Information from a calendar of annual human rights observances on the Morgantown City website and from Diversity Resources.
April: National Child Abuse Prevention Month
A time to emphasize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of children and families.
April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
A month to promote awareness of sexual assault, harassment, or other abuse to increase prevention efforts to protect all people of all ages.
April 1: Youth Homelessness Matters Day
Part of a campaign to create brighter futures for young people who have faced homelessness and to show them they have the power and opportunity to become whatever they put their minds to.
April 2: World Autism Acceptance Day
Promotes understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals and their families.
April 7: World Health Day
Calls for an awareness that without nurture and protection of health, persons are vulnerable to economic and social hardship and inability to fully utilize on engage in human rights.
April 16: Holocaust Remembrance Day
Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising – Seeks to commemorate the Holocaust by remembering and honoring the victims of the Holocaust which include six million Jews, thousands of Russian gypsies, homosexuals, persons with disabilities, and others.
Information from Diversity Resources.
April 2-9: Jewish - Passover
Commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
April 5: Christian - Easter
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ in many Western Christian churches.
April 14: Sikh, Hindo - Vaisakhi
Marks the founding of the Khalsa for Sikhs and the spring harvest in many parts of South Asia.
Genocide Awareness Month: Genocide refers to the deliberate and systemic destruction or killing of a group of people because of their ethnicity, race, or religion. Learn about genocide throughout history,
including in Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia, and Armenia, and the Holocaust. Learn what you can do to help those who are victims of these horrific tragedies.
Paralyzed Veterans Awareness Month: This month, learn about the challenges of veterans living with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction. The Paralyzed Veterans of America has 34 chapters across the country that educate the public about its programs, services, and support for injured veterans and their families. Take time to honor those who make these lifelong sacrifices for our country and freedoms daily.
Scottish-American Month: This month, learn about the culture and contributions of Scottish Americans to society. Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6th to remember the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which granted Scotland independence from England. Highland games are enjoyed this month, including the hammer throw, tug-of-war, and caber toss. April is a time to learn about the impact that Scottish culture has had on America. Learn about their rich traditions to promote acceptance of all heritages in society.
National Arab American Month: This month, recognize the contributions of nearly 3.5 million Arab Americans to all aspects of American culture. It is also a time to raise awareness about anti-Arab bigotry and how to eradicate it. Focus on challenging stereotypes and prejudices in the workplace and beyond this month.