May Month Long Observances

• Indian Heritage Month

• Haitian Heritage Month

• Jewish-American Heritage Month

• ALS Awareness Month [Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease]

• Mental Health Awareness Month

• National Military Appreciation Month

• Tourettes Awareness Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated each May, honors the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots across Asia and the Pacific Islands. It commemorates key historical milestones such as the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, which relied heavily on the labor of Chinese immigrants. Despite these contributions, Asian Americans have often been marginalized in mainstream accounts of U.S. history.

This month serves not only as a celebration of heritage and accomplishments but also as a time to confront the systemic barriers and discrimination that AAPI communities have endured—from exclusionary laws and harmful stereotypes to the alarming rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's also a moment to recognize the incredible diversity within the AANHPI community, which encompasses over 45 distinct ethnic groups and more than 100 language dialects.

AAPI Heritage Month encourages reflection, learning, and greater visibility, honoring both the historical legacies and the contemporary experiences of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities.

Asian American Suffrage

The first major wave of Asian immigration occurred during the 19th century, primarily in Hawaii and the West Coast. Asian Americans experienced discrimination, lawful exclusion and limitations to immigration within the United States between 1875 and 1965 through the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and 1924 Immigration Act. Despite the passing of the 14th and 15th amendments, Asian Americans were disenfranchised through literacy tests, property restrictions, and voter intimidation. Broader access to voting rights and American citizenship occurred after the Nationality Acts of 1952 and 1965. Until then, Asian immigrants and their descendants were largely denied naturalization and citizenship. [For more information click here.]          

May 5 - National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

May 5 is recognized across the United States and Canada as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The day brings attention to the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, and many people wear red in solidarity and recognition of the movement.

In 2022, the White House issued a proclamation expanding the day’s recognition to include all gender identities – changing “women and girls” to “persons.” As the Native Hope site notes, “While women and girls are the primary victims of violence and human trafficking among Native Americans, they are not alone. People of all ages are victims of these horrific crimes, including men, boys, infants, and the elderly.”

To show support, individuals can wear red on May 5, share information on social media, read Indigenous voices and stories, and discuss the issue with friends and family.

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, symbolizing resilience and national pride. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. The battle took place during the broader Franco-Mexican War, which lasted from 1861 to 1867. While Cinco de Mayo is considered a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it is widely celebrated in the United States as a way to honor Mexican culture and heritage, often marked with vibrant cultural festivities and community events.

May 5 - Buddha’s Birthday 

Today marks the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Buddha’s Birthday is also known as Vesak or Buddha Day.Celebrated by Buddhists around the world, the day is observed with prayers, meditation, temple visits, and acts of kindness. While customs and dates vary by country, the spirit of peace, reflection, and compassion remains central to all celebrations.

May 9 - Military Spouse Appreciation Day

This day honors the sacrifices and resilience of military spouses, who support their families and communities through the unique challenges of military life. It’s a time to recognize and appreciate their strength, dedication, and unwavering support.

May 15 - Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is dedicated to sparking conversations and increasing awareness around digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people worldwide living with disabilities. It promotes digital accessibility and inclusion by encouraging individuals and organizations to consider how their digital content and tools can be made more usable for everyone.

What is digital accessibility?
It is the practice of ensuring that websites, online services, and digital tools are designed so that people with disabilities have the same access and experience as everyone else.

May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia aims to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals around the world. The date was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. This was a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality. Established in 2004, this day serves as a global call to action, drawing the attention of decision-makers, media, the public, corporations, and community leaders to the ongoing challenges experienced by people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Grounded in the belief that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (Article I, Universal Declaration of Human Rights). The day emphasizes that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights, not special rights, and underscores the urgent need for inclusion, protection, and equity for all.

May 17 - Armed Forces Day

Observed on the third Saturday of May since 1950, Armed Forces Day honors the men and women currently serving in all six branches of the United States military.

May 21 - World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, established by the United Nations in 2002, is dedicated to celebrating the richness of the world’s cultures and promoting the value of diversity. It aims to educate people about the importance of cultural inclusion and raise awareness of the challenges related to cultural understanding in today’s global society. This day highlights how traditions, the arts, and other forms of creative expression play a vital role in fostering mutual respect, bridging differences, and building a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world.

May 26 - Memorial Day

A U.S. holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor those who died while serving in the military. It is marked by ceremonies, tributes, visits to cemeteries or memorials, parades, and a national moment of remembrance.

May 29 - Ascension Day

In Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter to commemorate Jesus Christ’s return to heaven. The day is devoted to prayer and contemplation, representing the hope of eternal life and spiritual ascent.