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Mental Health Awareness Month - The month of May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. It was founded by the Mental Health America organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health) to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illness, including conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to raise awareness regarding the trauma and societal impact that mental illness can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and our communities.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month - AAPI Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast and South Asia—and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed significantly to many facets of American culture and society, including science and medicine, literature and art, sports and recreation, government and politics, and activism and law. Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in the United States. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the unique journey of all AAPI immigrants and citizens in the United States and their unique life experiences, traditions and cultures.
May 1st - Beltane – This day is the Gaelic May Day festival, held about halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
May 2nd – Teacher Appreciation Day- Every year on the Tuesday of the first full week in May, Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated. It is the main day of Teacher Appreciation Week, a week-long celebration of the dedication and work of teachers nationwide.
May 3rd - World Press Freedom Day – Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
May 5th- Visakha Bucha Day – Also known as Buddha’s Birthday, Visakha Bucha Day is an important Thai holiday marked on the full moon day of every sixth lunar month which typically falls in May each year. The day marks three key events in Buddha’s life: the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. On this day, Buddhists will go to the temple, bring flowers and offerings as well as meditate and listen to sermons.
May 6th - National Nurses Day - This day is the first day of National Nurses Week – a celebration of nurse contributions and commitments and an acknowledgment of the vital role nurses play in society.
Click here to access the DEI Book Nook to find a list of elementary-age books that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Click here to visit the Redondo Beach Council DEI home page.
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