June Month Long Observances
- Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
- Black Music Appreciation Month
- Caribbean American Heritage Month
- Deaf-Blind Awareness 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 1-3: Shavuot
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Celebrated seven weeks after Passover, it also marks the harvest of the first fruits in ancient Israel. Known as the Festival of Weeks, it is a time for Torah study, religious rituals, and reflection on the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
June 2 - Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
Also known as the Snyder Act of 1924, Native Americans were granted United States citizenship; however, they didn’t earn the right to vote until the civil rights movements of the late 1950s and 1960s. Native Americans were prevented from participating in elections because the United States Constitution declared that states had the authority to decide who was able to vote. [For more information click here.]
June 4-9: The Hajj
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is required once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. The pilgrimage includes a series of sacred rituals performed over several days, symbolizing unity, humility, and devotion to God.
June 6-10: Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic holiday commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and is celebrated with communal prayers, charitable giving, and the ritual sacrifice of animals. The meat is shared among family, friends, and those in need.
June 8 - Pentecost
Pentecost commemorates the moment when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, an event often regarded as the beginning of the Christian Church. Believers honor this day through worship, fellowship, and reflection on the power of the Spirit and the unity of the faith community.
June 9-15: Vision Rehabilitation Week
Vision Rehabilitation Week is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of services that help individuals with vision loss lead independent and fulfilling lives. It highlights the work of vision rehabilitation professionals and promotes access to resources that support people in adapting to visual challenges. [For more information, click here.]
June 12 - Loving Day
Loving Day commemorates the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which banned interracial marriage in 16 states. These anti miscegenation laws enforced racial segregation by criminalizing interracial marriage and relationships between people of different races. This day promotes love, equality, and inclusion, encouraging respect and unity in diverse communities.
June 18 - International Day of Countering Hate Speech
This day highlights the global impact of hate speech and supports efforts to challenge it through conversation, understanding, and learning. It calls for collective action to foster respect and unity, working toward more inclusive and safer communities around the world.
June 19 - Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Confederate territory were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Observed on June 19, this day stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. Juneteenth is also a celebration of Black heritage, resilience, and culture, honored through gatherings, education, and reflection.
June 19 - Feast of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Roman Catholic feast that honors the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a core belief of Catholic faith. It is celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of adoration, reaffirming devotion to the sacred sacrament.
June 20: World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day shines a light on the resilience and bravery of people who have been displaced from their homes by conflict, violence, or persecution. It encourages global support, understanding, and action to uphold the rights and dignity of refugees around the world.
June 28 – Pride Day
Pride Day is a holiday during LGBTQ+ Pride Month and is celebrated on June 28 because the first pride march was held in New York City on June 28, 1970. It is important to note that different communities celebrate Pride Day on different days throughout June.
June 28 – Stonewall Rebellion
The Stonewall Rebellion, also known as the Stonewall Riots, mobilized the gay rights movement of the 1960s. 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 in Greenwich Village, New York. The Stonewall Riots lasted six days.
