The first full week of May is Public Service Recognition Week. The Public Employees Roundtable (PER) first celebrated Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) in 1985 to honor the civil servants of the United States in federal, state, county, and local government.

Africa

May

Travel & Tourism Week, Ntl.: May 5-11

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The first full week of May is National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition since 1984, created by a Congressional joint resolution passed in 1983. The United States travel and tourism community has collectively marked the event in several creative ways, from staging local rallies and conducting media outreach to securing proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies. Each year, localized events are presented in cities, states, and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel.

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May

Update Your References Week: May 5-11

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When was the last time you updated your business references? References are essential in finding a new job or working as a freelancer. Update Your References Week is set aside to provide the opportunity to reconnect with your references, update contact information and let them know of any new successes you've had in your career. Glass Door gives this advice when choosing your best references: 1. Think carefully before selecting a reference. 2. Ask for his or her permission. 3. Collect essential details about the reference. 4. Coach your references. 5. Keep references informed during your job search. Read the full article at the following link: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/5-tips-choose-job-reference.

Africa

May

Water, Drinking Water Week: May 5-11

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Tap water (sweet water) provides safe drinking water, sanitation and supports industrial, agricultural, medical, and recreational activities. Life expectancy rates are directly attributed to improved water quality, which removes many water-borne diseases, including typhoid fever. It also drastically improves sanitation. Tap water in most American communities is some of the safest drinking water supplies in the world. However, places like Flint, Michigan, have shown that there is room for improvement even in America. For over 40 years, the American Water Works Association has celebrated Drinking Water Week, the first full week in May each year.

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May

Eurovision Song Contest: May 7-11 (est)

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Created by Marcel Bezençon and modeled after the San Remo Music Festival (Italy), the Eurovision Song Contest premiered on May 24, 1956. ABBA is one of the super groups to come out of the competition. The most famous song from Eurovision is Domenico Mudugno's "Volare." Eurovision's objective is to test the limits of live broadcast television technology. The event is known for its innovative performances and widely diverse contestants. In 2015, the Eurovision Song Contest was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the Longest Running Annual TV Music Competition. This event takes place over three nights over five days. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

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May

BaconFest (US-IA): May 4

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Recognized as the world’s premier bacon festival, the much talked about Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, affectionately known as BaconFest, takes place annually in Des Moines, IA. Organized and promoted by the Iowa Bacon Board, the festival offers food, fun, and, most importantly, international bacon fellowship. Bacon enthusiasts from around the world gather for extensive bacon sampling, bacon lectures, bacon-inspired dishes, bacon competitions, beer, an annual bacon queen contest, bacon awards, live entertainment, and more.

Africa

May

Babysitters Day, Ntl.: May 11

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The United States celebrates National Babysitters Day every Saturday before Mother's Day. It is a time to thank babysitters for all they do to help raise this nation's children and show gratitude for the time off they give parents. It is sponsored annually by the babysitter training company Safetywhys.

Africa

May

Birth Mother's Day: May 11

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Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh first conceived Birth Mother's Day due to her adoption experience. She knew she was a mother but didn't feel recognized as such, either by those around her or by her daughter's parents. Remembering the feelings she'd experienced at her daughter's birth - feelings of triumph and euphoria - she used these to help heal. Birth Mother's Day acknowledges and recognizes every birth mother who ever loved a child lost to adoption. For birth mothers, this observance can be a time to affirm joys and acknowledge the sorrow, grief, and pain that are a part of many experiences. It can also be a time to break the silence and release years of anguish, worry, shame, or guilt. The purpose of Marsh's Birth Mother's Day ceremony is insight, affirmation, growth, and wisdom. Whether you recognize your own, others, or all birthmothers on Mother's Day or Birth Mother's Day, there are many different ways to do so. Way's to Celebrate Attend a Ceremony. Support groups, adoption agencies, and other local groups may organize Birth Mother's Day ceremonies. Check local listings and the Adopting.org Community Calendar to see if one is planned in your area. You also have the option of planning a ceremony of your own. Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh has written a comprehensive Birth Mother's Day Planner available through insight: http://www.adopting.org/uni/frame.php

Africa

May

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day: May 11

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Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day is observed each year on the second Saturday of May to shed light on this often misdiagnosed, little-known genetic syndrome. First observed in 1989, CdLS is an opportunity to educate all about the syndrome. CdLS is a genetic syndrome present from birth. There is no cure, and it occurs in approximately one in 10,000 live births and affects males and females equally, regardless of race. The severity of CdLS ranges from mild to severe, but all individuals with CdLS share similar characteristics: small stature, hands, feet, and head; joined eyebrows; long eyelashes; upturned nose; and thin, downturned lips. Physical and cognitive development is delayed. Self-injurious behavior is typical, and 60-70% display some degree of autism spectrum disorder. Speech and language are delayed or absent. Limb differences and missing limbs occur in 25% of cases. Common medical problems include gastroesophageal reflux disease, bowel abnormalities, heart defects, seizures, and cleft palate. Changes in three different genes mark CdLS. These genes are NIPBL on chromosome five, SMC1A on the X chromosome, and SMC3 on chromosome ten. Changes in the latter two genes correlate with a milder form of the syndrome. In 99% of cases, the gene change that causes CdLS is sporadic, not inherited, which means the change occurs randomly during conception. Researchers estimate 20,000 individuals in the U.S. have CdLS but live without diagnosis and support services. Content adapted from the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome website.

Africa

May

Dog Mom's Day, Ntl.: May 11

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Created in 2018 by DIG, National Dog Mom's Day celebrates a woman's best friend and her bond with her dog. Many women without children (or with) consider their dogs (and cats) to be their four-legged children and refer to themselves as pet parents. On the eve of Mother's Day, National Dog Mom's Day sets aside some time to celebrate this special bond.

Africa

May

Eat What You Want Day: May 11

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Eat What You Want Day is a Wellcat Holiday. The meaning is exactly what it says: Eat whatever you want today. Banana Split for Breakfast? Go for it! Pancakes for dinner? Knock yourself out. A ten-course meal? Enjoy! Celebrate this day by eating whatever you want.

Africa

May

Jamestown Day: May 11

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On May 14, 1607, the colony of Jamestown was founded in the future United States, and it was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The second Saturday in May is when the town holds its celebration. The city holds an annual festival on the Saturday closest to the 14th.

Africa

May

Keffiyeh Day, World : May 11

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ABOUT WORLD KEFFIYEH DAY

World Keffiyeh Day (May 11) and Nakba Day (May 15) demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian cause and struggle.

WHAT IS A KEFFIYEH?

A keffiyeh (also known as a kufiya, shemagh, or ghutrah) is a centuries-old traditional Arabian scarf worn by men and women. Its appearance differs slightly depending on the region. Black and white tends to be the color chosen in the Levant (Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria). Red and white or plain white is more common in the Gulf states and North Africa.

Versions in beige, blue, and green can also be found; however, these are more recent incarnations and are not specific to a region. The keffiyeh's pattern resembles the fishing nets and agricultural lands that have fed generations for thousands of years. The scarf is worn by people of all faiths as protection from the sun, wind and sand.

A SYMBOL OF SOLIDARITY, FREEDOM AND CULTURE

Beginning in the late 19th century, prior to the fall of the Ottoman Empire and through the First World War, the keffiyeh became a popular symbol of solidarity for Arabs struggling against colonialism. Its prevalence increased with the Arab revolts of the 1930s. With the establishment of Israel in 1948, it became associated with the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israel's brutal colonization and subsequent ethnic cleansing of lands not granted to the new state by the United Nations. Shortly after its creation, Israel banned the Palestinian flag, and the keffiyeh became the symbol that couldn't be banned.

KEFFIYEH ENTERS POPULAR CULTURE

In 1967, Israel swept up the rest of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula in what became known as the Six-Day War. In the 1980s, the Sinai returned to Egypt, but as the Israeli vise tightened around the Palestinian society now under its occupation, a rebellion known as the First Intifada ("Intifada" is Arabic for "uprising"—nothing more) erupted. Though largely non-violent, Israel used increasingly draconian measures against the Palestinians until the 1993 Oslo Accords appeared to solve the issue.

PLO leader Yasser Arafat, central to Oslo, consistently donned a black and white keffiyeh, elevating the scarf to its iconic current symbolism of solidarity, human rights and freedom from occupation within Palestinian and Arab society.

After the October 7, 2023 events, it became more than a utilitarian garment and a symbol of Arab culture and unity. The keffiyeh emerged as an internationally recognized symbol of social justice, anti-apartheid, and a demonstration of solidarity with oppressed people worldwide.

Political, religious and commercial interests profiting from occupation and oppression have attempted to associate the pattern, which dates back centuries, with "terrorism."

CONTEXT: WHAT IS THE NAKBA?

Nakba Day is an annual day mourning the displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians (December 1, 1947 - December 31, 1949) from their land of over 4,000 years, preceding and through the state of Israel's declaration of independence in 1948.

Nakba, "catastrophe" in Arabic, is the name given to the first ethnic cleansing of Palestine. During these two years, Israel chose to use terror and military force to expand the land given to it by the United Nations by 300%. It did so through conquest, terrorism and ethnic cleansing.

During the Nakba, the Palestinian inhabitants of dozens of villages were massacred, and hundreds of Palestinian towns and villages were depopulated and razed. In total, an estimated 18,000 Palestinians were killed, and 750,000 temporarily fled or were forcibly expelled. Their stolen homes, businesses and land were either given to incoming Jewish immigrants or renamed and disappeared under newly planted pine forests and agricultural kibbutzim.

Africa

May

Kensinngton Derby & Art Festival (US-PA): May 11 (est)

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The Kensington Derby and Art Fair began in 2007 as two separate events to bring the North Philadelphia neighborhood together. In 2015 they merged under the patronage of Philadelphia Federal Credit Union. The highlight is the costumed Derby, where competitors race on anything with wheels powered by humans. At the finish line, all participants end up in the mud pit. Overall, it is a hilarious race of quirky and fun. Added to the Derby are approximately 100 vendors selling food, crafts, and art, with tens of thousands attending each year. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

May

Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: May 11

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The Food Drive is held each year on the second Saturday in May. “With kids out of school and the departure of our winter guests, our food needs increase greatly during the summer months. Without school-supported programs, our clients’ food budgets are stretched to the breaking point.” Arizona’s Apache Junction Food Bank’s Sharon Brown When the national food drive started in 1993, food banks suggested that it be held in the spring, when the stocks of food donated during the winter holidays began running low. “Without the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, it would be very difficult for the food pantry to have enough food throughout the year,” Jason Schaff of Santa Clarita, CA’s Valley Food Pantry told The Signal. The NALC provided critically needed goods to local food distribution centers in every state. Carriers have collected nearly two billion pounds. Read the full article here: https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive

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