September Month Long Observations

• National Guide Dog Month
• National Recovery Month
• Suicide Prevention Month

Latina/o/x American Heritage Month

Latina/o/x Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Latina, Latino, and Latinx communities across the United States. The celebration began as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 when Congress authorized the weeklong observance, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, recognizing the growing impact and diversity of these communities, Congress expanded the observance to a full month, and President Ronald Reagan signed it into law.

The dates were chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This month highlights the vibrant traditions, languages, and achievements of people whose roots trace back to Latin America and the Caribbean.

From art and music to politics, science, and social justice, Latina/o/x individuals have played vital roles in shaping the nation’s story. It also offers an opportunity to reflect on ongoing challenges and celebrate the resilience, creativity, and strength of these communities.

Join us in recognizing and uplifting Latina/o/x voices and stories as we embrace the vibrant tapestry of culture and heritage that enriches us all.

September 1 – Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the first Monday in September. It honors and recognizes the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the development and achievements of the country.

The holiday was established in the late 1800s during the Industrial Revolution, a time when many Americans including children as young as five were working 12 hour days, seven days a week, often in harsh and unsafe conditions. In response to these exploitative labor practices, protests and strikes erupted across the country.

On September 5, 1882, approximately 10,000 workers took unpaid leave to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, marking the first Labor Day parade in US history. Their demonstration brought national attention to the labor movement. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed Labor Day into law as a national holiday.

September 3 – 9: Semana de La Lactancia Latina

The observance celebrates Latina/x families who breast or chest feed and raises awareness about the barriers within the community.

Barriers

1. Lack of Access to Culturally Competent Support

Some healthcare providers and lactation consultants may not fully understand or respect cultural practices and language needs, making it harder for Latina/x families to get personalized, supportive care.

2. Language Barriers

Limited English proficiency can make it difficult to access information, attend classes, or communicate concerns about breastfeeding.

3. Workplace Challenges

Many Latina/x parents work in jobs without paid maternity/paternity leave, flexible schedules, or designated spaces for pumping, making it tough to continue breastfeeding.

4. Economic Barrier

Limited financial resources can restrict access to breastfeeding supplies, supportive services, or healthcare.

5. Healthcare Disparities

Latina/x families may face systemic inequities such as inadequate prenatal and postnatal care or lower rates of breastfeeding education.

6. Immigration and Legal Challenges

Fear related to immigration status or lack of access to healthcare due to legal barriers can impact the support they receive.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the barriers faced by Latinx families around breastfeeding and chestfeeding can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and community contexts.

September 4 – 5: Eid Milad ul-Nabi 

Eid Milad ul-Nabi is observed as a public holiday in many countries with large Muslim communities, marking the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Celebrated during the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It includes night-long prayer sessions, processions and parades, and gatherings where people share stories and poems (nats) about the life and teachings of the Prophet. It is a time for reflection, community, and celebration across the Muslim world.

Historically, Eid Milad ul-Nabi holds deep significance as it commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded by Muslims as the final messenger of God. His teachings laid the foundation for Islamic faith, ethics, and community life. The holiday serves not only as a celebration, but also as a reminder of the values of compassion, justice, and peace that are central to Islam.

Culturally, the observance brings together diverse Muslim communities to honor their shared heritage and strengthen bonds of faith and solidarity. Through prayers, storytelling, and communal gatherings, Muslims around the world reaffirm their connection to their spiritual roots and to one another. The observance also encourages deeper understanding of Islamic history and values and offers an opportunity for all of us to appreciate the rich cultural traditions that shape our diverse communities.

September 8 – 12: Disability Voting Rights Week

Disability Voting Rights Week is organized by the REV UP Campaign, which stands for Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power! and is led by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). A nationwide and nonpartisan movement, the campaign focuses on: advocacy, celebrating community, and building power. At its heart, it is all about empowering voters with disabilities and promoting full access to the ballot. The campaign works year round to foster a more inclusive democracy through advocacy, outreach, and education.

More than 38 million eligible voters in the United States have a disability, yet many continue to face physical, technological, and systemic obstacles to participating in our democracy. These barriers include inaccessible polling places, lack of accessible voting materials, and voter suppression tactics that disproportionately impact people with disabilities, especially those who also belong to other marginalized communities.

As members and supporters of LWV, we know that empowering every voter means addressing the inequities that limit participation. That includes amplifying disability rights as voting rights.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Host or share educational events on disability voting rights and accessibility
• Partner with local disability rights organizations to better understand community needs
• Audit your voter outreach materials to ensure they are inclusive and accessible
• Promote accessible registration and voting tools on social media during DVRW
• Encourage poll worker training on disability etiquette and ADA compliance
• Write an op-ed for your local newspaper
• Ask your local government leaders to issue a proclamation for Disability Voting Rights Week

Let’s make this week a moment of action and reflection. Together, we can work toward a democracy where every voter counts and every voice is heard.

For more information: https://www.aapd.com/disability-voting-rights-week/ 

September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day

In 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), established World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness about suicide. The goal is to focus attention on this critical issue, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help, and sharing the vital message that suicide is preventable. 

The theme for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," encouraging everyone to “start the conversation.” Open dialogue about suicide is essential to understanding this complex issue and shifting cultural norms from silence and judgment toward empathy and support. This three-year theme also aims to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention in policymaking, increase access to mental health professionals, and provide support for those in need. 

Resources 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7. You can also chat with the Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. For more specific resources: https://988lifeline.org.

To view statistics on suicides in Wisconsin and for more resources on how to get help, scan the QR code.