Please read our July 2025 Blog written by Lisa Moore - Summer Associates Real Impact Building DEIA into Early Career Programs.pdf

Please check out our new Community Spotlight Page. 

 JULY 2025

 Disability Pride Month – 7/1- 7/31

July celebrates Disability Pride Month, a movement that recognizes the identities and contributions of people with disabilities, promoting self-acceptance and challenging societal stigma. Its roots trace back to the disability rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which fought for equal access, legal protection, and inclusion. This month commemorates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) July 26, 1990, which laid the groundwork for greater visibility and advocacy.  The significance of Disability Pride lies in its power to shift narratives—from viewing disability as a deficit to recognizing it as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. 

 Independence Day – 7/4

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th in the United States, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their freedom from British rule. This day marks the birth of the nation and is deeply rooted in the values of liberty, self-determination, and democratic ideals. Independence Day lies not only in honoring the historical struggle for freedom but also in reflecting on the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all Americans. It serves as a reminder of the nation's founding principles and the collective responsibility to uphold and expand them for future generations.

 Asalha Puja – 7/10

 Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, is a significant Buddhist festival that commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, delivered to his five disciples in the Deer Park at Sarnath. This sermon marked the founding of the Sangha, the community of monks, and the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching mission. Celebrated on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month (usually in July), Asalha Puja is a time for reflection on the core teachings of Buddhism—the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Its significance lies in honoring the moment when the Buddha first shared the path to enlightenment, offering a guide to overcoming suffering. Devotees observe the day with acts of merit, such as visiting temples, listening to sermons, and making offerings, reaffirming their commitment to the Dhamma and the spiritual journey.

International Nonbinary People's Day – 7/14

 Celebrating the identities of nonbinary individuals—those whose gender identity doesn’t fit within the traditional categories of exclusively male or female—International Nonbinary people’s Day is celebrated annually on July 14th.  It was first celebrated in 2012 and reated by writer and activist Katje van Loon. The date, July 14th, was chosen because it falls exactly halfway between International Women’s Day (March 8) and International Men’s Day (November 19), symbolizing the recognition of gender identities outside the traditional binary. The day was established to raise awareness of the challenges nonbinary individuals face, promote visibility, and celebrate the diversity of gender identities. Since its inception, the day has grown in global recognition, often accompanied by Nonbinary Awareness Week, which begins the Monday before July 14.

 Mandela Day – 7/18

 Nelson Mandela International Day, also referred to as Mandela Day, honors the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president and a global symbol of peace, justice, and reconciliation. The United Nations officially declared the day in November 2009, with the first UN-recognized Mandela Day celebrated on July 18, 2010, though grassroots celebrations began a year earlier in 2009. The date marks Mandela’s birthday and serves as a global call to action, encouraging individuals to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service—symbolizing the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice. The day is not a public holiday but time to reflect on Mandela’s values: human rights, dignity, forgiveness, and the power of collective action. 

National Disability Independence Day- 7/26

 National Disability Independence Day, observed annually on July 26th, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990—a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces. The roots of this observance lie in the broader disability rights movement that gained momentum in the 1960s, inspired by the civil rights struggles of the era. Activists fought to dismantle the long-standing societal belief that people with disabilities were inherently limited or needed to be segregated. Their efforts led to key legislative milestones, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and culminated in the ADA’s passage. This day honors the resilience and advocacy of the disability community and encourages reflection on how society can continue to remove barriers and promote true independence for all.