June Holidays & Observances 2024: Summer of Inclusion
Four girls hanging out at the beach
June is bustin’ out all over! So sang Nettie Fowler in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. June is certainly chock full of holidays and observances from those well known around the world to some important dates to keep in mind. With the temperature heating up and the days getting longer, it’s time to bust open the doors and soak up the sun. As we approach the Summer Solstice on June 20th, we should also take this time to look inwards and reflect on how much growth we have experienced over the last few months and how we hope to grow this Summer season. Read below for a breakdown of June’s monthly observances to keep in mind, especially for those with DEIB on the mind.
List of June Observances
Monthly Observances:
National Caribbean American Heritage Month
A group of Caribbean dancers in one of their traditional dresses
Caribbean Americans have a long connected history with America, and the community's contributions to the country and culture are celebrated and recognized throughout the month of June, as adopted by the House of Representatives in 2006.
Gain a better appreciation for Caribbean Americans’ heritage and history, and their impact on our country by reading more about the observance and sharing the resources below with your workplace:
Pride Month
Celebrated annually in the US throughout the month of June, Pride is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ people throughout history and today. It is also a time to uplift and do more to support LGBTQIA+ communities and raise awareness for the challenges and barriers they face on a daily basis.
Three friends having fun at a Pride event.
Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community protested against police brutality -- this event is considered a significant milestone in sparking ongoing efforts for further inclusion and acceptance within society.
An important date to keep in mind is June 26th. On this day in 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled for the legalization of same-sex marriage.
If you're a workplace or HR leader, consider sharing this free email template resource on Pride Month we've compiled to complement the observance with your colleagues and work teams. Consider booking from these educational sessions on LGBTQIA+ and Pride Month topics to bring the conversation into your workplace and create a stronger sense of community and support for your employees and colleagues:
Weekly Observances:
International Men’s Health Week
An annual event celebrated from June 10th to June 16th across the globe, this week is centered around recognizing and highlighting preventable health challenges that men and boys face and the importance of available early detection treatment. This week serves as a reminder to healthcare providers, policymakers, workplaces, and other spaces in our communities to do more to prioritize the well-being of men and to create accessible new health solutions.
Learn more about this important week by visiting Men's Health Week. and exploring our Lunch & Learn offering mental health and wellness into your workplace.
Special Observances:
A group set of hands holding an earth sculpture
World Environment Day
Celebrated annually on June 5th, World Environment Day is an international observance that advocates for the fight against climate change. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host World Environment Day this year, with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Participate in World Environment Day by exploring, sharing, and discussing the resources on their website with others to raise awareness for climate change and environmental issues.
Loving Day
This observance, taking place annually on June 12th, commemorates the infamous Loving v Virginia case in which the United States Supreme Court ruled to invalidate laws prohibiting interracial marriage. For more information on the historic court case and how to join in solidarity and support with those who find a more personal connection to the day, please visit their website.
Day of Arafat
Considered the holiest day of the Islamic year, this day is a time of reflection, forgiveness, and faith for Muslim communities around the world. The observance occurs on the 9th day of the 12th month of the lunar Islamic calendar and the date commemorates the day the deity Allah completed the religion, Islam. This year, it is celebrated from June 15-16.
If you are a workplace leader interested in spreading awareness of cultural observances and inclusion with your workplace team, we've compiled a free email template resource on Day of Arafat for you to adapt and share with your colleagues and work teams.
Juneteenth
Five black arms connected in unity
President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into order in January 1863, however not all enslaved African Americans were not notified of their freedom until almost two and a half years later when - on June 19, 1865 - federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. In 2017, then Vice President Biden officially declared June 19th as a national holiday.
Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom, encourages education around slavery, and celebrates the many achievements from the African American community. Most Juneteenth commemorations include family gatherings, picnics, music, dancing, and community services.
To learn more about the history of the holiday and bring education around Juneteenth into your workplace, check out our Lunch & Learn on the topic here.
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In between dips in the pool and applying your SPF, take some time out of your June to celebrate, acknowledge, and educate yourself on the observances above and beyond! The kids may be off school, but learning should never stop, so be sure to expand your mind and worldview this month by participating in one or all of the celebrations happening across the country and world.
The Rise Journey provides valuable resources and support through our learning and development training, coaching programs, diverse Lunch & Learn topics, HR and organizational assessments, and employee resource groups, all designed to foster organizational growth and more.
Make sure you stay on top of your calendar with this monthly newsletter for more details and reminders of important upcoming events for you and your colleagues to use as a conversation starter. When we share more of ourselves with each other, we can truly begin to understand our differences and even celebrate them.
