Summer is a time for celebrations, and in the United States we have numerous cultural holidays and celebrations every month! May is packed full of holidays starting with the monthlong celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage, followed by Cinco de Mayo, and ending with Africa Day! With so many celebrations how do we choose what to support, or should we show support for all? How can we celebrate one holiday without celebrating the other?

Let’s break it down into bite size pieces and talk about it!

A simple way to narrow down your decision is to look at basic factors including what cultures are represented in the fabric of your city. What events are already happening, and are they successful on their own? What events in your community have a large support system, large attendance, and are making a good impact? These are the basic questions you want to ask when trying to determine what events, holidays, and programs your organization could support.

For example, Cinco de Mayo tends to be a largely celebrated holiday throughout the United States. Attendance, support, and impact tend to be relatively large in most areas, whereas Africa Day tends to be less celebrated, and supported in many communities. So, with these things in mind decide what your community looks like, and where you see a discrepancy. Once you have narrowed down that information you will have a better idea of what event you may want to show heavier support for without prejudice.

A good rule of thumb is no matter what event(s) you land on, at a minimum, you should always show support for all cultural holidays through your social media channels, especially if there is a celebration for that event in your community. Recognize the power of elevating the voices of others!

So, in choosing an upcoming holiday, let’s take a look at Africa Day and learn a little bit about the holiday, and see how organizations around the country are showing support in celebration!

Africa Day, celebrated on May 25th, is an important day that honors the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which later became the African Union (AU). This day is significant for Africans worldwide as it celebrates their heritage, culture, and achievements.

Africa Day is also an opportunity to promote unity among people of African descent. It is a day to celebrate Pan-Africanism, a movement that advocates for the unity and solidarity of all Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora (Diaspora = Africans, and those of African descent no longer on the continent). Pan-Africanism emphasizes the shared history and experiences of people of African descent and seeks to promote their common interests.

So, who are some of the cities celebrating Africa day, and could you community get involved?

In Portland, Oregon there are celebrations of Africa Day throughout the city with events featuring music concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural discussions, providing a platform for the African diaspora to share their heritage. Check out the Pan African Cultural foundation for their updates on their annual Pan African festival!

Additionally, in Los Angeles, California, the Fowler Museum at UCLA offers a joyful annual festival of live music, dance, artmaking, refreshments, and the children’s village with family friendly activities!

Finally, in Washington, D.C. The African Union Mission to the United States often hosts a special Africa Day celebration. This event includes cultural performances, speeches, and a celebration of African cuisine.

These are just three examples but a quick google search will show you numerous celebrations all over the United States.

 So, maybe it’s time for your organization to get involved. You can start by simply doing research to see if you have any events happening in your community. If so, reach out to organizers and see if your organization can volunteer, sponsor, or in some way take part in their celebration. Find out what needs they have and see how you can be a bridge.

If there are no events celebrating Africa Day in your community, consider putting one together. Always check to see if you have a local organization in your community representative of the culture you are celebrating. If you do, reach out and see if they would like to meet, partner, or participate in the celebrations. But with Africa Day right around the corner you can still throw together a quick and fun celebration. The easiest way to do that is hosting a movie night at the local community center, school or library possibly featuring African snacks, and showcasing a film either educational or family friendly in honor of the celebration. Make sure to always include some educational speaking components and fact check the information you are sharing.

Educating others about cultural holidays is one of the easiest ways to break down stereotypes, barriers, and fear of the unknown in your community. Remember, education and inclusion lead to more inclusive spaces for all.

In conclusion, celebrating and supporting cultural holidays is instrumental for all organizations and businesses. Everyone that lives, works, and thrives in your community deserves to be honored and celebrated. Celebrations of cultural diversity promote unity among people of all walks of life, and it truly brings communities together.



We Are Stronger Together!