Ooooooh, it’s already Fall! Take some time out to get cozy & learn more about interesting holidays, awareness campaigns, cultural celebrations, and other days to remember this month. Happy reading, and as always, stay timely!
National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15
The (often overlooked) histories and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latinx Americans take center stage during these four weeks. You might notice museums, cultural centers, and organizations nationwide holding events celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture. If you’d like to check out some online resources, here’s a good place to start.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Recognized by breast cancer organizations around the world, the goal of this month is to raise awareness of prevention, testing, and treatment of the disease and to support those affected. You will find various educational and fundraising activities taking place throughout the month. Here you’ll find some resources and ideas to get the word out.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Everyone deserves a healthy relationship that is free from violence. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates that, in the U.S., 20 partners experience physical abuse every minute. Remember: intimate partner violence can occur in any kind of relationship, no matter the gender identity of the people involved. Learn how to better identify abusive behaviors. Visit The Hotline. If you are in a domestic violence situation and need help, please call 1.800.799.7233.
LGBTQI History Month
Do you know about Missourian Rodney Wilson? In 1994, he created LGBTQI History Month. A high school history teacher, he realized that schools often provided little to no information about the achievements of LGBTQI Americans. They also didn’t provide sufficient context about the struggle for LGBTQ rights. To help the LGBTQI History Month gain traction, Wilson chose October for commemorations. The month coincides with National Coming Out Day (11th) and the anniversary of the first LGBT March on Washington (14th). He efforts did not go unnoticed. Now, several school districts and states around the country teach LGBTQI history.
National Family Sexuality Education Month
Oh, where to begin? First, let’s recognize there are so many challenges when it comes to school-based sex education in the U.S. As one example — and the biggest problem, of course — is that many school districts aren’t providing sex education to any of their students! This is where families can and should step in. Ideally, teaching about consent and sexuality should start in the home. In October, we support families who actively give their children accurate, age-appropriate sex education. And if you’re a parent or caregiver who is not already talking to their children, this is a great month to start! If you need a little help, here are some tips and resources.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month
The United States has a horrible record when it comes to maternal and infant health. Likewise, miscarriage and infant death also can be taboo topics. Keeping these topics out of conversation makes can potentially make it difficult for those affected to receive effective support. This is why, during Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, we must support individuals, couples, and families affected by pregnancy or infant loss. Let’s work to eliminate stigma from these issues for good. Specifically, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, marked by the worldwide World of Light remembrance. Many Americans are only scratching the surface of conversations about how to improve maternal and infant health. This article may shine some light on the problem and potential solutions.
Friday, October 1
Same-Sex Couple Manonia Evans and Donna Burkett Apply for Marriage License
In 1971, after couple Manonia Evans and Donna Burkett were refused a marriage license in Wisconsin, Burkett and Evans took their case to court. Although they lost their case, the two became the first African American same-sex couple in the U.S. to file court proceedings challenging their right to marry. 43 years later, her home state recognized Donna Burkett for her pioneering lawsuit.
World Vegetarian Day
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the benefits of vegetarianism and to encourage non-veggies to give it a try. That’s great! But on this day we’re also thinking about the “veggiesexuals” out there. Want to partner with someone that shares your culinary values but not sure where to look? Check out Grazer, or hit up a local Meetup group.
Saturday, October 2
Birth of Mahatma Gandhi (1869)
During his life, Mahatma Gandhi was both a lawyer and a politician. However, social justice advocates know him best for working for freedom for Indian people during the British occupation of India. His nonviolent approach helped spur a movement, and his legacy influenced many, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While his efforts supporting Indian independence are admirable, he also held racist views of African people. Gandhi’s legacy shows that social justice leaders need to understand and embrace the humanity of all people beyond the population they’re advocating for. Like Fannie Lou Hamer proclaimed, “nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
Sunday, October 10
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is a worldwide observation that raises awareness around mental health issues, eliminating stigma, and advocating for better care and treatment. The theme this year is “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality. According to the World Health Organization, death by suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds. (Learn more about the risk factors and warning signs.) Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know needs help, please don’t be afraid to reach out. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1.800.273.8255.
Monday, October 11
International Day of the Girl Child
Established by the United Nations in 2012, the aim of this day is to “highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face.” These needs and challenges include access to education, employment, and competent health care, among other issues. While the UN doesn’t specifically address it, we feel this day should be inclusive and include girls and oppressed children of all gender identities.
National Coming Out Day
Founded in 1988, the original goal of this day was to combat homophobia by encouraging lesbian and gay people to come out to their loved ones. (The idea being that if someone personally knows someone who is gay or lesbian, they are less likely to be homophobic.) Now, we also use this day to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ folks and to recognize the challenges that some in the community continue to face in living an “out” life.
Indigenous Peoples Day
This day recognizes the achievements of indigenous peoples in America and around the world. It also acknowledges the effects that colonization and displacement have had on these communities. Honor and learn more about indigenous peoples’ acts of resistance.
Thursday, October 14
First Gay Rights March on Washington, D.C. (1979)
This march marked the first large-scale national march of LGBTQ+ folks. Like the civil rights march that inspired it, the organizers presented a set of civil rights demands. These included passing a civil rights bill for LGBTQI folks; ending legalized discrimination on local and federal levels with regards to employment, housing; and protection for LGBTQI youth, among other demands. While Congress didn’t initially take action in many areas, due to the resulting media attention and increased community activism, most consider the march a success.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Receives the Nobel Peace Prize
On this date in 1964, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his commitment to nonviolent protest of racial injustice. At just 35 years old, at the time he was the youngest person to ever receive this award.
Friday, October 15
National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day
This main goal of this day is to increase awareness around HIV prevention, testing, and treatment for the nation’s Latinx community. In addition, nonprofits, health departments, government officials, and community leaders work together to increase the capacity of health practitioners to increase their outreach and deliver effective care to this community. Learn more at nlaad.org.
National Mammography Day
Self-exams and testing are crucial to detecting and early treatment of breast cancer. On this day — and always — learn more about what mammograms are and how they assist in breast cancer prevention. Get screened! Learn more about low-cost or free screenings.
Sunday, October 17
International Day for the Eradication Of Poverty
The United Nations established this awareness day in 1992. The goal? To increase awareness around how and why millions of people around the world live in poverty — and how poverty affects a person’s health, political and social capital, and security. In the U.S., we understand that systemic barriers due to gender, race, class, and disability can have huge effects on earning potential. (Look no further than the various yearly EqualPayDays as evidence.)
Thursday, October 21
Nazi Ordinace Bans Obscene Writings, Illustrations, and Performances
Reportedly, this is the date that the Nazi government instituted an ordinance banning art of all kinds due to “obscenity.” (Note: The year of this ordinance is unclear.) Like all totalitarian governments, much of what Nazis found “offensive” were ideas that ran counter to their narrative. This “anniversary” is a sobering reminder that:
- We should always fight fascism! And,
- It reminds us to be aware of what is currently considered “obscene” within our own government and to be willing to protect each other when necessary.
World Values Day
World Values Day is, officially, “an annual campaign to increase the awareness and practice of values around the world.” At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, Inc., we enjoy sharing this information about various awareness days and significant events, and we do it with a purpose. Our sincere hope is that you learn more about the meaning behind these days and incorporate these values into your work or personal life. Feel free to let us know how we’re doing!
Tuesday, October 26
Nazis Create the “Reich Central Office for Combating Abortion and Homosexuality“
Nazis established this department in 1936 in order to gather data on and punish those suspected to be LGBTQ. Additionally, the office also punished women who had or attempted to have abortions. As Nazis considered both abortion and homosexuality “offenses” that limited Aryan birth rates, they especially targeted people in either of these groups.
Intersex Awareness Day
On this day, we ensure that the voices of intersex people around the world are heard. Take part in grassroots actions to educate people on what it actually means to be “intersex,” with a goal to eliminate the stigma around intersex people. Host events to raise awareness of discrimination and human rights abuses faced by this community.
Sunday, October 31
Halloween
You’ve reached the end of the month — hooray! Celebrate by doing something fun for this festive holiday. Enjoy your Halloween, and we’ll see you next month!