March Recognitions
Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8th)
Women’s History Month is celebrated annually in the United States during the month of March. On March 8th every
year, the day is used to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. International
Women’s Day 2022 theme is Break The Bias and asks for us to Imagine a Gender Equal World. A world free of bias,
stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued
and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Harriet Tubman’s Birthday (March 10th)
You likely know Harriet Tubman as the former slave who saved countless lives in the Underground Railroad. Contrary
to legend, Tubman did not create the Underground Railroad; it was established in the late eighteenth century by black
and white abolitionists who offered shelter and aid to escaped enslaved people from the South. Tubman also served as a
scout, spy, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. She is considered the first African
American woman to serve in the military.
Purium (March 17th)
Purim, Feast of Lots, a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century BCE,
were marked for death by their Persian rulers. Purim is one of the most fun holidays celebrated by the Jewish people,
but is often under recognized. On Purim, there are often carnivals, with revelers dressing up, dancing and having
parades. Kids have tons of fun at these events, doing crafts, making Purim baskets, playing games and making noisemakers.
Holi (March 18th)
Holi is a Hindu holiday that celebrates the winter harvest as well as the onset of spring. Holi is known as the “Festival
of Colors.” Often, family and friends will gather in their backyards, neighborhoods, and driveways with brightly
colored powders to throw and smear on their faces.
Naw-Ruz -Baha’I New Year (March 20th)
Did you know Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year) is the world’s oldest holiday? Bahāʾi believe in the oneness of humanity
and devote themselves to the abolition of racial, class, and religious prejudices. This year, Naw-Ruz, marks the Vernal
Equinox in the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere and the Autumnal Equinox in the South, the day when the sun’s light
strikes the Equator directly and illuminates every continent equally. Baha’i New Year usually includes singing, eating,
dancing and socializing. It brings a warm, diverse and fascinating group of people together to eat with one another,
celebrate, have fun, enjoy each other’s company and truly welcome the exciting, unlimited possibilities of a new year.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21st)
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was created by the UN and is observed annually on
the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against
apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. In a statement to observe the Day, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms.
Navi Pillay said, “the massacre in Sharpeville represents a much wider tragedy: we mark its anniversary to remem
*Although we do our best to include as many memorable dates as possible, this is not an all-inclusive list.
