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 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 13: Indigenous People Day (Native American Day)
Celebrates and honors Native American history and culture.
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 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Day
Call to action for the eradication of poverty and destitution worldwide.
October 21: United Nations Day
Commemorates the founding of the United Nations in 1945.
October 24: LGBTQ+: International Pronouns Day
Promotes respecting, sharing, and using correct personal pronouns.
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.)
Hindu Heritage Month
Hindu Heritage Month honors the spiritual tradition and culture of Hinduism in the United States. It’s celebrated during a particularly important month for the religion where festivals like Diwali are held. It is also the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi, a Hindu spiritual leader. It hopes to promote awareness for understanding of the unique Hindu customs and practices they follow.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This annual awareness month raises awareness about early detection of the disease. Nearly one in three of all new female cancer cases are breast cancer. There is about a one in eight chance for a woman living in the United States to get it in their lifetime.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
This national campaign helps to spread valuable information about disability employment issues. It also highlights the contributions that those living with disabilities have made to the workforce.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Raise awareness about Down Syndrome, a genetic condition that is caused by having an extra chromosome 21. During this month, take time to foster understanding and acceptance of all people, especially those living with the condition.
Global Diversity Awareness Month
This month promotes the differences between us and fosters a culture of understanding and inclusivity. This is a great time to celebrate diversity whether in gender, race, ethnicity, religion, ability, mental health, age, and more.