June 2025 Blog - What is Neurodiversity

July 2025 Blog - Summer Associates Real Impact Building DEIA into Early Career Programs.pdf

August 2025 Blog - Women's Equality Day

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 AUGUST 2025

National Black Business Month

National Black Business Month, celebrated every August, is a time to recognize, support, and uplift Black-owned businesses across the United States. Founded in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr., the month-long observance was created to highlight the vital role Black entrepreneurs play in the economy and to address the systemic challenges they face, including limited access to capital, resources, and networks. The significance of National Black Business Month lies in its focus on economic empowerment and community development. It encourages consumers, corporations, and policymakers to invest in and advocate for Black-owned businesses—not just in August, but year-round. Celebrating this month helps amplify Black voices, foster generational wealth, and promote inclusive economic growth.

Purple Heart Day (8/7)

Purple Heart Day, observed annually on August 7th, honors the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. service members, originally established by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit. It was revived in its modern form in 1932, on the bicentennial of Washington’s birth. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in defense of the nation. It also provides an opportunity for Americans to express gratitude and respect for those who have endured the physical and emotional toll of battle. Ceremonies, tributes, and educational events are held across the country to recognize recipients and raise awareness of their courage and resilience. For more information, Visit https://purpleheartfoundation.org/honoring-purple-heart-month/

International Day of Indigenous People (8/9)

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, observed every year on August 9th, is a global recognition of the rights, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities around the world. The United Nations established the day in 1994, marking the anniversary of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. The day was first officially celebrated in 1995, during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples (1995–2004), and has continued to be observed annually with changing themes that highlight pressing issues—such as land rights, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Indigenous peoples, who number between 370 to 500 million across 90 countries, often face systemic challenges including marginalization, loss of ancestral lands, and threats to their languages and traditions. The significance of this day lies in raising awareness of these challenges while celebrating the resilience, wisdom, and rich heritage of Indigenous communities. It also serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to support Indigenous rights and ensure their voices are heard in global conversations. For more information, visit https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day

 Raksha Bandhan (8/9)

Raksha Bandhan is a cherished Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of love, protection, and trust between siblings, particularly between brothers and sisters. Observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana (usually in August), the festival involves a sister tying a rakhi—a sacred thread—around her brother’s wrist. This symbolic gesture represents her love and prayers for his well-being, while the brother pledges to protect and support her throughout life. The origins of Raksha Bandhan are rooted in various legends and historical tales, including stories from the Mahabharata and accounts of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun, highlighting the rakhi as a symbol of unity and protection. Over time, the festival has evolved to include all forms of sibling-like relationships, transcending biological ties and even gender roles in modern contexts.

Senior Citizens Day (8/21)

National Senior Citizens Day, celebrated on August 21st, is a time to honor the wisdom, achievements, and ongoing contributions of older adults in our communities. Created by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, the day also raises awareness of the challenges seniors face, such as deteriorating health and age-related bias in the workplace. It’s a reminder to reach out to the older people in our lives—whether family, friends, or neighbors—as social connection supports both mental and physical health.

Ganesh Chaturthi (8/26)

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a widely celebrated Hindu festival that honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival typically falls in August or September, during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, and lasts for 10 days, culminating in Anant Chaturdashi. The origins of Ganesh Chaturthi trace back centuries, but it gained prominence as a public celebration in the late 19th century when freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak transformed it into a large, community-based festival to unite Indians against British colonial rule. Today, it is marked by the installation of elaborately crafted Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals (temporary shrines), accompanied by prayers, music, dance, and cultural performances.

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