Spring has arrived—but there’s little reprieve for those on the frontlines. Yet, as flowers push through frozen ground, we’re witnessing something the administration can’t crush: resistance that refuses to be uprooted. Our movements for justice continue the exhausting work of fighting barriers that grow higher each day.
This April at FUNKY BROWN CHICK, Inc., we see you—the nonprofits, activists, and community leaders running on empty while still showing up daily. We don’t pretend this moment feels hopeful. The attacks on bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom are relentless, funding is precarious, and burnout is real. We hope that you’ll find this month’s days to remember inspiring, and maybe use some of them to find renewal for your continued fight for health justice, reproductive freedom, and a world where everyone thrives—however distant that world may feel right now.
April 1 – 30
National Poetry Month
Launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month celebrates poetry as a catalyst for social transformation. As the administration intensifies its immigration crackdowns, poets across the country are answering the call for resistance through verse and songs. Poetry has always been a weapon of movements—from Langston Hughes challenging racism to Audre Lorde’s radical self-expression to Amanda Gorman’s vision of democracy.
Maya Angelou embodied this revolutionary potential, using poetry to challenge systems of oppression while affirming Black identity and resilience. Her approach—speaking in “the first-person singular talking about the first-person plural”—created space for voices historically silenced to be heard. “Caged Bird” and “Still I Rise” weren’t just poems but acts of resistance that transformed personal pain into collective power. Today’s poets follow this tradition, turning their experiences of detention, family separation, and xenophobia into verse that demands we see their humanity.
At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, our Immigration Justice work helps organizations amplify voices of the underrepresented when they’re most under attack. Storytelling matters—poetry reminds us that behind every policy debate are human beings with dreams as worthy as our own.
Medicaid Awareness Month
At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we know healthcare is a human right. This April, we encourage you to learn more about this vital program, even if you don’t think you’d need it. Did you know Medicaid covers 40% of all births in the U.S. and provides healthcare to 2 in 5 children? It also supports every 3 out of 5 nursing facility residents.
Despite promises not to “touch Medicaid,” the administration is backing proposals that would slash funding to pay for $4.2 trillion in tax cuts primarily benefiting the wealthiest 0.1%. These cuts would devastate rural hospitals, threaten nursing homes, and eliminate essential community health services.
The good news? Nearly 350 organizations recently signed a letter calling on Congress to protect Medicaid, with constituents packing town halls nationwide to defend this program serving 80 million US residents. When we fight together for healthcare access, we’ve proven we can win—even against seemingly impossible odds.
Volunteer Appreciation Month & National Volunteer Month
So much of the work nonprofits do could not happen without the help of volunteers! Organizations should show appreciation for volunteers this April by celebrating them—some great ideas can be found here. For aspiring volunteers, we recommend you consider volunteering at Black-led, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+ organizations to help lift the load of their leaders. By volunteering you are making space for leaders to rest in order to refresh and strengthen strategy. Rest is resistance. Don’t think so? Check out the Nap Ministry..
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Content warning: This section discusses child abuse statistics and prevention efforts.
Child abuse in the United States has been described as an “epidemic.” Half of all children worldwide experience violence each year. Every seven minutes, a child dies as a result. Ending this epidemic requires collective action.
When we talk about violence against children, we’re talking about a crisis that crosses every border, culture, and socioeconomic level. In the US alone, child protective services receive referrals involving approximately 7 million children annually—and experts believe actual numbers are far higher due to underreporting.
Organizations like Save the Children are leading the way with prevention-focused approaches: strengthening families with protective skills, advocating for better government policies, training educators and healthcare workers, and listening to children themselves. Their goal by 2030 is ambitious but necessary: a world where violence against children is no longer tolerated.
Want to make a difference? Start by supporting organizations like Save the Children and End Violence Against Children who are prioritizing prevention over reaction.
Alcohol Awareness Month
Created in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Alcohol Awareness Month has a couple of goals:
- Reduce stigma around alcoholism
- Increase outreach and education around alcoholism and recovery
The month typically kicks off with an “Alcohol-Free Weekend” during the first weekend of April… no judgments if you don’t participate, or if you do. In either case, the point of the weekend is to raise awareness about potential unhealthy alcohol use.
Stress Awareness Month
Statistics show that more than 50% of Americans report stress they felt they couldn’t handle, at least once in the past year. This is especially concerning since stress kills–many may see this as an exaggeration; although stress itself doesn’t cause death, its effects can lead to death. According to BetterHelp, stress can be dangerous and potentially fatal in the long term by causing other life-threatening health concerns. There are many causes, however, one significant trigger of stress is racism. In fact, the American Psychological Association’s Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs, notes that pervasive and persistent exposure to racism and discrimination adds a daily stressor for Black people, ultimately affecting their psychological and physiological health. For gender, in cis-hetero couples, married men live longer than single men, but married women live shorter lives than single women. Research suggests that’s because women are carrying the weight of men’s emotional and social aspects of life, plus many more (e.g., making doctor’s appointments, reminding them of family events and significant dates). Stress caused by racism and sexism shaves years off lives. We all deserve better.
National Minority Health Month
This year’s National Minority Health Month theme—”Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities”—feels both urgent and threatened. As the administration dismantles DEI initiatives nationwide, the FDA has already removed diversity guidance for clinical trials, setting back years of progress in ensuring treatments work for all populations.
Sponsored by the Office of Minority Health, this observance aims to eliminate health disparities affecting global majority populations, including Black, Asian American, Latino, and Indigenous communities. The rollback of DEI programs creates a dangerous double barrier: fewer healthcare professionals of color entering the field, leading to worse health outcomes for communities already facing systemic inequities. Research consistently shows patients receive better care when their providers share their cultural background and lived experiences.
Despite these challenges, resistance is building. Major companies like Microsoft, Visa, Costco, Delta, Coca Cola, and Apple have rejected DEI rollbacks. Meanwhile, civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits challenging the anti-DEI executive orders, defending programs that create pathways to economic opportunity and health access for historically disadvantaged communities. These actions remind us that the fight for health equity continues—in courtrooms, boardrooms, and community clinics across the country.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Content warning: This section discusses sexual violence statistics and prevention efforts.
“Together We Act, United We Change”—this year’s theme calls us to collective action against sexual violence in all its forms. At a time when one in three women and one in four men experience sexual violence in their lifetime, individual awareness isn’t enough. We need coordinated community response.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s (NSVRC) 2025 campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding, amplifying survivors’ voices—particularly those most underrepresented. The Center helps younger generations to shape a safer future. Everyone deserves environments where they’re treated with respect, free from abuse, assault, and harassment.
While organizations fighting sexual violence are feeling the weight of increased demands and decreased resources, they’re finding strength in community-based approaches. Rather than pushing survivors toward individual “resilience”—which can place unfair burdens on those already carrying trauma—these movements are focusing on collective healing and transformative justice. From digital campaigns that make consent education accessible to survivor-led support circles that distribute care responsibilities, communities are choosing renewal through connection rather than resilience through isolation.
Looking for ways to engage? Visit NSVRC.org for campaign toolkits and resources. Because only by acting together can we create lasting change in how our communities understand, talk about, and respond to sexual violence.
STI Awareness Month
Back in 2019, our founder Twanna A. Hines warned in NBC News that “STD rates have reached an all-time high” and identified how the administration’s policies were directly driving this public health crisis. Her prediction has proven devastatingly accurate.
Between 2017-2021, syphilis cases increased by 68%, gonorrhea by 25%, and chlamydia remained at record highs. Now, as the administration withdraws from the World Health Organization and dismantles essential public health infrastructure, we’re bracing for these trends to accelerate further.
Despite federal failures, community-based health organizations are stepping up with expanded testing, telehealth consultations, and innovative education approaches.
Looking for accurate information? The American Sexual Health Association remains committed to science-based education, reminding us that the term “STI” (infection) is often more accurate than “STD” (disease) since many infections show no symptoms but can still cause lasting harm if untreated.
This April, support local sexual health organizations fighting back—because when national leadership falters, community becomes our most powerful medicine.
April 21–27
National Infertility Awareness Week
In the wake of Alabama’s Supreme Court ruling that embryos are children—temporarily shutting down IVF clinics across the state—this year’s National Infertility Awareness Week takes on new urgency. Founded by RESOLVE in 1989, this observance has evolved from raising awareness to fighting for reproductive rights now under unprecedented threat.
The contradiction? Politicians claim to support families building through IVF while backing “Life at Conception” legislation that would make the procedure impossible. As RESOLVE advocates, reproductive justice means recognizing that access to abortion care, contraception, and fertility treatments all stem from the same fundamental right: the freedom to determine if, when, and how to build a family.
Tuesday, April 2
World Autism Awareness Day
Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests through unique social interactions and challenges in communication and information processing—but contrary to previous understanding, it’s not gender-neutral in diagnosis. Nearly 80% of autistic females remain undiagnosed by age 18, not because they don’t have autism, but because diagnostic criteria were developed based on male presentations. Girls and women often display different patterns: they’re more likely to mask symptoms, have fewer repetitive behaviors, and present as quiet rather than disruptive—making them less likely to be flagged for evaluation.
As we recognize World Autism Awareness Day, we must challenge biased diagnostic systems that leave so many without the support they need, particularly when these invisible disabilities impact people across all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Friday, April 5
Booker T. Washington’s Birthday (1856)
Born enslaved in Virginia, Booker T. Washington’s journey from plantation cabin to founding the Tuskegee Institute exemplifies the power of education and strategic leadership in creating pathways to opportunity—even against overwhelming odds. Washington understood that economic empowerment and skills development were crucial foundations for community advancement during the harsh post-Reconstruction era.
His approach offers valuable lessons for today’s movements facing systemic barriers. Washington’s focus on building tangible institutions rather than merely articulating ideals resulted in over 100 buildings, 1,500 students, and a $2 million endowment (equivalent to roughly $58 million today)—creating generational impact that continues through Tuskegee University. His autobiography, Up from Slavery, remains essential reading for understanding how to build sustainable change within oppressive systems.
Beyond his well-known work in the US South, Washington’s lesser-known book, The Man Farthest Down, documented global poverty and articulated the interconnectedness of all people’s struggles. As we face renewed threats to educational access and economic opportunity, Washington’s strategic patience, institution-building approach, and belief that excellence in any field commands respect offers a blueprint for creating lasting change. His words still resonate: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
Monday, April 8
Kinsey Institute for Sex Research Incorporated in Indiana
When Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey established the Institute for Sex Research in 1947, the US was a dramatically different place. Students needed to be married or engaged just to attend his lectures—a requirement that would seem absurd today when nearly half of US adults are single.
Despite recurring attempts to defund or discredit the Institute throughout its history, it has not only survived but expanded its research into gender, relationships, and wellbeing. From an era when comprehensive sexuality education was virtually nonexistent, we’ve progressed to a point where most states have some form of sexuality education.
This evolution reminds us that despite cyclical attempts to restrict sexual health information, the long arc of history bends toward greater knowledge, not less. The barriers that fall rarely rise again in quite the same way—we’re not going back.
Wednesday, April 10
Dolores Huerta’s Birthday (1930)
If you’ve ever chanted, “Si, se puede,” you’re chanting Dolores Huerta’s inspirational catchphrase. Labor leader, civil rights leader, and all-around badass Dolores Huerta turns 95 today. Huerta has spent the vast majority of her life as an organizer, first co-founding the Stockton chapter of the Community Service Organization, and then the Agricultural Workers’ Association. However, she’s probably best known for founding the National Farm Workers Association (now known as United Farm Workers of America) in 1962 with fellow activist César Chávez. Over the last few decades, Huerta’s focus has been on increasing Latine political representation.
Thursday, April 11
Fair Housing Act passed (1968)
Signed into law by President Johnson one week after Dr. King’s assassination, the Fair Housing Act prohibited housing discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin—later expanded to protect people with disabilities and families with children. Now, as housing costs soar and tent cities grow, these protections face an unprecedented threat: the administration has begun terminating grants to organizations that enforce the Fair Housing Act, groups that handle 75% of the nation’s discrimination complaints.
The Fair Housing Act itself stands as a testament to the power of persistence in the civil rights movement. For over five decades, it has provided a legal framework that millions of Americans have used to challenge discrimination and create more inclusive communities. While enforcement has always fluctuated with changing administrations, the law’s fundamental protections remain intact—a reminder that civil rights advances, though never guaranteed, create enduring tools for justice that extend beyond any single political moment.
Tuesday, April 15
Tax Day
Tax Day, as we now know it, was not made law until 1955 when sweeping changes were made to the tax code. The very first Tax Day, in 1914, was set for March 1. Four years later, the Revenue Act of 1918 moved the date to March 15 (giving an American twist to “The Ides of March!”), and that’s where it stood for 37 years. When stating why they moved the date again, lawmakers explained that the later date of April 15 would help both taxpayers and the IRS. Hmm. If you haven’t yet completed your civic financial duty, visit the IRS to apply for an extension.
National Columnists’ Day
Established by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists in honor of fallen colleague Ernie Pyle, this is a day to celebrate column writers around the world and their work. Our founder has written several columns herself, first with Nerve magazine, and most recently with Metro International newspapers. See more of her writing here.
The world is increasingly dangerous for the press, yet journalists continue standing strong in the face of unprecedented threats. Their commitment to truth-telling, even at great personal risk, remains vital to functioning democracies worldwide. And it should be celebrated!
To stay safe, journalists and their editors need appropriate training, equipment, and other resources, such as insurance and access to psychosocial support services, as well as timely, accessible information. Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists provide crucial safety resources, including kits with information on physical, digital, and psychological safety tools that help protect those who keep us informed.
National Immigrant Resilience Day (NIRD)
National Immigrant Resilience Day celebrates the strength, contributions, and unwavering spirit of immigrant communities across the US. Led by United We Dream, this day honors the courage it takes to build a life in a new country and the cultural vibrancy immigrants bring.
This observance reminds us that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about transforming challenges into collective power. Immigrant-led organizations nationwide are creating innovative community protection networks, launching know-your-rights trainings, and developing technological tools to keep families informed and connected.
Want to support this movement? Visit United We Dream’s website! By standing together, we all contribute to building a more welcoming and just society where everyone’s rights and dignity are respected.
Friday, April 18
Good Friday
Our office will be closed on Good Friday, a national holiday in Portugal, as we observe all US and Portuguese national holidays. The day’s historical name in English is “Long Friday”, which is still how it’s referred to in some languages, such as German; in Portuguese, the day is referred to as “Sexta-feira Santa” (Holy Friday). At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we honor all spiritual journeys—Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists, agnostics, pagans, Hindus, and everyone else. You’re free to choose your own faith path or none at all. Our firm observes both US and Portuguese holidays as part of our global perspective, which is why we’re closed on Good Friday. We’ll be back in the office Monday, ready to continue the fight for justice.
Monday, April 22
Earth Day
We know what it used to be like. Before 1970, factories could legally spew toxic smoke into the air and dump waste into streams without consequence. The first Earth Day changed all that when 20 million Americans hit the streets demanding environmental protections. Senator Gaylord Nelson’s vision worked. By December 1970, Congress created the EPA, and within a decade, passed the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and a dozen other environmental laws that have quite literally saved millions of lives.
Climate change and pollution disproportionately affect women, pregnant people, and children, especially in communities of color. As we protect the planet, we must center those impacted the most by environmental harm. This Earth Day, join us in celebrating both movements by advocating for policies that recognize everyone’s right to bear and raise children in healthy environments. And yes—go plant that tree, but also call your representatives about environmental protections that ensure healthy environments for all families!
Tuesday, April 23
Loretta Lynch becomes first Black woman to be Attorney General
Nominated by President Obama, Loretta Lynch was confirmed as the nation’s most senior law enforcement official on this date in 2015. During her two-year tenure, she helped secure federal hate crime charges against the Charleston church shooter, worked with the FBI on the Orlando nightclub shooting case, and indicted leaders in the soccer governing body FIFA for corruption.
World Book Day
First established in 1995 by UNESCO, the purpose of this awareness day is for people around the world to develop an appreciation of reading, learn more about publishing, and increase awareness of copyright issues. In honor of this day, we encourage everyone to “Read Banned Books” in an effort to challenge movements that seek to censor stories for various reasons as many have been representative of history—even the controversial aspects of it. Join the fight against banning these books.
Thursday, April 25
Anniversary of March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation (1993)
The notable absence of “transgender” from this historic 1993 march’s title reflects how far we’ve come in LGBTQIA+ inclusion—and how far we still have to go. While this massive demonstration (one of the largest in queer history) successfully pushed for civil rights legislation, AIDS funding, and family protections, today’s movement faces a new wave of attacks specifically targeting transgender Americans.
In March 2025 alone, we witnessed multiple battles in the fight for trans rights—including issuing executive orders threatening gender-affirming care funding, though a federal judge thankfully blocked this overreach. Senate Democrats narrowly defeated a bill banning trans athletes from girls’ sports. Meanwhile, LGBTQIA+ communities are rallying at state capitols nationwide as Republican-controlled legislatures push over 500 anti-trans bills. The fight that began decades ago continues with renewed urgency: trans rights are human rights, and they’re currently the frontline of today’s civil rights battle. At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we stand with the transgender community and recognize that true liberation must include everyone under our rainbow.
Friday, April 26
Lesbian Day of Visibility
First celebrated in the US in 2008, Lesbian Visibility Day has evolved into a worldwide observance celebrating lesbian identity, culture, and contributions. While gay men have historically dominated LGBTQIA+ representation, this day carves out dedicated space to recognize lesbian experiences and achievements. From groundbreaking musicians like Brandi Carlile and Hayley Kiyoko (affectionately dubbed “Lesbian Jesus” by fans) to literary voices like Audre Lorde and political pioneers like Tammy Baldwin, lesbian women have shaped our world in profound ways despite often being erased from both queer and women’s histories.
As The Trevor Project reminds us, lesbian identity goes far beyond stereotypes—it encompasses diverse expressions of gender, race, culture, and lived experiences. Lesbian visibility matters because representation saves lives, providing young queer women with role models and hope. This April 26, consider celebrating by discovering lesbian musicians (from icons like k.d. lang to newer voices like Girl in Red), supporting lesbian-owned businesses, or simply learning more about lesbian history.
Saturday, April 27
Coretta Scott King’s Birthday (1927)
Activist and widow of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King was born in Heiberger, Alabama. After graduating from high school as the valedictorian of her class, she left Alabama to attend Antioch College in Ohio. She originally planned to become a teacher, however, the local school board would not allow her to teach. She then moved to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. It was there she met her future husband. After they married and relocated to Montgomery, she also participated in marches and joined him at his speeches. While she had begun some activism work apart from Dr. King, after his assassination she became even more prominent, leading marches, establishing The King Center, and advocating for a national holiday in honor of her husband’s birthday. In her later years, she became an anti-apartheid activist and an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and LGBTQIA+ rights. She died on January 30, 2006.
Tuesday, April 30
Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
If you’re thinking of adding a furry (or scaly) family member to your home, consider skipping the breeders and heading to your local shelter instead. With thousands of animals placed in shelters daily, there’s never been a better time to help an animal find their “fur”ever home! Our founder adopted shelter cats, and her life hasn’t been the same! Learn more about adopting a pet.
April’s Lessons: Renewal Through Action
As spring transforms the landscape around us, April’s observances remind us of our remarkable capacity for renewal and growth even in challenging times. It commemorates the audacious belief that progress, though never guaranteed, is always possible.
The history we’ve explored shows us that seasons of apparent setback have consistently sparked the most innovative solutions. Communities facing barriers to healthcare create mutual aid networks. Artists transform pain into powerful cultural movements. Educators develop new ways to share knowledge when traditional pathways are blocked. This is the spirit of spring—life finding a way, sometimes through the most unlikely cracks in seemingly impenetrable barriers.
At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we’re committed to nurturing this renewal alongside you. Our team works with organizations cultivating justice across sectors—from reproductive rights groups to immigration advocates, from LGBTQIA+ organizations to environmental justice movements. Whether you’re looking to amplify your impact through data-driven strategies, craft compelling narratives that move hearts and minds, or build sustainable movements for change, we’re here to transform your vision into action.
Ready to make your voice heard? Let’s talk about how we can support your mission in these critical times. Because whether it’s Earth Day, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or National Immigrant Resilience Day—the work of creating a more just world happens every day of the year. Contact us today, and together, let’s build the future we all deserve.