Diversity Corner News
Month of June 2014 and Pride Month
Celebrating Diversity - June and LGBT Pride Month
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, established to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on the world. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other group gatherings. The last Sunday in June is Gay Pride Day.
June 12 is Lailat al Bara’a, celebrated as the night of forgiveness by Muslims.
June 14 is Flag Day in the United States. This day is observed to celebrate the history and symbolism of the American flag.
June 15 is Native American Citizenship Day. This observance commemorates the day in 1924 when the United States Congress passed legislation recognizing the citizenship of Native Americans.
On June 16, Sikhs observe the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev. Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Sikh guru and the first Sikh martyr.
June 19 is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. It is observed as a public holiday in 14 U.S. states. This celebration honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas and Louisiana finally heard they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War. June 19, therefore, became the day of emancipation for thousands of Blacks.
June 19 is also Corpus Christi, a Catholic celebration in honor of the Eucharist.
June 29 marks the beginning of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual activity from dawn until sunset, in efforts to teach patience, modesty, and spirituality. This year, the observance lasts until July 29.
In memory of Maya Angelou
“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
― Maya Angelou