July Holidays & Observances: Celebrating DEI Year-Round
Friends having fun holding sparklers at the beach
It’s *officially* Summer now that we are post-solstice (can you say that ten times fast?) and it’s time to soak up the sun with some July celebrations. During this season of outdoor activities and time with loved ones, let's also celebrate the richness of diversity that the July holidays and observances bring.
Whether it’s acknowledging different perspectives, honoring cultural traditions, or simply listening to each other’s stories, these small acts foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
This month is full of celebrations marking major milestones and recognizing lesser-known communities. These observances serve as reminders that we never know what the person next to us is going through or experiencing and to always approach the world with an open mind.
Let’s make every day a celebration of equality, where differences are not just accepted - but embraced. Whether it’s through conversations, actions, or simply a smile, let’s keep the spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion alive not just in summer, but in every season of the year. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive world for everyone.
Read on for a list of just a selection of the holidays and celebrations in July!
List of July Observances
Monthly Observances:
BIPOC Mental Health Month
Formally recognized as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the observance was named in honor of Campbell, the Philadelphia-born author, teacher, and leader in advocating for mental health resources and specific needs in the Black and other underserved communities.
The way mental health is approached and discussed, especially in the workplace, often leaves Black, Indigenous, and racially oppressed communities behind - it's important to designate space to talk about these issues openly and where leaders and members of these groups can participate. To learn more about BIPOC mental health, read this insightful article by Mental Health America.
Looking for a unique and exciting way to bring the conversation around BIPOC mental health into your workplace? Book our Spoken Word performance featuring various artists and poets from around the country here.
While July observances include BIPOC mental health awareness, it's important to remember that mental health is a year-round priority. Here are a few Lunch & Learn sessions designed to help organizations promote self-care and mental well-being in the workplace:
Explore our comprehensive list of Lunch & Learn sessions focused on wellness and mental health here.
Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month - a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of disability representation and visibility. The month-long observance aims to encourage and empower individuals to celebrate acceptance and pride in their disabilities, and for others to practice learning about how our communities could better accommodate and welcome people of all abilities.
Learn Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month here.
For workplace leaders seeking an interactive learning experience, explore these Lunch and Learn educational sessions on disability culture to enhance this observance in your organization.
Day Observances:
Independence Day
Family celebrating 4th of July
The United States observes Independence Day on July 4th to commemorate the passage of the Declaration of Independence which announced the separation of the U.S. colonies from Great Britain during the American Revolution in 1776.
As a federal holiday, many businesses and schools are closed for Independence Day. Americans often celebrate by joining together for barbecues, fireworks, and other traditions.
Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
In the conversation of wage equity, it's important to recognize the groups of people further overlooked for their intersecting identities - namely Black women.
July 9 marks Black Women’s Equal Pay Day in the United States — a day that raises awareness for the wage gap between Black women and White male colleagues. The date of Black Women's Equal Pay Day reflects how Black women employees have to work 7 additional months into the year to make the same annual earnings as their male counterparts in the previous year.
For a full list of Equal Pay Days for 2024, please visit this link.
If you are a workplace leader interested in bringing belonging and inclusion topics to your workplace to complement this observance, consider exploring the following educational sessions highlighting Black Women in the workplace:
International Non-binary Peoples Day
This day is crucial for educating our communities, celebrating gender diversity, uplifting nonbinary individuals, and raising awareness about the challenges they face.
The Human Rights Campaign defines a Non-binary individual as, "... a person who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman. Non-binary people may identify as being both a man and a woman, somewhere in between, or as falling completely outside these categories. While many also identify as transgender, not all non-binary people do."
Are you interested in spreading awareness and education on nonbinary inclusion in your workplace? We've compiled a free email template resource for you to adapt and share with your colleagues and work teams: International Nonbinary People's Day.
Educate yourself and others on nonbinary inclusion and acceptance by exploring and sharing the resources below on International Nonbinary People's Day:
National Disability Independence Day is celebrated on July 26th. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990 enabling Americans with disabilities to live 'more independently' - yet today, the fight continues for people with disabilities to have marriage equity, employment equity, and deserved accommodations.
Are you a workplace or HR leader interested in sharing awareness for National Disability Independence Day with your workplace? We've compiled a free email template resource for you to adapt and share with your colleagues and work teams.
National Intern Day
Created by WayUp, a DEI goal-forward recruitment platform, National Intern Day encourages communities and organizations to recognize and celebrate the future leaders of the world and the challenges early career professionals face.
Interns: make time today to celebrate yourself, the important work that you do, and the future you are creating!
Employers and Workplace teams that utilize intern support: be sure to celebrate your interns today (and always!) by offering them educational or development resources, uplifting their future, and making sure they feel appreciated!
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Equality isn’t an occasional seasonal trend—it’s a year-round commitment. As we enjoy days in the park or at the beach and outdoor adventures, let’s ensure that our gatherings reflect inclusivity and respect for all. Embracing the opportunity to learn about different cultures paves the way for meeting new people and fostering inclusivity. Ready to create a more diverse work environment?
At The Rise Journey, we equip organizations with valuable tools through our learning and development training, coaching programs, diverse Lunch & Learn topics, HR and organizational assessments, employee resource groups, and a wealth of additional resources.
No need to set off fireworks to stay updated on upcoming holidays and observances each month. Subscribe to our newsletter for a monthly email packed with resources like this one!
Looking forward to connecting again next month!