June Month Long Observances
- Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
- Black Music Appreciation Month
- Caribbean American Heritage Month
- Filipino Heritage Month
- Men’s Mental Health Month
- National Immigrant Heritage Month
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
During the month of June, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community members and their allies celebrate Pride Month. The LGBTQ+ community and their allies reflect on the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. On June 28,1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club. Angered by police harassment and social discrimination, there were riots outside of Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall Riots lasted six days and mobilized the gay rights movement of the 1960s. June commemorates those who identify as LGBTQ and calls for greater unity, visibility, and equality for the LGBTQ community. Pride Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the advances made and the work that still needs to be done. This is a time to educate people on the discrimination and harassment this group still faces.
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” - Article I; Universal Declaration of Human Rights. LGBTQIA+ rights are not special rights.
June 2 – Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
Also known as the Snyder Act of 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act granted United States citizenship to Native Americans born within the country. However, citizenship did not guarantee full voting rights, as many states used discriminatory laws and practices to restrict Native American participation in elections. Although some Native Americans voted earlier, barriers persisted in several states until the civil rights era, with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helping secure broader protections against voter discrimination. [For more information click on: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/right-to-vote/voting-rights-for-native-americans/]
June 5 – National Gun Violence Awareness Day
National Gun Violence Awareness Day, observed annually on the first Friday in June and followed by Wear Orange Weekend, honors those who have lost their lives to gun violence and raises awareness about its impact on communities. Inspired by the 2013 death of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, the observance encourages reflection, remembrance, and community action to address gun violence. Participants often wear orange – a symbol originating from hunters’ safety gear – to honor victims and advocate for change.
The Wear Orange Weekend 2026 Materials, including graphics and a bulletin insert,are now available for download here.
