5.01.23 – May Recognitions

Monday, May 1, 2023

May Recognitions

Every Flight Attendant has a story to tell and a perspective to give. This adds depth and understanding to our own life and our work. For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor Asian and Pacific Islanders, where the population of Asian Americans is well over 20 million. We acknowledge the culture of Asian and Pacific Islanders culture and their contributions to the United States. It is also Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating and recognizing the history, achievements, and culture of American Jews. Haitian Heritage Month is a time to show appreciation for the Haitian community’s vibrant culture, distinct art, and flavorful cuisine.

May 1 is International Worker’s Day. It is also called May Day, to shine a light worldwide on the improvements and achievements of workers. This day commemorates the American Federation of Labor’s continuation of a campaign for the eight-hour workday in the United States. The Haymarket Riot erupted in 1886 in Chicago, where workers went on strike for rights such as an eight-hour workday. Today, we have much to work together on for improvements in airline workers and support all workers fighting for their rights to a decent wage and better work rules.

May 3 is World Press Freedom Day. This day brings awareness to the importance of freedom of the press and the right to freedom of expression. It is the 30th anniversary and will hold a special global conference and awards ceremony in New York this year.

May 5 is Cinco De Mayo. It is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Instead, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the winning of the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican armies fought the French troops in their attempt to take Mexico to become French territory.

May 8 – May 9 is Lag BaOmer. Beginning at sunset and ending at sunrise, this Jewish holiday recognizes the end of a plague and Roman occupation during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime. In Israel, families celebrate Jewish perseverance and spirit by having bonfires with the wood collected since Passover.

May 14 is Mother’s Day. It is a special day to celebrate mothers and all those who mother others with love and compassion. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday on the second Sunday of May.

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. It is observed around the world to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ rights. The holiday was officially founded in 2004 by Louis-Georges Tin. The first event was held on May 17, 2005, and was attended by about 24,000 people. May 17 was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990.

Haitian Flag Day is observed every year on May 18. It is declared a national holiday in Haiti to commemorate the country’s independence from the French.

American Muslim minister and human rights activist Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925. He was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement. Malcolm X was assassinated in Manhattan’s Audubon Ballroom while addressing the Organization of Afro-American Unity on February 21, 1965.

May 21 is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, also known as Diversity Day. This day recognizes cultural diversity as a gift and our obligation for peace, equity, and mutual respect.

The Declaration of the Báb in Shiraz Shavuot is observed annually on May 22. Every year, devotees of the Bahá’í Faith commemorate the story of the Promised One and the event in 1844 when the Báb announced himself as the Messenger of God.

Shavuot is a Jewish holiday celebrated from May 25 – 27. Shavuot, or the “Feast of Weeks,” marks the revelation of the Ten Commandments, the Torah God gave Israel at Mt Sinai, principles to live by, and the covenant was established at Sinai between God and Israel.

This year we celebrate Buddha Day on May 26. Buddha Day, also known as Vesak, is celebrated to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama. Following in the footsteps of the Buddha, you can use this Buddha Day to enrich the lives of others. You can give gifts to the less fortunate, such as the poor, the aged, and the sick, or you can volunteer with a local charity organization.

Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday, will be celebrated on May 28. It is the seventh Sunday after Easter/Pascha and marks the birth of the Christian Church, commemorating the Holy Spirit descending upon the followers of Jesus

The Ascension of Baha’u’llah is observed worldwide on May 29 every year. On this holy day, Baha’ís pay their respects by praying and reading from the Baháʼí Writings. It is also one of nine days a year when work should be put on hold.

Memorial Day is on May 29 this year. This day is dedicated to remembering the people who died while serving in our country’s armed forces. Pause on this day at 3 pm local time for a National Moment of Remembrance.

Please continue to reach out to us, and we will see you on the line as we continue working hard together for a contract with better wages, work rules, and protections that keep us safe. We are all in this together. We appreciate everyone who helps this committee and our Union to become a dedicated support for us all.

In Solidarity,

Chaddrian Calhoun and Rhonda Curtright
APFA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
[email protected]