Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

New Year – January 1

The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year's arrival date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox—the day in late March with an equal amount of sunlight and darkness—heralded the start of a new year. The Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1582 by the Roman Catholic Church, made January 1 as New Year’s Day.

Three Kings Day – January 6

Three Kings Day occurs on the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6, and is celebrated primarily in European and Latin American countries. ‘El Dia de los Reyes’, as it’s called in Spanish, honors the baptism of Jesus and pays homage to the Three Wise Men. In Latin American counties, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name Epiphany and dates back to the 4th century, where a grand feast would be held.

MLK Jr. Day – January 20

Congress designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national day of service and it takes place each third Monday in January. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service — a "day on, not a day off." This day of service helps to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community”.

Visit thekingcenter.org to learn more.

Lunar New Year – January 29 to February 12

The Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars traditional to many Asian countries which are regulated by the cycles of the moon and sun. The origin of the Lunar New Year dates back centuries and was once a time to honor deities and ancestors with celebrations that can last for 15 days until the full moon. Today the celebration is observed by many Asian Pacific communities across the world with family gathering dinners, decorations, firecrackers, the traditional lion dance, and prayers.

Black History Month

National Black History Month officially began in 1976, but has origins dating back to 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the organization that is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Through this organization, Dr. Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. The week in February was selected because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Ramadan – February 28 to March 29

Ramadan, also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, dawn-to-sunset fasting, and reading of the Qurʾān. The annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

Women’s History Month

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.”

International Women’s Day – March 8

International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. International Women’s Day was honored the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19, 1911, where more than one million women and men attended rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. International Women's Day was marked for a first time by the United Nations (UN) in 1975. More information on the UN’s involvement in International Women’s Day can be found here: www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day.

Purim – Evening of March 13 to Evening of March 14

Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). It is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar and commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from genocide. A few of the ways Purim is typically celebrated include reading the Megillah or “scroll”, making noise with groggers (noisemakers) whenever Haman’s name is mentioned in the Megillah reading, dressing up in costumes, having a festive holiday meal, drinking and merrymaking, eating 3-cornered filled pastries called hamantaschen, putting on a humorous play in costumes known as a Purim shpiel, giving gifts of pastries and other food to friends and neighbors, and giving gifts of money, food or drinks to the poor (matanot l’evyonim).

Holi – March 14

Holi, is a sacred ancient tradition of Hindus, considered one of the most revered festivals of India and sometimes called the “Festival of Colors, Love and Spring”, celebrated in almost every part of the country and other regions of Asia. The Holi festival lasts for a day and a night, starting in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day. It is a playful and joyful cultural event. On the day of Holi people may play with colors with their friends and families.

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17

Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick in 461, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts. It was emigrants, particularly to the United States, who transformed St. Patrick’s Day into a largely secular holiday of revelry and celebration of things Irish.

Nowruz – March 20

Nowruz is a rite dating back to at least the 6th century BCE, marking the new year and ushering in spring. This historic rite is observed in many countries along the Silk Roads, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The word Nowruz (Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, Nauryz), means new day; its spelling and pronunciation may vary by country.

On the day of Nowruz, family and friends gather for a feast and exchange gifts. A wide range of cultural performances and traditions also take place. Children are often given small toys, and traditionally play with colorfully painted eggs. Families and communities share a symbolic meal, often consisting of cooked rice and vegetables combined with many local ingredients. Although The traditions and customs that accompany the celebration of Nowruz vary from country to country, there are many unifying features. In most regions symbolic preparations of fire and water take place before the festival and ritual dances involving leaping over fires and streams are performed.

Eid Al Fitr – Evening of March 29 to March 30

Eid Al Fitr, the Festival of Sweets, is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam, Eid al-Adha being the other. The religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country.

Diversity Month

Celebrate Diversity Month takes place in April every year. It was initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us. It is a time to recognize and understand our differences, be it gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and other factors, while honoring the common essence of humanity. By appreciating our similarities and differences, the month aims to get people to foster a deeper understanding of others.

Passover – April 12-20

Passover is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt, which occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the first month of Aviv, or spring.

Easter – April 20

For many Christians, Easter is an important holiday within their faith. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, occurring after the end of the 40-day period known as Lent. Church services and prayer are some ways that people observe the holiday. In other cases, some enjoy a more secular celebration of Easter with bunnies, baskets and colorful eggs.

Earth Day – April 22

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, business and labor leaders. By the end of 1970, the first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of other first of their kind environmental laws, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month first began as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week on May 4, 1979. In 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450 (PDF, 285kb) which annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma that many experience.

Fore more information: samhsa.gov/programs/mental-health-awareness-month

Older Americans Month

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.” Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month was first celebrated in May of 2006. The month of May was chosen due to the highly successful celebration of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History in May 2004. This is a month that recognizes the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture.

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQIA+ community across the globe celebrates and recognizes the influence LGBTQIA+ people have had around the world. The month of June was originally chosen as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots in New York on June 28, 1969. Protestors demanded the establishment of places where LGBTQIA+ people could go and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest.

About the Pride Flag:

The rainbow pride flag, was originally designed by Gilbert Baker at the request of gay politician Harvey Milk who wanted an all-encompassing symbol to take to San Francisco’s Pride March in 1978. The Progress Pride Flag, which Albany raises every June in honor of Pride Month, is a variation of the rainbow pride flag that incorporates additional colors to explicitly represent trans people and LGBTQ+ communities of color. This was originally designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018.

Immigrant Heritage Month

 Immigrant Heritage Month is an initiative put forward by the I Am An Immigrant foundation that seeks to celebrate and share the important contributions of immigrants to the United States’ economy and culture. The celebration formally began in 2014 and seeks to give immigrants and refugees in the United States the opportunity to explore and celebrate their background as well as to create awareness on how diversity and immigration are both essential elements of our social fabric.

Eid-al-Adha – Evening of June 6 to Evening of June 7

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, falls later in the summer and honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhū al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. This is also the time of year when many Muslims make a five-day pilgrimage to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, called Hajj.

Loving Day - June 12

Every June 12, the United States Supreme Court’s 1967 decision to strike down laws in several states that banned interracial marriage is honored. The decision was sparked by Loving v. Virginia, a court case involving Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia who married in 1958. The holiday was not created until decades after the decision, in 2004. It was launched by Ken Tanabe, who grew up in an interracial family with a Japanese father and a Belgian mother. He launched the holiday in hopes that the day of celebration would bring together multiethnic families from around the world.

Juneteenth – June 19

albanyjuneteenth.com
A Juneteenth was recognized by Council as an annual City holiday on May 3, 2021 through Resolution No. 2021-40. Juneteenth National Independence day became a Federal Holiday on June 17, 2021 commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. The City of Albany supports a Juneteenth celebration annually in Albany and recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United States.

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month celebrates disabled persons embracing their disabilities as integral parts of who they are, reclaiming visibility in public and interacting fully with their disabilities out in the open, and rejecting shame and internalized ableism. It commemorates the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. 

4th of July – July 4

The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees, later changing it to a paid holiday in 1938. Families often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue or watching a fireworks display.

American Muslim Appreciation & Awareness Month

American Muslim Appreciation & Awareness Month acknowledges the innumerable contributions to the cultural, political, and economic fabric and well-being of California and the United States. Muslims have been part of U.S. history from the beginning, contributing to the construction of the nation and advancement of the civil rights movement.

National Senior Center Month

National Senior Center Month is a time to showcase how these vital community hubs connect older adults to each other and to valuable services to stay healthy and independent. Centers across the country host special events, programs, and celebrations throughout September to raise awareness about the services they offer.

City of Albany Senior Center

National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. 

Rosh Hashanah – September 22 to September 24

The name "Rosh Hashanah" means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah begins a ten-day period of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur, as well as beginning the cycle of autumnal religious festivals running through Sukkot and ending in Shemini Atzere. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the first two days of the Jewish new year, Tishrei 1 and 2, beginning at sundown on the eve of Tishrei 1. It is celebrated with a candle lighting in the evenings, festive meals with sweet delicacies during the night and day, and prayer services on both mornings.

Global Diversity Awareness Month

Global Diversity Awareness Month pays tribute to the diverse minds and beliefs held by all cultures around the world. We live in a multicultural society and embracing the values of various cultures only strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the world.

National Arts and Humanities Month

National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America. Each year since 1993, NAHM has helped give millions of Americans the opportunity to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives and has encouraged them to begin a lifelong habit of active participation.

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month highlights the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health and to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse. Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse, which includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use. Prevention strategies targeting the root of the problem are essential to curb drug use and help people lead healthier lives.

Yom Kippur – Evening of October 1 to Evening of October 2

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn of Jewish religious holidays, observed on the 10th day of the lunar month of Tishri (in the course of September and October). Yom Kippur concludes the “10 days of repentance” that begin with Rosh Hashana. Total abstention from food and drink begins at sundown and ends after nightfall the following day. Jewish law requires one to eat a large and festive meal on the afternoon before Yom Kippur, after the Mincha (afternoon) prayer.

Indigenous People’s Day – October 13

U.S. Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, on October 9 this year, to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. It arose as an alternative to Columbus Day, which Native Americans protested for honoring a man who had enabled their colonization and forced assimilation. One of the earliest celebrations of the holiday took place on October 10, 1992, in Berkeley, California.

Diwali – October 20

Diwali, derived from Sanskrit word Deepavali meaning 'Line of Lamps', is the festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of the year. Diwali's date is determined by the India calendar and changes every year, ranging from October to November. It is observed on the 15th day of the 8th month (the month of Kartik) in India's calendar. The day is an Amavasya or 'new moon day'

Diwali is celebrated for five days. The third day is the main Diwali celebration. The days of Diwali are as follows:

1. Dhanteras: On the first day of Diwali, people will perform rituals called puja or pooja, place tea lights around the balconies or entryways of their homes, and purchase kitchen utensils, which are believed to bring good fortune.
2. Narak Chaturdashi: Different regions celebrate this day in various ways, but many people will spend time at home and exchange sweets with friends or family. They may also decorate the floors of their home with rangolis—intricate patterns made from colored powder, rice, and flowers.
3. Lakshmi Puja: The main celebration is believed to be the most auspicious day to worship the goddess Lakshmi. Families will dress up and gather for a prayer to honor her, which is usually followed by a delicious feast, spectacular fireworks displays, and more festivities.
4. Govardhan Puja: This day is associated with Lord Krishna and the Gujarati new year. A mountain of food offerings are prepared for Puja.
5. Bhaiya Dooj: The last day is dedicated to celebrating the sibling bond. Traditionally, brothers will visit and bring gifts to their sisters, who honor them with special rituals and sweets.

Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month recognizes Indigenous peoples past and present and honors Tribal sovereignty, promotes

Tribal self-determination, and upholds the United States' treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

The City of Albany recognizes and honors the history of the Indigenous people who originally lived in this area by reading a Land Acknowledgement prior to every City Council and Advisory Body meeting and including this statement as part of official City documents.

Day of the Dead – November 1 to November 2

Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos) is a two-day holiday on November 1 and 2 that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the ones being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations.

Veterans Day – November 11

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans Day," which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.

Winter Solstice / Yule – December 21

The winter solstice, the longest night of the year, falls on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 or 21 in the Southern. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important astronomical occurrence and celebrated the subsequent “return” of the Sun in a variety of different ways. Old solstice traditions have influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah.

Christmas – December 25

Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

Hanukkah – Evening of December 14 to Evening of December 22

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. One branch, the shammash, is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. Other Hanukkah festivities include singing Hanukkah songs, playing the game of dreidel and eating oil-based foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and dairy foods.

Kwanzaa – December 26 to January 1

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966.