All - Leep Calendar

National Alligator Day, celebrated annually on May 29th, is a relatively new observance established in 2021 by Wild Florida Airboats. The day raises awareness about alligators, emphasizing their importance to Florida's ecosystem and fascinating nature. It serves as an opportunity for the public to learn about these incredible reptiles and their unique role in their natural habitats. Alligators, existing for over 35 million years, are among the largest and most formidable reptiles. They are indigenous to the United States, Mexico, and China, with the American and Chinese alligators being the only remaining species. Florida and Louisiana boast the largest populations of American alligators in the United States. National Alligator Day aims to provide a different perspective on these often misunderstood creatures, highlighting their ecological significance and the intrigue they add to Florida's wildlife. The day includes: Visiting gator parks. Learning about alligator biology and behavior. Taking airboat tours to observe these reptiles in their natural environment. Gator Day underscores the need for public education about alligators, particularly for Floridians who share their environment with these ancient animals. It's a call to celebrate and respect the alligators' role in the ecosystem and to appreciate their presence as a vital aspect of the region's biodiversity and ecotourism.

Africa

May

Gaza Freedom Flotilla Attack (2010): May 31

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On May 31, 2010, the Israeli navy attacked the unarmed civilian ship, the Mavi Marmara, the lead boat in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. The flotilla was in international waters, well outside of Israeli sovereignty in the Mediterranean Sea. The attack by Israeli forces resulted in the murder of nine activists, eight from Turkey and the ninth from the United States. Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (iHH) created the "Free Gaza Movement" and organized the flotilla to bring humanitarian aid and construction materials to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel has and continues to maintain a complete blockade since 2007. International outrage over the incident was immediate and dramatically shook Turkish-Israeli relations. As of 2023, the Gaza Strip, with over two million people, over 70 percent under the age of 30, is still under the complete stranglehold of the Israeli military with limited movement of goods and people in or out. Despite paying taxes, the people of Gaza have no rights or status under Israeli law. The Israeli army has occupied, blockaded, or quarantined the Gaza Strip since 1967. In the centuries leading up to 1967, the coastal region was a thriving agricultural and commercial hub, with beautiful beaches and a steady tourism trade. Today, it is one of the most impoverished places in the world, regularly surveilled, bombed, and starved of even the most basic necessities by the occupying nation. Under international law, Israel's behavior in the Gaza Strip is collective punishment, a war crime. The situation is so dire that Gaza is described as an "open-air prison" by human rights advocates worldwide. The Freedom Flotilla and the Mavi Marmara were trying to alleviate the situation. The hasbara (propaganda) by the attacking nation attempted to spin the story in favor of the military. However, though the falsified videos and reporting remain easily accessible on the internet, investigations proved deception, and the state ultimately paid modest reparations to the families of the murdered human rights workers. The full report on the Mavi Marmara attack is in the document download section below, including the details on how and where the attacking nation manipulated the videos and story to distort the attack and change the narrative.

Africa

May

Geek Pride Day (1977): May 25

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Geek Pride Day is an annual celebration of geek culture in the US observed since 2008 on the anniversary of the release of the first Star Wars film, May 25, 1977. In 1998 Tim Mc Eacher organized several unconnected events called Geek Pride Festival at a bar in Albany, New York. While it's a US national event, Geek Pride Day is acknowledged and celebrated in Canada and Europe and several other cities such as Halifax, Nova Scotia; Budapest, Hungary; Tel Aviv, Israel; Timişoara, Romania, and others.

Africa

May

George Floyd Day (2020): May 25

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George Floyd (October 14, 1973 – May 25, 2020) was an American citizen of African descent who was active in his church, within the community, a hip-hop artist, a security guard, and a truck driver. His death at the hands of police resulted in the most extensive public protests in the US and globally for human rights since the 1960s. The results of these protests have changed attitudes and policies regarding race and racism, police policy, and how people view human rights, not just in the US but in multiple countries. George Floyd Day marks the anniversary of his death on May 25, 2020. How Floyd Died Roughly 1,000 people are shot and killed by police in the United States each year, and as a percent of the population, people of color are nearly twice as likely to be killed than white people. On Memorial Day 2020, George Floyd entered a convenience store and purchased a pack of cigarettes. The clerk believed the bill he used was counterfeit and thus left the store with another employee and walked out to Floyd's truck to demand the cigarettes be returned. He refused, and the employee then called the police on him. Officers arrived, and Floyd complied with their requests, though he did struggle momentarily. He was seated on a curb, and Floyd was told he was being arrested, handcuffed, and led across the street. At this point, anxious about closed spaces, Floyd fell to the ground and asked not to be seated in the car. Struggles ensued, and Officer Chauvin eventually began kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded, stating he could not breathe and begging not to be killed. Chauvin did not relent, leaving his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, killing Floyd. The lack of compassion shown by the police as Floyd begged to be able to breathe angered people worldwide, mainly since this wasn't the first time police had killed a black man as he begged for air. People had enough and took to the streets. The police officers involved were arrested and charged with murder and lesser crimes. Bystanders captured the events surrounding Floyd's death on camera, and the footage incensed people worldwide. Protests broke out in over 200 US cities and countries worldwide and continued for weeks. All three officers involved would eventually receive sentences of three or more years in jail. George Floyd will be remembered as a martyr, the spark that changed how police interact with people and a pivotal influence on how Americans view race.

Africa

May

Get Caught Reading Month: May

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Welcome to Get Caught Reading, a nationwide campaign to remind people of all ages how much fun reading is. Launched in 1999 and supported by the Association of American Publishers, GCR encourages you to order our free posters, read our newsletters, download our free videos, and join the thousands of celebrities, booksellers, teachers, and librarians who continue to embrace this campaign across the country.

Africa

May

Get Fit, Don't Sit Day: May 6

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Research shows that changing our sedentary habits is one of the most effective ways to prevent type two diabetes. This wellness day is about drawing attention to the importance of getting up and moving at work and home as part of a healthy lifestyle. The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone, including people with diabetes, get up and move every 90 minutes. Companies, organizations, and communities can play an important role by encouraging their employees and members to be active and take better care of themselves—while lowering their risk for type two diabetes. See the website for this year's e-toolkit and resources to help companies and organizations get involved.

Africa

May

Giro D'Italia (IT): May 6-28

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The Giro d'Italia is one of the triple crowns of bicycle racing (The Tour de France and the Vuelta a España are the other two). Created in 1909, The Giro d'Italia bicycle race covers thousands of miles and can start in Italy or one of its neighbors.

Africa

May

Global Day of Prayer (C): May 24

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Global Day of Prayer originated in South Africa and is celebrated each year on Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost marks the day the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Jesus Christ following his resurrection. It is an opportunity for all people of faith to pray together for the entire world.

Africa

May

Go Topless Day: May 16

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Created in 2007, Go Topless Day began as a Jeep owners' ode to Summer with the first official "put the top down and get out and drive day" annually on the third Saturday in May. It has since become a global event, with hundreds of Jeep clubs worldwide organizing parades, environmental cleanups, car washes, and other events. The tradition continues each year, with every year getting bigger and better. Though it is a Jeep tradition, anyone with a rag or removable top is welcome to join. Today is one of two Go Topless Days, and the second in August celebrates women's freedom and involves clothing rather than cars.

Africa

May

Goodwill Industries Week (US/CA): May 3-9

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Since 1902, Goodwill Industries has worked in communities to help anyone facing challenges to finding employment, regardless of age, veteran status, immigration, handicap, or familial status. Their programs help workers gain new skills and credentials, find work, obtain job training, and receive necessary support services, such as financial education and transportation. Goodwill’s network of autonomous, community-based nonprofit organizations across the United States and Canada connects people daily, providing long-term economic stability for themselves and their families.

Africa

May

Goth Day, World: May 22

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World Goth Day celebrates Goth culture and its significant contribution to our colorful and exciting world.

Africa

May

Grand Final A-League (AU): May 22-24

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The Football (Soccer) Federation Australia (FFA) holds its annual championship game in May. The A-League Grand Final was initiated in 2006.

Africa

May

Grand Prix of Canada (CA-QC): May 22-24

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Formula One dates are set in the fourth quarter for the next year. This date is estimated. The Grand Prix of Canada began on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in 1978. The race is 70 laps and 305.27 km long.

Africa

May

Grand Prix, Miami (US-FL): May 1-3

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The Miami Grand Prix is a Formula One racing event held for the first time in May 2022, and it is one of three Grand Prix races held in the United States. Designed by Herman Tilke, it is a street circuit race covering 5.41 km (3.36 miles) with 19 turns.

Africa

May

Grape Popsicle Day (1905): May 27

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Grape Popsicle Day celebrates the grape popsicle. Popsicles were invented on May 27, 1905, by eleven-year-old Frank Epperson. Frank was outside, mixing water with some grape flavoring to make soda. He left the mixture and forgot about it, with the stirring stick still in. The next day, after the temperature had reached a record low, Frank discovered that the drink had frozen to the stick. Epperson died in 1983 at the age of 89.

Africa