Martin Luther King Jr. Day ((January 19, 2026) serves as a reminder to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by engaging in acts of service and promoting inclusivity within our communities. It is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together, reflect on the progress made, and strive for a more […]
Kwanzaa is a secular festival observed from December 26th through January 1st as part of a celebration of African American cultural heritage and traditional values. Historical background and significance The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” or first fruits, referring to First fruits or Harvest festivals that are found throughout Africa. […]
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival (December 14 – 22, 2025). The central theme of Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. and the miracle of the oil. Hanukkah holds great cultural and religious significance for Jewish communities around the world, and the celebration of this festival […]
Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican celebration that takes place from December 16th to December 24th, marking the nine days before Christmas. This event holds significant cultural and religious importance in Mexico and other Latin American countries, as well as among Latino communities in the United States. Overall, Las Posadas is a deeply meaningful tradition […]
Native American Heritage Month is observed during the month of November in celebration and recognition of the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, contributions, and history of Native American and Indigenous peoples in the United States. The origins of Native American Heritage Month can be traced back to the efforts of various individuals and organizations who […]
Diwali is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindu communities around the world. Diwali is a festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It has deep-rooted religious and cultural significance and is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy, fostering unity […]
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October in the United States to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. In 2025, NDEAM will continue its mission to promote inclusive work environments and highlight the importance of ensuring equal opportunity for all […]
OUTmed along with the WashU Chancellor’s Office and WashU Olin Business School returned as an Equality sponsor of St. Louis Pride Fest 2025 held June 28-29 in downtown St. Louis. OUTmed coordinated opportunities for WashU Medicine faculty, trainees, residents, students, staff, and allies to participate throughout the weekend. Volunteers helped to staff a booth offering resources […]
May marks the annual celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States. In 1978 Congress proclaimed the first week of May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.” Future Presidents continued this annual proclamation until 1992 when Congress and President George H.W. Bush signed a law designating the month of May to celebrate […]
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is an annual celebration in the United States during May. It recognizes and honors the contributions of Jewish Americans to the country’s history, culture, and society. The idea for JAHM was proposed by Senator Arlen Specter and Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz in 2005 to appreciate the achievements of Jewish Americans […]
April celebrates both Diversity Month and National Minority Health Month, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us while also addressing the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in racial and ethnic minority groups. Diversity Month acknowledges and embraces the diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities that make up […]
Autism Acceptance Month takes place in April each year and is a time dedicated to promoting acceptance, understanding, and celebrating the diversity of people on the autism spectrum. The history of Autism Acceptance Month can be traced back to Autism Awareness Month, which was first designated in the 1970s to increase public knowledge about autism. […]
National Deaf History Month is celebrated March 13th to April 15th each year to commemorate the achievements of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. This timeframe was chosen to signify significant milestones in deaf education history, including: The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) introduced National Deaf History Month in 1997, and since […]
March offers us an opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month. This annual event honors women’s achievements and contributions throughout history. The theme for the 2025 Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” The theme recognizes the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Women’s […]
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent. This day is marked by Mass, where ashes are placed on the foreheads of Christians in the shape of crosses by the priest. This act symbolizes repentance and a commitment to God. Lent is a season of penance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, lasting for […]
This year, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, Feb. 28, or Saturday, March 1, 2025. The exact timing is based on the sighting of the moon. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance in the Islamic faith. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as […]
Ethnic Equality Month, starting on February 1st, is a lively celebration that showcases our diverse world. It highlights the beauty of various cultures and backgrounds, encouraging us to recognize our similarities while cherishing the unique qualities that define each culture. History of Ethnic Equality Month Ethnic Equality Month was established in response to movements that […]
During Black History month, we hope you have time to reflect on the many historical sacrifices and important contributions of Black Americans to our American way of life. Please see below for Black History Month events/activities being held at WashU and in the St. Louis community. We also provide links for reading and viewing to […]
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional lunar calendar and usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The history of Chinese New Year dates back over 4,000 years, rooted […]
Oktoberfest is a world-renowned festival held annually in Munich, Germany, typically from late September to the first weekend in October Oktoberfest dates back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities held over five days on […]
Women in Medicine Month, celebrated annually in September, honors the contributions of women in the medical field, including physicians, scientists, researchers, and other healthcare professionals The observance highlights their achievements, roles in patient care, education, and leadership, and promotes gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity in healthcare. It also aims to inspire future generations of women […]
The History Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 through October 15, celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Initiated as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson and expanded to a month-long celebration in […]
OUTmed along with the WashU Spectrum Office returned as an Equality sponsor of St. Louis PrideFest 2024 held June 29-30 in downtown St. Louis. The theme for 2024 Pride St. Louis was “Unleash Your Pride”. OUTmed coordinated opportunities for WashU Med faculty, trainees, residents, students, staff, and allies to participate throughout the weekend. Volunteers helped to […]
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds religious significance for Muslims around the world. It commemorates several important events in Islamic history, particularly the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The most significant event associated with Muharram is the Battle of Karbala, which took place in 680 […]
National Immigrant Heritage Month is a celebration held every June in the United States. It aims to honor and recognize the contributions and diverse cultures of immigrants to the country. The designation of Immigrant Heritage Month began in 2014, when former President Barack Obama issued a presidential proclamation establishing June as National Immigrant Heritage Month. […]
Caribbean Heritage Month is an annual observance held in June that celebrates the rich culture, history, and contributions of Caribbean people and their descendants. The month-long celebration aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the diverse traditions, languages, music, food, and art that originate from various Caribbean countries. The recognition of Caribbean Heritage Month dates […]
On June 19th, we celebrate Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States following the Civil War. In Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Grander announced the end of the Civil War and that those enslaved were now free. This announcement, however, came two and a half […]
Pride Month is a time for LGBTQ+ people to uplift and celebrate their freedom to live authentically. The LGBTQ+ community deserves affirmed, safe, supported, joyful, and mentally healthy lives. “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in […]
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is indeed a significant and widely celebrated festival in Chinese culture. It is a time for family reunions, cultural festivities, and welcoming a new year with hope and optimism. In 2024, Chinese New Year begins on February 10th and lasts for 15 […]