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Recognitions and Holidays

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 - October 15

Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1988. Since then, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. It lasts from September 15 to October 15, coinciding with the independence days of several Latin American countries.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation’s economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.

The effort to educate the public about the issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted Public Law 176, declaring the first week of October each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Some 25 years later, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Employees with disabilities are dependable, loyal, and eager to learn—and research shows that their inclusion in the workforce improves overall employee retention rate and morale. However, people with disabilities have been marginalized and misunderstood for generations, and a large percentage of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remain unemployed.

There are many ways to observe and celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October and all year long. Here are a few ideas.

Learn about the value of people with disabilities in the workforce.

Disability as a Source of Competitive Advantage (Harvard Business Review)
Seven Reasons Why Hiring People With Disabilities Is Good for Business (Forbes)
Accommodations Cost Less Than You Think and Have a High, Positive Impact (Job Accommodation Network)

Share your disability employment story and help someone share theirs.

Look at your company’s disability hiring practices.

If you’re not actively hiring people with disabilities, here’s a tip sheet to help you get started.
Review your company’s policies and processes to make sure they are inclusive and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Donate to organizations that actively promote workforce inclusion for people with disabilities.

LGBTQ History Month

October is LGBTQ History Month and it is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movement.

It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson.

In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBTQ History Month within a list of commemorative months.

LGBTQ History Month provides role models, builds community and represents a civil rights statement and the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.

It is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day (October 11), which was already established, and to commemorate the anniversary of the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBTQ rights.

LGBTQ History Month is meant to highlight and celebrate the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, past and present.

It is a time to highlight role models, raise awareness, and continue to fight for equality.

Quick Facts about Kentucky:

3.4% of adults are LGBTQ

144,000 of people 13+ are LGBTQ

4% of workforce are LGBTQ

82,000 LGBTQ workers

26% LGBTQ Adults 25+ are raising children

Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October and recognizes the resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. Indigenous Peoples Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities. It sheds light on issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, social justice, and the impacts of historical trauma and colonization. Through public events, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, the holiday provides and opportunity to address challenges and promote dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, fostering understanding, reconciliation, and positive change.

The concept of Indigenous Peoples Day was first proposed in 1977 during the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. A delegation of Native nations suggested replacing Columbus Day, which had been observed since 1937, with a holiday that acknowledges and celebrates the Indigenous people who were already living in the Americans when Columbus arrived.

On October 8, 2021, President Joe Biden became he first commander in chief to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day by issuing a proclamation celebrating the upcoming holiday. Since then, an increasing number of states and cities have also recognized Indigenous Peoples Day – pivoting from a day long rooted in the celebration of explorer Christopher Columbus to one focused on the people whose lives and culture were forever changed by colonialism.

The intention behind Indigenous Peoples Day is to highlight the rich and vibrant cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems of Indigenous communities. By shifting the focus away from Columbus and European colonization, the holiday aims to challenge the historical narrative that often marginalized or ignored the contributions and experiences of Indigenous peoples. It is an opportunity to educate the public about the diverse Indigenous cultures and histories that have shaped the Americas for thousands of years.

The first official celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day took place in 1992 in Berkeley, California. The city’s council declared October 12th as a “Day of Solidarity with Indigenous People” to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.

The observance of Indigenous Peoples Day extends beyond the United States. In Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on June 21st to honor the diverse culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples. Brazil commemorates the National Day of the Indigenous People on April 19th, recognizing and promoting the rights and cultures of its Indigenous populations.

Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated with a wide range of events and activities, including cultural performances such as traditional dances, music and storytelling which showcase the richness and diversity of Indigenous traditions. Art exhibits featuring Indigenous artists’ works take place providing an opportunity to appreciate their creativity and unique perspectives.