May DEI Observances
The month of May has many cultural, religious, and awareness days that have significant meaning to people from various cultures and religions around the world.
Having the opportunity to acknowledge these observances will enable employees to learn about different cultures, celebrate your workplace’s community, and build a more inclusive workplace.
List of DEI Observances in May 2024
May 1-30 Jewish Heritage Month is celebrated throughout the month of May in both the United States and Canada. This month celebrates Jewish people and their accomplishments in various fields including law, medicine, politics, arts, philanthropy and business.
May 1-30 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month AAPI Heritage Month is a time for reflection and celebration. Americans and Canadians of Asian descent have contributed greatly to various fields including science, arts, sport, business, and government.
📣Check out our AAPI Heritage Month Training for your workplace!
May 5 Cinco de Mayo began as a celebration of Mexico's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The day has since turned into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage. Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in Puebla, Mexico and parts of the United States with significant Mexican-American populations
May 12 Mother’s Day is a global celebration of motherhood. Mother's Day was created in 1908 by Anna Reeves Jarvis. Prior to the creation of Mother's Day, Julia Ward Howe campaigned for "Mother's Peace Day" in 1873. Despite being pioneered in the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the same day in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
May 16 Global Accessibility Awareness Day occurs annually on the third Thursday of May and its goal is to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion.
May 17 The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia raises awareness of the diverse sexualities and gender identities of the LGBTQ+ community. This worldwide awareness day demands freedom from all forms of violence against the community.
May 21 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is a United Nations-sanctioned international holiday. This day celebrates the diversity of cultures and promotes the need to bridge the gap between cultures for peace, stability, and development.
May 23 Vesak is also known as Buddha Day. This day is observed by Buddhists in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia. Vesak commemorates the life, death, and enlightenment of the Buddha and is one of the most important events to Buddhists.
May 30 World MS Day brings together the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community to share stories, promote awareness, and fight for everyone impacted by multiple sclerosis.