finally, the notion of autism as a spectrum was developed in 2013 by the “American Psychiatric Association” in the fifth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” by combining all subcategories of autism and related conditions into one unified category, including varied characteristics, severity, and presentation of the symptoms.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a brain developmental disorder caused by genetic mutation and sometimes, by environmental triggers. Although the autism spectrum is vast, some of the common signs in autistic individuals are repetitive behaviors, hyperactivity, and extreme sensitivity to light, touch, and sound. While there is no absolute cure for autism, therapies and medication can help reduce abnormal behavior and the onset of related symptoms such as seizures.

It is the fastest-growing developmental disorder. There are approximately 70 million recognized cases of autism worldwide.

Autism has to be accepted with love. The increasing occurrences of autism in the United States is a telltale sign that it is high time the general public is factually educated on the disorder to inspire change and support. This month reminds us to be empathetic, warm, and welcoming to autistic individuals and families around us.

Early intervention help dealing with autism. If we can screen autism at an early age by being aware of its signs and symptoms, we can improve quality of lives such as by underlying brain development, behavior therapy, and occupational therapy.

Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage.

The world’s 22 Arab nations are: Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Yemen.

Source: https://www.insightintodiversity.com/national-arab-american-heritage-month/

In the U.S., many people conflate “Arab” and “Middle Eastern,” but linguistic and geographical factors mean that these terms are not fully interchangeable, according to the Arab American National Museum (AANM). The Middle East includes non-Arabic nations such as Iran, Israel, and Turkey. Similarly, not all Arabic nations are located in what is considered the Middle East — including Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco.  

Source: https://www.insightintodiversity.com/national-arab-american-heritage-month/

A common misconception is that all Arab Americans are Muslim. Approximately 25 percent practice Islam, and an estimated 63 to 77 percent are Christian, according to the Arab American Institute.

A 2016 study by the Pew Research Center found that Arabic is the fastest growing language in the U.S. The number of people who speak Arabic at home increased by 29 percent between 2010 and 2014.

Source: https://www.insightintodiversity.com/national-arab-american-heritage-month/

Many Arab Americans are second, third, and fourth-generation immigrants. Some are descendants of the first immigrants who arrived in the New York and New Jersey areas in the second half of the 19th Century.

Arab Americans can trace their ancestry to the countries from which they or their ancestors migrated to the United States. These countries include Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The largest group, comprising nearly one-third of the Arab American population, are Lebanese Americans.

Source: https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-arab-american-heritage-month

Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/what-is-down-syndrome

The date for World Down Syndrome Day being the 21st day of the 3rd month (March), was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. 

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-wdsd

For World Down Syndrome Day 2022, we are asking:

What does inclusion mean?

#InclusionMeans #WorldDownSyndromeDay

Together we can empower people around the world to advocate for full inclusion in society for people with Down syndrome and for everyone.

The United Nations in the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) calls for: “full and effective participation and inclusion in society”

But around the world…. Today’s reality is that people with Down syndrome and disabilities do not benefit from full and effective participation and inclusion in society. Why is this? Many reasons. But one reason is a lack of agreed understanding about what inclusion is and what inclusive systems look like in practice.

So what can you do?

Think about what inclusion means: Think about your daily life; when you take part in activities like school, work, recreation or public life, alongside other people. Are you included? Do you have the same opportunities as others? Or do you face barriers? Do you participate in inclusive activities? Or are they segregated?

Try to say “Inclusion means…” What is an an inclusive activity or an inclusive system? Do you take part in one? Or would you like to? How would you describe such an activity or system?

LEARN MORE ABOUT INCLUSION MEANS AT: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/inclusion-means

It promotes awareness: Down Syndrome effects approximately 400,000 families in the United States alone. World Down Syndrome Day helps educate the public on what Down Syndrome is and how to encourage those with Down Syndrome to participate in daily activities so they can live a full life and play a vital role in their community.

It empowers people with Down Syndrome: The accomplishments and contributions of people with Down Syndrome are often overlooked. However, this event highlights the positive difference they make in their community and gives them the recognition they deserve.

https://nationaltoday.com/world-down-syndrome-day/

One way you can observe World Down Syndrome Day is by incorporating blue and yellow! As the designated colors of the cause, blue and/or yellow should be utilized on World Syndrome Day. You can show your support by wearing something blue or yellow, icing cupcakes with blue and yellow frosting for schools, decorating an office with blue and yellow flowers or balloons, or filling bowls with blue and yellow M&Ms—it doesn’t matter how you rock these colors, just be sure you do.

https://nationaltoday.com/world-down-syndrome-day/

WDSD was first observed in 2006: Down Syndrome Association Singapore launched and hosted the WDSD website from 2006-2010, on behalf of DSi, for global activities to be recorded.

Campaign to generate international support: The Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome worked with Down Syndrome International and its members to launch an extensive campaign to generate international support.

Resolution adopted by consensus: Following the joint work of Brazil and Poland, the resolution was adopted by consensus during the plenary meeting of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday 10 November 2011.

Campaign for co-sponsors: Down syndrome groups and associations around the world campaigned for their governments to co-sponsor the resolution. The resolution was eventually co-sponsored by 78 UN Member States.

International petition: In addition, DSi launched an international petition for the adoption of World Down Syndrome Day by the UN. This received more than 12,000 signatures in a 2 week period and was presented to the Chair of the Third Committee.

United Nations resolution: On 19 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day.

It’s a date!: The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, and invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.

DSi would like to thank everyone who supported this campaign, with particular thanks to the Government of Brazil, the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome, all of our member organizations who appealed to their governments for support, and to everyone who signed our international petition.

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-wdsd

On Holi, anyone and everyone is fair game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, children and elders, they all take part in the smearing of colours, dancing and singing and eating. People would even visit friends and families and share Holi delicacies, food and drinks.

Gulal is the colored powder thrown at each other as a symbol of joy and love.

Gulal powder is significant in Hindu culture and is used for religious purposes.

It brings about unity: People, regardless of their age, caste, or color throw colors at each other.

Avoiding responsibility for pranks: A popular saying during the throwing of colors is “Bura na mano, Holi hai!,” which means “Do not mind, it’s Holi.”

Moisturizing skin: Before Holi, people moisturize the skin to be able to remove the ‘gulal’ (colored powder) easily afterwards.

Shower of colors: In the era of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Holi was called 'Aab-e-Pashi,' which means shower of colors.

Food & Drink: Celebrations of Holi include delicious foods to tempt your taste buds. 'Gujiya,' a delicate sweet made with milk solids, nuts, and a pinch of love (which increases sweetness) is a popular food of Holi, along with the traditional drink ‘bhang.’

The name of this event comes from an intriguing tale of a vicious king and his determined son. Back in ancient times, it all started with the invincible evil king, Hiranyakashipu, who became arrogant and wanted to be worshiped by every person in the kingdom. However, his son Prahlad denied him and continued worshipping Lord Vishnu. This caused an immense wave of rage in the evil king, the consequences of which were suffered by Prahlad in the form of brutal punishments. 

Despite all this, the strong belief of Prahlad enabled him to get through this cruelty and he kept praising Vishnu. Seeing his own defeat, Hiranyakashipu couldn’t control his anger and asked his sister Holika to sit on a pyre with Prahlad in her lap. Holika was known to be immune to fire but she didn’t know that it only worked if she entered the fire alone. Consequently, Holika was burnt to death, and Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. Because of the defeat of the evil king, Holi is also called ‘Victory of Good Over Evil.’

Another story linked with throwing colored powders on each other is the love story of Krishna and Radha. Krishna was poisoned as a baby by some demoness and turned a blue color. He fell in love with Radha and was worried that Radha would reject him because of his skin color. Krishna’s mother suggested that he playfully color Radha’s face with some colors. He did so, Radha fell in love with him, and they later got married.

St. Patrick was one of Ireland’s patron saints and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland during the fifth century. The day celebrates St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as well as Irish heritage and culture.

The Catholic Church first recognized March 17 as a feast day commemorating Ireland’s best-known and most beloved patron saint, Saint Patrick, in 1631.

Saint Patrick’s feast day in Ireland remained a traditionally pious religious day. The day continued to be and still is observed as a feast day by the Church of Ireland, the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. However, when the Irish government became aware of a growing interest in St. Patrick’s Day by American tourists in the mid-1990s, they launched a national campaign to convert America’s fascination with St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture into tourist dollars.

Meanwhile, in America, more than one million Irish men, women, and children were immigrating through Ellis Island in the 1800s. They faced oppressive discrimination in America, leaving most unemployed and living in severe poverty in New York City tenements. As their numbers grew, the Irish discovered strength in unity and rallied together to celebrate their beloved patron saint with a parade every March 17. The practice of St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals followed Irish immigrants as they made their way across America’s heartland and into the deep south, seeking cheap farmland and job opportunities.

The Shamrock: The shamrock, which was also called the “seamroy” by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.

Leprechauns: One icon of the Irish holiday is the Leprechaun. The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is “lobaircin,” meaning “small-bodied fellow.” Belief in leprechauns probably stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. 

In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies. Though only minor figures in Celtic folklore, leprechauns were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure. Leprechauns have their own holiday on May 13, but are also celebrated on St. Patrick's, with many dressing up as the wily fairies.

The Snake: It has long been recounted that, during his mission in Ireland, St. Patrick once stood on a hilltop (which is now called Croagh Patrick), and with only a wooden staff by his side, banished all the snakes from Ireland.

In fact, the island nation was never home to any snakes. The “banishing of the snakes” was really a metaphor for the eradication of pagan ideology from Ireland and the triumph of Christianity. Within 200 years of Patrick’s arrival, Ireland was completely Christianized.

https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/st-patricks-day-symbols-and-traditions

Susan B. Anthony was a political activist and an advocate of women’s rights. After the Civil War, she fought for the 14th Amendment that was meant to grant all naturalized and native-born Americans citizenship in the hope that it would include suffrage rights. Although the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, it still didn’t secure their vote. In 1869, the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) was founded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony to continue the fight for women’s rights.

In the early 1900s, women were experiencing pay inequality, a lack of voting rights, and they were being overworked. In response to all of this, 15,000 women marched through New York City in 1908 to demand their rights. In 1909, the first National Women’s Day was observed in accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. This was celebrated on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

An International Women’s Conference was organized in August 1910 by Clara Zetkin, a German suffragist and leader in the Women’s Office. Zetkin proposed a special Women’s Day to be organized annually and International Women’s Day was honored the following year in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with more than one million attending the rallies. On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified and white women were granted the right to vote in the U.S.

The liberation movement took place in the 1960s and the effort led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, allowing all women the right to vote. When the internet became more commonplace, feminism and the fight against gender inequality experienced a resurgence. Now we celebrate International Women’s Day each year as we push continuously with the hope of creating a completely equal society.

The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn't enough. Action is needed to level the playing field.
 

IWD 2022 campaign theme: #BreakTheBias

• Imagine a gender equal world.
• A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
• A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
• A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
• Together we can forge women's equality.
• Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

LEARN MORE AT: 
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme

It’s international and inter-organizational
No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network, or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day was established and has been celebrated for a long time! As Gloria Steinem says, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” We agree! The day is all about intersectionality, whether that's the organizations that support International Women’s Day or the type of women the day celebrates.

It’s a global holiday
International Women’s Day is an official holiday in many countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia. The tradition sees men honoring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, and more with flowers and small gifts. There might be cultural differences between countries, but the appreciation of women and their accomplishments transcends all boundaries.

It raises awareness around the world
It may seem that we have progressed very far by now. Although some progress has been made, yes, a recent study of 145 nations showed that there's still a gender gap. Iceland has come closest to equality in economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment, and that's definitely a start. But in other places like Yemen, women are only considered half a witness in court cases. They're even forbidden to leave the house without their husband’s permission. IWF was created to strive toward a standard of gender equality for all countries. Because, as we all know, raising awareness about women’s plight around the world helps elevate all women.

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH HERE: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/about/

The 2022 National Women’s History Theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”

The 2022 Women’s History theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.

This year, in particular, we are reminded of the importance of healers and caregivers who are helping to promote and sustain hope for the future. The NWHA encourages communities throughout the country to honor local women who bring and have historically brought these priceless gifts to their families, workplaces, and neighborhoods, sometimes at great sacrifice.

These are the women who, as counselors and clerics, artists and teachers, doctors, nurses, mothers, and grandmothers listen, ease suffering, restore dignity, and make decisions for our general as well as our personal welfare.

Women have long advocated for compassionate treatments and new directions in public health and in women’s mental and physical health. Women have also historically led the way in mending divisions, healing wounds, and finding peaceful solutions.

This timeless work, in so many ways and in addition to so many other tasks, has helped countless individuals in our communities recover and follow their dreams.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S THEME HERE: https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/2022-theme/

CELEBRATING WOMEN: For many years, women weren’t acknowledged enough in historical texts. This isn’t because they weren’t in the midst of important discoveries or helping out with important conquests. It’s mainly because men wrote the majority of historical documents for thousands of years. In March, we dig deep to uncover many of the important roles women have played throughout history.
 

WOMEN ARE INSPIRATIONAL: Learning about women who have stood up for their rights and fought for what they believe is fantastic motivation. We all have the power to influence the direction our world is headed in, and National Women’s History Month reminds us of that.
 

RECOGNIZING THE STRENGTH & POWER OF WOMEN: It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of daily life, but this month is an excellent opportunity to put a spotlight on all of the major things women accomplish each and every day. From domestic chores and carrying babies to fighting wars and governing countries, women are pretty amazing.

Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him. Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection. Other important dates during Lent include Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

During Mass (for Catholics) or worship service (for Protestants), the priest or pastor will usually share a sermon that is penitential and reflective in nature. The mood is solemn - many services will have long periods of silence and worshipers will often leave the service in silence. With this focus on our own mortality and sinfulness, Christians can enter into the Lent season solemnly, while also looking forward in greater anticipation and joy of the message of Easter.

The congregation is then invited to receive the ashes on their foreheads. Usually, as the priest or pastor will dip his finger into the ashes, spread them in a cross pattern on the forehead, and say, “From dust you came and from dust you will return.” In many congregations, the ashes are prepared by burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is observed by Christians and is a solemn day of self-reflection and repentance. There are many traditions followed on this day, fasting being a primary observance as the day marks the beginning of the season of Lent. 

As a central ritual followed by Roman Catholics, the forehead is marked with ashes as a sign of repentance. These ashes are derived from the burning of leftover palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday celebrations. Incense and holy water are used for blessing the ashes. 

Some believers wipe the ashes off before exiting a church, to signify a ‘cleansing of their sins.’ Others keep the ashes on, ‘bearing the cross out into the world.’

Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the god Shiva. It also refers to the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. This night marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which means the masculine and feminine energies that balance the world.

The celebrations take place across India according to the customs dictated in the region. Many people celebrate early in the morning, while some perform puja all night. Devotees even observe a day-long fast, only breaking it the next day after a bath. This fast is more of a test of one’s determination rather than to attain blessings. In 1864, Alexander Cunningham documented a fair and dance festival on Maha Shivaratri that took place at Khajuraho Shiva temples, involving Shaiva pilgrims camped over miles around the temple complex.

Outside India, Nepal also celebrates Maha Shivaratri, and it is, in fact, a national Holiday. The main celebration takes place in the Pashupatinath temple. Even in Pakistan, the Hindus visit Shiva temples, and the most important festival is the three-day affair in the Umerkot Shiv Mandir.

Of the 12 Shivratris observed in any given year, Maha Shivratri is considered especially auspicious. Shivratri is supposed to be the night of convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which in essence mean the masculine and feminine energies that balance the world. In Hindu culture, this is a solemn festival that marks the remembrance of ‘overcoming darkness and ignorance in life’. Different legends, throughout history, describe the significance of Maha Shivratri and according to one of them, it is on this night that Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance of ‘creation, preservation and destruction’. Another legend dictates that on this night, offerings of Lord Shiva’s icons can help one overcome and let go of their sins and start on the path of righteousness, allowing the individual to reach Mount Kailash and achieve ‘moksha’.

Lord Shiva is part of the three supreme Hindu gods who make the Trimurti; Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer. Maha Shivaratri is a festival celebrating Lord Shiva and literally translates as “The Great Night of Shiva.”  Shivaratri commemorates the wedding night of Lord Shiva to his consort Parvati. Lord Shiva’s wife is Parvati, the Hindu goddess of marriage, love, fertility, beauty, devotion, children, divine strength, and power. During this night Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance, first performed the Dance of Bliss – the “Anandatandava”. This dance portrays the cyclical nature of the universe reflected by the cyclical nature of daily life as experienced by individual souls.

Irish-American Heritage Month was first celebrated by proclamation of the President in 1991. It seemed natural to choose March (Saint Patrick’s Day falls on March 17) for the month-long recognition of the contributions that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to U.S. society. Virtually every realm of American endeavor, from steelworking to biotechnology to literature, has seen improvement through Irish-descended hands and minds.

The tradition of the Presidential proclamation continues on a yearly basis, with the top political figure from Ireland, the “Taoiseach,” visiting to conduct a shamrock-giving ceremony at the Oval Office, followed in the evening by a reception attended by the President and other key figures of both governments.

Most people know the basic facts of the influx of Irish families to the shores of the United States during the 19th century, with the image of the Irish immigrant being conscripted into the Army minutes after stepping off the boat perhaps the most ingrained in the minds of former grade-school history students.

What is less talked about is the anti-immigrant sentiment that was often faced by new Irish-Americans, largely a result of their Catholicism, which clashed with the predominantly Protestant backgrounds of the majority of families whose members had been among the original colonists. Irish-Americans faced bitter competition, even slanted legislation, in their search for good jobs and a place to call home.

This month we recognize not only the overcoming of those obstacles by Irish-Americans but also the incredible breadth and depth of their contributions to American society, from the Union’s edge over the Confederacy in the Civil War to the intellectual contributions that have kept our country on the top tiers of accomplishment.

IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH TIMELINE:

(1850) A new life on brighter shores: About a million people immigrate from Ireland to the U.S. during the Irish Potato Famine.

(1991) “From this day forward…”: The first Irish-American Heritage Month is declared by the U.S. Congress.

#1 - It’s a window into the Irish culture: It’s always fun to learn new things, and there’s no limit to how deep you can dig into Ireland’s literature, scientific contributions, and rich history. The best part? Anybody can join in the celebration!

#2 - It reveals the textured stories of Irish immigrants: These colorful, important stories deserve to be told because they are an important part of American history.

#3 - Irish-Americans can connect with their roots: The original Irish immigrants brought with them their food, music, and a new style of political organizing — among many other traditions.

While Black History Month is synonymous with prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, George Washington Carver and Barack Obama, there are countless other African Americans who've made a profound impact in history: self-made millionaire Madam C.J. Walker, astronaut Mae C. Jemison, open-heart surgeon Daniel Hale Williams, inventor Garret Morgan, media mogul Oprah Winfrey and "Father of Black History" Carter G. Woodson, who lobbied extensively to establish Black History Month as a nationwide celebration, among many others.
 

Explore biographies, videos and articles that celebrate their historic achievements here!

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

The Black History Month 2022 theme is
“Black Health and Wellness”

The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

Read more about this year’s theme here: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/

In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. Few people studied Black history and it wasn't included in textbooks prior to the creation of Negro History Week.

This week was chosen because it includes the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist (someone who wanted to end the practice of enslaving people), and former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln led the United States during the Civil War, which was primarily fought over the enslavement of Black people in the country. Many schools and leaders began recognizing the week after its creation.

The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February since.

(https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month)

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Black History Month are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967; Mae Jemison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space in 1992; and Barack Obama, who was elected the first-ever African-American president of the United States in 2008.

(https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month)

Woodson chose February specifically because it covered the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (February 14) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12).

(https://nationaltoday.com/black-history-month/)

Tet is seen as a chance for a fresh start. Debts are settled, and old grievances are forgiven. Houses are cleaned of clutter and decorated with symbolic flowers. Plants get pruned, and drawers are cleared out. All preparations are meant to set the stage for attracting as much luck and good fortune as possible in the upcoming year.

Superstition permeates the air: Whatever happens on the first day of the new year is thought to set the pace for the rest of the year. Sweeping and cutting (including hair and fingernails) are taboo during Tet as no one wants to unknowingly remove incoming good luck!

Although Chinese New Year is observed for 15 days, Tet is typically celebrated for three days with some traditions observed for up to a week. The first day of Tet is usually spent with immediate family, the second day is for visiting friends, and the third day is dedicated to teachers and visiting temples.

One of the most important traditions observed during Tet is the emphasis put on who is the first to enter a house in the new year. The first person brings the luck (good or bad) for the year! Special people (who are considered successful) dear to the family are sometimes invited and given the honor to be the first to enter. If no one is invited, the homeowner leaves and returns a few minutes after midnight just to ensure they are the first to enter the house for the new year.

Because the primary aim is to attract good fortune for the new year, Tet and Chinese New Year share a lot of similar traditions.

Like Thai and Chinese, Vietnamese is a tonal language, making proper pronunciation a challenge for many English speakers.

Regardless, locals will understand your attempts through context during Tet. You can wish people a happy new year in Vietnamese by telling them chúc mừng năm mới. Pronounced roughly as it is transliterated, the greeting sounds like: "chuop moong nahm moy."

The Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals. These are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In that order. The Chinese New Year is a grand one, just like the New Year celebration of the Gregorian calendar. A tradition closely followed on this day is getting together with the family to have a feast. 

Certain foods are symbolic and are commonplace during the Chinese New Year. Dumplings represent wealth, so they are eaten in abundance,  with fish being another food that is eaten a lot. Red is generally considered a lucky color in China and during the Chinese New Year, it is seen everywhere – representing vitality, beauty, luck, happiness, and good fortune.

Chinese New Year is a lunar holiday, meaning it’s celebrated at the start of a new moon rather than the beginning of the Gregorian calendar.

#1
1/4 of the world's population celebrates it.
More than 2 billion people celebrate or acknowledge the Chinese New Year.

#2
The Chinese New Year Festival lasts till the Lantern Festival
Typically lasting 16 days, each day of the Chinese New Year has a special activity that is celebrated.

#3
Appeasing the Harvest Gods
In earlier times, the Chinese New Year was a time for praying to the harvest gods for a fruitful year ahead.

#4
Lucky red envelopes
Red envelopes are given as a way of wishing good luck.

#5
The largest annual migration happens during this festival.
The reunion dinner with the family is the most important aspect of the Chinese Spring Festival and people travel long distances to be home for the occasion.

Biography.com put together a list of 17 inspiring quotes from MLK's famous speeches and writings about education, justice, hope, perseverance, and freedom. 
 

"Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education." 
—“The Purpose of Education” from Morehouse College student newspaper, The Maroon Tiger, 1947

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."  
—Stride Toward Freedom, 1958

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 
—Strength to Love, 1963

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." 
—Strength to Love, 1963

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." 
—Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Oslo, Norway, 1964

“The time is always right to do what is right.” 
—Oberlin College commencement speech, 1965

“Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.” 
—Speech before a group of students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia, October 26, 1967

“For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.” 
—“I've Been to the Mountaintop” speech, April 3, 1968

VIEW THE ENTIRE LIST OF INSPIRING QUOTES HERE: https://www.biography.com/news/martin-luther-king-famous-quotes

 

January 15, 1929: Birth of a King: Martin Luther King, Jr. is born in Atlanta, GA.

May 17, 1957: The King's Speech : King makes his first address to the nation, 'Give Us the Ballot,' at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

August 28, 1963: The Dream: King delivers his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech at the Lincoln Memorial on the day that more than 200,000 demonstrators participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

December 10, 1964: The Ultimate Prize: King wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

April 4, 1968: Tragedy Strikes: After delivering his final speech, 'I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,' in Memphis the day before, King is shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

1980: Stevie Wonder Calls for Action: Stevie Wonder releases 'Happy Birthday,' a song in which he not only celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday but also laments the fact that anyone would oppose the idea of a Dr. King holiday.

1986: The First Day: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed for the very first time.

2000: Unity: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed by all 50 states for the first time.

He worked to advance civil rights: The words, leadership, time, and energy King devoted to civil rights helped end segregation in the United States and worked to eliminate unfair practices throughout the nation that negatively affected the Black community. He helped organize rallies, gave speeches across the country, and mobilized thousands of people to help end racial injustice. 

He inspires us: MLK inspired millions of people in his lifetime and continues to inspire us to this day. Across the globe, activists look to King for inspiration and courage. Modern movements for racial equality and justice, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, are extensions of the work that he started.

He promoted civil disobedience: King's tactics and manner of protest were largely that of civil disobedience, including sit-ins, marches, and disregard for unjust laws. Many of us follow his example today when protesting and adopt the tactic of civil disobedience. 
 

Martin Luther King Jr. once said "Life's most persistent and urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?'”

Days of Service help to raise awareness, mobilize volunteers, and provide individuals with an opportunity to engage and build new connections, and help nonprofits find support for their programs. MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

His birth name was Michael: The civil rights leader was given the name Michael King Jr at birth — later, his father changed his own name as well as of his son to Martin Luther, after the Protestant Reformation leader.

King started college at the age of 15: King skipped grades 9 and 12 and enrolled at Morehouse College in 1944.

‘I Have a Dream’ was not his first speech: Six years before his iconic speech at Lincoln Memorial, King spoke during the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom in 1957.

King was imprisoned a lot: According to the King Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. went to jail 29 times.

His last public speech foreshadowed his death: In his last speech the night before he was assassinated, King said, “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now, I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”
 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of many holidays throughout the world that celebrate political leaders and activists. Here are some other popular ones from across the globe.

• India celebrates Gandhi Day on October 2 - Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership in the nationalist movement against colonial British rule is celebrated.
• South Africa celebrates Nelson Mandela Day on July 18 - South Africans honor the former president and great leader Nelson Mandela.
• Kenya celebrates Obama Day on November 4 -  Obama Day was declared in Kenya shortly after Barack Obama’s victory in the U.S. presidential elections of 2008 — because his father was Kenyan.
• Barbados celebrates Errol Barrow Day on January 21 - The holiday commemorates former Prime Minister Errol Barrow, who helped lead the country to independence from the British.
• Worldwide Malala Day is celebrated on July 12 - Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai’s birthday is celebrated to honor women and children’s rights around the world.

2500 years ago, a young Indian prince named Siddharta Gautama abandoned his ascetic lifestyle – which he had previously adopted when he abandoned his life of luxury – sat underneath a Bodhi tree with the one goal of seeking true enlightenment. This young prince then faced an amazing inner journey that tested him to his very core and had him face off against demons – both literal and figurative ones. Following intense meditation, he was able to see how everyone and everything was connected and therefore, reached a state of enlightenment.

Enlightenment that would lead him to create the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. It is this enlightenment that Bodhi Day celebrates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BODHI DAY, BUDDHA’S ENLIGHTENMENT, BODHI TREES, BUDDHISM’S FOUR TRUTHS AND THE EIGHTFOLD PATH HERE!

Buddhists associate many traditions with Bodhi Day. First, many mark the day by meditating, a practice that honors Buddha’s commitment under the Bodhi Tree. Other people will visit stupas (shrines). In some homes, Buddhishs will serve special cookies shaped like Bodhi trees or their heart-shaped leaves.

People also decorate their homes with colored lights, which signify the many paths to enlightenment. Often, the lights are placed on a miniature tree that represents the Bodhi Tree and remain illuminated for up to 30 days following the holiday.

Often, Buddhist homes will have ficus religiousa tree that they decorate with beads and multi-colored lights – much in the same way that Christians decorate their Christmas trees. They will also put on reflective ornaments that represent the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Adherents to Buddhism traditionally prepare a meal of milk and rice, which was the first food offered to Buddha after he reached enlightenment. That meal may be eaten individually or with family and community members.
 

SOURCE: https://mmheadlines.org/2018/01/diversity-matters-bodhi-day/
SOURCE: https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/bodhi-day/

A Bodhi tree is a very old sacred fig tree that belongs to the family Ficus religiosa. In religious iconography, the leaves of this tree are almost always represented as being heart-shaped. And while the tree in Bodh Gaya is the one that is most often referred to when speaking about Buddha’s enlightenment, there are other trees in other places which have a significance in Buddhism. (SOURCE: https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/bodhi-day/)

BELOW ARE 5 FACTS ABOUT THE BODHI TREE:

1. It is ancient: It is a very old sacred fig tree belonging to the family Ficus religiosa.
2. It can grow anywhere: It originated from Bodh Gaya and now grows in some other parts of the world too.
3. It is religiously symbolic: In religious iconography, its leaves are almost always represented as being heart-shaped.
4. Nourished by constant water: It grows close to the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, India
5. It is a pilgrimage site: Its descendant, the Mahabodhi Tree is a frequent destination for pilgrims and is the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites

(SOURCE: https://nationaltoday.com/bodhi-day/)