May is:

• ALS Awareness Month
• Haitian Heritage Month
• Indian Heritage Month
• Jewish-American Heritage Month
• Mental Health Month
• National Asian American and South Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Older Americans Month
• South Asian American Heritage Month

May 3: Eid al-Fitr

An Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. As it ends fasting, its primary event is a big meal.

May 5: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls

To help raise awareness and participate, wear red on May 5, post a photo on social media and use the hashtags #NationalDayofAwareness #MMNWG or #MMIW Join an event, prayer circle or vigil in your community if possible.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo

This May holiday is a favorite, but its history is often overlooked. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage as it commemorates the date that the Mexican army defeated the French army. You’ll often see it celebrated with parties, parades, traditional Mexican foods, and mariachi music.

May 8: Buddha’s Birthday

Buddha’s birthday is a significant day of celebration for Buddhists around the world. Prince Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of one of the most popular religions in the world. The festival Vesak celebrates his birth and marks his Enlightenment for some Buddhists.

May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

This day honors the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classifications of Diseases of the WHO in 1990. On this day, 132 countries coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights. You can celebrate by reading up on the terminology so you can talk about the issues confidently in the workplace.

May 19: Malcolm X’s Birthday

In the 1960s, Malcolm X was a prominent civil rights leader and figure in the Nation of Islam. He was assassinated in 1965. His birthday is celebrated on May 19th, and it’s known as “Malcolm X Day.”

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

This day highlights the need for cultural exchange and celebrates the world’s diversity. It was set aside by the United Nations in 2001 as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.

May 26: Ascension Day

This is a Christian holiday that marks the 40^th day following Easter when Jesus ascended into Heaven.

May 30: Memorial Day

This day began during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. After World War I, it came to be observed by honoring all military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.