During August, there are several days and many ways to honor and celebrate people across the globe. Some of the most vulnerable members of our worlds are celebrated this month: Indigenous people, youths, formerly enslaved, and women. All the groups mentioned have been historically marginalized and continue to face oppression. By learning more about these groups, we can take action to improve their futures.
August 9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People created by the United Nations to celebrate the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world. As stated by the United Nations, “Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment” (2022). In support of Indigenous People, educate yourself about Indigenous people in your country and community and the challenges they are facing including economic and cultural obstacles. The theme for 2022: “The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge”. A virtual commemoration will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 9am-11am EST to explore the ways in which Indigenous women are making progress in sharing knowledge while fighting discrimination based upon gender, class, ethnicity, and socioeconomic resources. Learn more about the event here.
August 12 International Youth Day created by the UN to bring attention to the importance of youth participation in global-decision making and joining together to salute the work of youths in building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.
August 22 National Business Woman’s Day commemorates the day in 1949, four women met to celebrate working women and to start the American Business Woman’s Association (ABWA) at a time when women were not celebrated for working outside of the home. Today, the ABWA supports women in business through networking events, professional and professional development opportunities, and education. Take time to support and recognize business women in your life.
August 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade, and Its Abolition. “This International Day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples. In accordance with the goals of the intercultural project ‘The Routes of Enslaved Peoples,’ it should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of this tragedy, and for an analysis of the interactions to which it has given rise between Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean.”
August 26 Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment which gave American women the right to vote. This amendment did not fully end obstacles for women of color to vote, yet, provided white women with protection from voter discrimination based upon sex. It is important to acknowledge this first step in securing voting rights for women while also acknowledging the challenges which continue for women in the United States and across the globe.