Information from a calendar of annual human rights observances on the Morgantown City website and from Diversity Resources.
June: Pride Month
Commemorates the anniversary of the June 28, 1969 Stonewall riot in New York City, the incident that initiated the modern gay rights movement in the United States. LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Pride Day is the last Sunday in June. Pride Month has become more recognized in the past few years. It is currently celebrated during the month of June to remember the 1969 Stonewall Riots. To celebrate, hold an LGBTQ inclusion training at work, encourage rainbow clothing, explore our article on 10 Landmark Films About LGBTQ+ Stories to arrange a viewing, and decorate the office with rainbow decorations.
June: Caribbean American Heritage Month
Caribbean American Heritage Month recognizes all those of Caribbean descent as well as the contributions they made to American society throughout history. You can celebrate this month by making a traditional Caribbean meal or checking a book out of the library about Caribbean history.
June 1: Stand for Children Day
A day to emphasize the importance of standing up for children by supporting systemic change and increased funding for public education.
June 2: Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
The Indian Citizenship Act was passed on June 2, 1924. Congress granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. Unfortunately, this did not grant the right to vote. This right was granted in 1957. Recognize the Indian Citizenship Act today by learning which Native American tribe is in your area.
June 5: World Environment Day
Observance promoting an awareness of the impact of environmental conditions on individual and community well-being and food sources which make life possible for current and future generations.
June 8: World Oceans Day
Call for awareness of the importance of protecting oceans from pollution and rising sea levels to prevent individuals and entire communities from loss of property, housing, livelihood and food supplies.
June 11: Puerto Rican Day Parade
The Puerto Rican Day Parade is a huge celebration of cultural pride for Puerto Ricans in the United States. It seeks to recognize the influence and achievements of individuals from Puerto Rico. Each year, an International Grand Marshall is selected to lead the parade due to their positive contribution to the community.
June 12: Loving Day
Observes the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia which struck down the miscegenation laws in 16 states barring interracial marriage.
June 14: Race Unity Day
Observance promoting racial harmony and understanding and the essential unity of humanity.
June 19: Juneteenth
Originally commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865, it is now celebrated throughout the United States to honor African-American freedom and achievement. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday in the U.S. It commemorates the actual end of slavery in the country. While President Lincoln had declared the end of slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation over two years before, there were still African Americans who had yet to learn of their freedom in Galveston, TX. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that federal troops rode into the city and ensured all slaves were freed.
June 20: World Refugee Day
Raises awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced persons.
June 26: United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
A day to remind people that human torture is not only unacceptable –it is also a crime and a universal violation of a human right.
Information from a calendar of diversity events from Diversity Resources.
June 26 toJuly 1: The Hajj
Key Muslim religious holidays include the Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims must make at least once during their lives if they are physically and financially able. As it is one of the five pillars of Islam, it is a highly spiritual event. Once people arrive, they are in Mecca for a week and perform a series of rituals where each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba, which is a cube-shaped building. They also perform a series of other rituals.