Diversity Corner

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Celebrate Diversity Month

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, started in 2004 to recognize and honor.
the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month,
organizers hope that people will get a deeper understanding of each other.
Our country would not be what it is if it were not for the diversity that defines us. The people
all around you — your neighbors, best friends, classmates, fellow citizens, and coworkers all
come from various walks of life. April is the month to recognize and honor them. Looking for
a good way to celebrate? Perhaps pick another holiday from the list below and learn more
about it.

4/4: Maya Angelou’s Birthday
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you made the feel.” Our April diversity days including the
birthday of a true diversity leader, Maya Angelou. She is remembered for being a writer,
poet, civil rights activist, Renaissance women, and winner of the Presidential Medal of
Freedom. As a Black American, Angelou gained international recognition and acclaim for her
work. In her honor, search online for a poem or two of hers (or check out one of her books
from the library!).

4/2: World Autism Awareness Day
In 2021, the international community will celebrate the 14th annual World Autism Awareness
Day. This April diversity day seeks to recognize people with autism and improve their lives so
they can live fully and meaningfully. On this day and throughout the month, educational
activities will take place to increase the understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
The goal is fostering worldwide support and inspiring a more inclusive world.

4/4: Easter
April diversity events include this major religious holy day. Also called Resurrection Sunday,
Easter is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is
one of the two most important holy days in Christianity, the world’s #1 most-practiced
religion.

4/8: Buddha’s Birth
Our April multicultural calendar includes the Buddha’s birthday. It is a holiday for both
celebration and reflection for Buddhists. Prince Siddhartha Gautama was first royalty and
later became a spiritual leader. He launched Buddhism, which remains one of the most
popular religions today. The exact date of Buddha’s birth depends on the calendar you are
looking at. However, the Gregorian calendar always places Buddha’s birth on April 8.

4/12: Ramadan
April multicultural holidays include the first day of Islam’s most sacred month. During
Ramadan, Muslims are expected to observe a strict fast from dawn until dusk, which means
they are not allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, smoke cigarettes, or engage in sexual activity.
Often, Muslims will eat both a pre-fast meal (shur) and a post-fast meal (iftar) with a snack in
between. Help create a more respectful workplace for Muslims and others.

4/22: Earth Day
April diversity topics include our home, the Earth! Every year on this day, 192 countries
celebrate the modern environmental movement. Earth Day was first established in 1970, and
that means we have just passed more than 50 years of environmental advocacy. Today, pick
one thing that you can do for the environment: go pick up litter in your community, conserve
water, or stop consuming meat/dairy for the day.

4/23-24: Gathering of Nations.
The Gathering of Nations is considered North America’s biggest “pow wow” for more than
500 Native American tribes. Each year, these tribes meet to celebrate them.