May Month Long Observances
- Better Hearing & Speech Month
- Indian Heritage Month
- Haitian Heritage Month
- Jewish-American Heritage Month
- ALS Awareness Month
- 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 waves of Asian immigration to the United States occurred during the 19th century, particularly in Hawaii and along the West Coast. Asian Americans faced widespread discrimination, lawful exclusion, and restrictions on immigration between 1875 and 1965 through laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Immigration Act of 1924. Although the 14th and 15th Amendments expanded citizenship and voting rights after the Civil War, many Asian immigrants were denied suffrage because they were ineligible for naturalization and citizenship under federal law. In some states, Asian Americans also faced discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, property requirements, and voter intimidation. Broader access to citizenship and voting rights came with the McCarran-Walter Act, which allowed Asian immigrants to naturalize, and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which ended national-origin immigration quotas. Before these reforms, many Asian immigrants and their descendants were excluded from full political participation because they could not become citizens. For more information click here.
May 1 – May Day
In the United States, May Day is most commonly recognized as International Workers’ Day. This is a time to honor the contributions, rights, and ongoing struggles of workers. Its roots trace back to the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers advocating for an eight-hour workday were met with violence, an event that became a global symbol of labor rights movements.
This day continues to be marked by labor organizations, immigrant rights groups, and social justice advocates through rallies, marches, and community events. May Day highlights worker equity and dignity, including the importance of fair wages and safe working conditions. It also recognizes the vital role of immigrant labor, as many May Day events in the United States center on immigrant rights. The day emphasizes collective action and advocacy, showing how diverse communities have shaped labor protections over time. More broadly, May Day underscores how economic justice intersects with diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that marginalized groups have historically faced disproportionate labor challenges and have been central to movements for workplace rights.
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 14 – Feast of the Ascension
The Feast of the Ascension, also known as Ascension Day, is a Christian observance celebrated 40 days after Easter to commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. Observed in many Christian traditions, including Coptic, Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant churches, the day is devoted to prayer and reflection, symbolizing hope, eternal life, and spiritual renewal.
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 LGBTQIA2S+ 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, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA2S+ equality. Established in 2004, the 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 and expressions, and sex characteristics.
Grounded in the belief that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), the day emphasizes that LGBTQIA2S+ rights are human rights and underscores the ongoing 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 the six branches of the United States military. These branches are the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
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 21 – 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 21 – 23: 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 ancient harvest festival of first fruits in Israel. Known as the Festival of Weeks, Shavuot is a time for Torah study, prayer, religious observances, and reflection on the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
May 25 – 30: The Hajj
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is required once in a lifetime for adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. The pilgrimage consists of a series of sacred rituals performed over several days, symbolizing devotion to God, humility, and the unity and equality of Muslims before God.
May 26 – Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. It is marked by ceremonies, tributes, visits to cemeteries and memorials, parades, and a national moment of remembrance.
May 27 – 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.
May 29 – Ascension Day
In Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter to commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, as described in the New Testament. The observance reflects the belief that Christ ascended to heaven after his resurrection, affirming his divine nature and the promise of eternal life. Today, the holiday is marked by special liturgies, prayers, worship services, and communal celebrations, with many believers reflecting on themes of spiritual renewal, hope, and Christ’s exaltation.
