Information from a calendar of annual human rights observances on the Morgantown City website and from Diversity Resources.
May: Older Americans Month
Celebrates progress in protection of older in the United States and recognizes the importance of end-of-life independence and care for older adults.
May: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Recognizes the contributions and celebrates the culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
May: National Foster Care Month
This month is a time to acknowledge the children and youth in foster care and their families and the foster parents and mentors who help them find a forever home. It’s a great way to reflect on how you can help your community to better support those helping to improve their lives.
May 1: International Workers Day
Also known as May Day, it celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers worldwide. The day commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, in which police and protesters clashed following a worker’s strike for an eight hour day.
May 3: World Press Freedom Day
Serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news.
May 4: Armed Forces Day
Today, we honor all five branches of the U.S. military. This annual holiday has united Americans to celebrate those who have served or are serving our country since 1949.
May 5: National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Commemorated in both the United States and Canada, this day serves as a reminder of an ongoing crisis of kidnapping and violence faced by Indigenous women and girls. Also known as Red Dress Day, it hopes to raise awareness among the general public about an alarming issue that is underreported in mass media.
May 6: om HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
This day is dedicated to remembering the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust as a result of the Nazi regime.
May 15: International Day of Families
Celebration of two or more persons providing a continuity of support for each other usually in terms of affection, nurture, security and protection.
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Established to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTQ+ rights work worldwide. This day emphasizes the need for acceptance and equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Recognizes cultural diversity as a source of innovation, exchange, and creativity, as well as the obligation to create a more peaceful and equitable society based on mutual respect.
May 24: Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness Day
Honor those in your life who identify as panromantic and pansexual. Pan people are attracted to who a person is not how they identify. This day celebrates the community’s ability to express their sexuality openly in a world that is accepting of all humans.
May 28: Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears represents ethnic cleansing and forced relocations for many Native American nations after the Indian Removal Act was enacted in 1830. During this time, nearly 60,000 people were displaced until 1850. Members of Five Tribes, including Cherokee, Seminole, Muscogee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw, were removed from their homes and moved to a new Indian territory after the discovery of gold near their ancestral land.
Information from a calendar of diversity events from Diversity Resources.
May 2: National Day of Prayer
This annual observance reminds the nation to come together to pray for its leaders and citizens for guidance through prayer. This was first established as a way for all Americans to express their faith, regardless of their religion. It’s been celebrated since 1952.
May 23: Vesak
Also known as Buddha Day, Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is the most significant day for Buddhists worldwide, observed with prayers, meditation, and acts of charity.