Information from a calendar of annual human rights observances on the Morgantown City website and from Diversity Resources.
October: LGBT History Month
Marks and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the United States.
October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
A time for celebrating the strength of battered women and their children and for connecting those working to end violence against women and children.
October: National Crime Prevention Month
Special awareness for the practice of crime prevention as well as victimization, volunteerism, and the need to create safer more connected neighborhoods and communities.
October: Polish American Heritage Month
The first Poles migrated to America starting in the early 1800s. This month, celebrate their contributions to culture and society. Once here, they were dedicated to preserving their heritage and culture and even started a national network of Polish-language newspapers, radio, and television stations to keep their language alive. New York State has the largest Polish-American population with Michigan, Wisconsin, and Connecticut having a substantial group too.
October: Italian American Heritage Month
Nearly 16 million Americans identify as Italian American according to the U.S. Census. Italian American Heritage Month occurs every October to overlap with Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday. It was first celebrated in 1989 with a proclamation from George H.W. Bush. Every year, a Columbus Day parade is held in New York City with an average million spectators.
October: Filipino American Heritage Month
Filipino American History Month is celebrated as it was when the first Filipinos arrived in California in 1587. Many organizations in California and Hawaii, where many Filipino Americans reside, hold annual celebrations. Some call the month “Filipino American Heritage Month” while others regard it as a History month to focus on the events and lived experiences and their impact on society.
October: ADHD Awareness Month
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental learning disorder that affects adults and children. It can lead to challenges dealing with self-control, focus, and impulsive behavior. This month hopes to raise awareness about the misconceptions associated with the community. Take time to promote understanding and support to all those living with neurodiversity all year.
October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This month is dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer, promoting screening and early detection, and raising funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The campaign also offers support to those affected by breast cancer and commonly features pink ribbons as its symbol.
October: Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Each year, nearly 6,000 babies born in the United States are diagnosed with Down Syndrome, or 1 in every 700 babies. October focuses on the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome. Learn about their unique strengths and promote a society and workplace that values diversity and offers support to those living with Down Syndrome and their families.
October: Global Diversity Awareness Month
This month is dedicated to celebrating and increasing awareness about the diverse cultures and populations that make up the world. It encourages individuals and organizations to learn about different cultures, as well as to promote inclusion and understanding across various cultural contexts. The celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact of diversity on society and to challenge and address issues of inclusion within communities and organizations.
October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
This national campaign honors the contributions of people living with disabilities to the economy and workplace. It also raises awareness about disability employment problems and advocates for accommodations in the workplace for those living with a disability.
October 1: International Day of Older Persons
Appreciates the contributions which older persons in diverse situations make to their communities and recognizes the need for opportunities for willing and capable persons of advanced age to participate in and be celebrated for their action in society.
October 3: Latina Equal Pay Day
This day celebrates the progress Latinas have made with earnings compared to White non-Hispanic men. Latinas earn about 54 cents for every dollar and must work nearly double the time to earn the same annual income. Today, raise awareness on how to close this gap and advocate for fair-pay policies for all demographics.
October 8: World Dyslexia Day
Today, the world educates the public on the challenges that those living with dyslexia face at work and in the real world. It aims to increase understanding and acceptance of this learning disability while working toward a more inclusive work environment.
October 14: Indigenous People Day (Native American Day)
This diversity day coincides with the federal holiday Columbus Day and honors the culture, contributions, and history of the Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations Peoples. By promoting their rich heritage and remembering the challenges they have faced in their history, we help promote a better understanding of all world cultures.
October 15: World Food Day
A day for awareness of the need for greater equity in access to food production and distribution locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.
October 16: International Pronouns Day
This diversity day coincides with the federal holiday Columbus Day and honors the culture, contributions, and history of the Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations Peoples. By promoting their rich heritage and remembering the challenges they have faced in their history, we help promote a better understanding of all world cultures.
October 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Day
Call to action for the eradication of poverty and destitution worldwide.
October 24: United Nations Day
Commemorates the founding of the United Nations in 1945.
October 31: World Cities Day
“The human future is largely an urban future. We must get right reduction of greenhouse emissions, strengthening resilience, ensuring basic services such as water and sanitation, and designing safe public streets and spaces for all to share.”(UN Sec.Gen.)
October 31: International Overdose Awareness Day
Today is the world’s largest yearly campaign to help end overdoses. It’s a great time to remember those we have lost without the stigma behind drug addiction. Listen to personal stories and acknowledge the grief of both family and friends who were left behind. Use the hashtag #EndOverdose on your social media to stand in solidarity with others in the fight to treat drug addiction.
Information from a calendar of diversity events from Diversity Resources.
No events