All - Leep Calendar

The actual test of a green thumb is either orchids or African violets. Each year the African Violet Society of America holds its annual convention and trade show during National African Violet Week in Texas. Competitions, tips, workshops, and dozens of varieties of African violets can be bought and celebrated. 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

African World Heritage Day: May 5

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UNESCO's African World Heritage Day, celebrated annually on May 5th, is a day set aside to honor the African continent's rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage. Established during the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2015, this day underscores the importance of African World Heritage as a driver of sustainable development and a source of pride for African identities. African World Heritage Day began in response to the underrepresentation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the specific challenges African heritage sites face, including underdevelopment, environmental pressures, and the impacts of conflict. The observance is an opportunity to celebrate the continent's unique heritage and to raise awareness about the need to preserve and protect it. African World Heritage Day hosts activities across the continent and around the globe, including cultural festivals, exhibitions, educational programs, and conservation campaigns. The day serves as a call to action for African governments, local communities, and international partners to increase their commitment to safeguarding these sites.

Africa

May

AIDS Vaccine Awareness Day: May 18

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HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) is an annual observance recognizing and thanking the thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists working together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine. It is also a day to educate communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research.

Africa

May

AIDS, First Man Cured of AIDS Announced (2011): May 16

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Today is the anniversary of the announcement of the first man, Timothy Ray Brown of Berlin, cured of HIV, the preliminary stage of the virus that causes AIDS, on May 16, 2011. For those of us alive in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, a terrifying new disease appeared on the horizon following the free love movement and loosened condemnation against premarital sex. The baby boomer generation, the largest yet to ever exist, was young and in its prime. They stretched the boundaries of convention, experimented with sex and drugs, put off marriage, and pursued education. It was a sexually charged and exciting time for youth, and the future was theirs. That free-wheeling era marked by the 1960s and 1970s came crashing to an end when AIDS appeared on the scene. Suddenly, you could die horribly slowly by having sex with the wrong person. At first, nobody really knew how you got it. It would be the early 80s before the actual virus was identified. Then, once identified, there was no way to treat or cure it. Treatments would appear in the next decade, including antiretroviral therapy or ART, but conclusive proof of a possible cure still needs to be discovered. That changed when 45-year-old Brown of Berlin, a man who tested positive for HIV in 1995, tested completely clean for HIV upon discovering an HIV immunity gene he received through a bone marrow stem cell transplant in 2007. Doctors announced he experienced a functional cure on May 16, 2011.

Africa

May

Air Quality Awareness Week: May 4-8

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Created in 2006 by the US Environmental Protection Agency, National Air Quality Awareness Week seeks to educate the public about various forms of pollution and toxins that can inhibit air quality indoors and out. It further seeks to help people and communities make small changes that improve their lives and those of their loved ones.

Africa

May

Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week, Ntl.: May 10-16

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Each May, NCADD and the National Network of Affiliates play a significant and vital role across the US in educating people, especially women, about the dangers of consuming alcohol and using drugs during pregnancy. An educated mother or father can prevent the fate many newborns face. This month is about educating people about the facts. Fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD), the leading cause of developmental disabilities in newborns (historically known as mental retardation), stems from maternal alcoholism or heavy drinking during pregnancy. ALCOHOL Features of FASD include growth deficiency before and after birth, developmental delays, intellectual challenges, behavioral problems, and changes in facial characteristics such as a flattened mid-face, small jaw, or a thin upper lip. COCAINE Perinatal cocaine exposure can result in obstetrical complications such as low birth weight, smaller head circumference, abnormal neonatal behavior, and cerebral infarction at birth. Children with this exposure are easily distracted and passive. They face various visual and perceptual problems and difficulties with fine motor skills. Alcohol and Drug use During pregnancy: In the US: 20 percent (about one million) of pregnant women smoke cigarettes; 18 percent (about 750,000) of women drink alcohol during pregnancy; Six percent (225,000) of women use an illicit drug at least once while carrying a child to term.

Africa

May

ALS Awareness Month: May

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ALS Awareness Month in the United States occurs each year in May. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the disease and help raise funds to find a cure. ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is neurodegenerative. This fatal disease affects the nerve cells (motor neurons) that control a person’s muscles. As neurons deteriorate, the brain loses the ability to start and control voluntary muscle movement. It is why people with ALS often lose the ability to speak: the disease slowly paralyzes its victims, eventually taking away the ability to breathe. ALS was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. It would be another 70 years before most people heard of the disease. In 1939 Lou Gehrig ended his career due to it. Lou Gehrig was a professional baseball player from 1923-1939. He died of ALS in 1941, just 17 days shy of his 39th birthday. Today, there is still no cure for the cruel disease that took his name — and life.

Africa

May

Amar Das Jayanti (S): May 5

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Sri Guru Amar Dasn was born May 5, 1479, and achieved the title of Guru within the Sikh faith in 1552. He is honored for his establishment of centers of worship devoted to Guru Nanak's messages, condemning the Caste system's practice in India and allowing widows to remarry. This day celebrates the day of his birth.

Africa

May

Amaranth Month: May

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May is Amaranth Month. Amaranth is a grain revered for its nutrient-rich profile and versatility. Though tiny, amaranth is a mighty grain easily distinguished by its vibrant colors ranging from gold to red. It was a staple food of the native tribes of Central America for centuries, culminating in Mexico's Aztec Empire. Its colorful composition rendered it an integral part of Aztec religious ceremonies, leading to its banning by Spanish conquistadors despite its nutritional value. The grain survived in rural isolation high in Mexico and the South American Andes mountainous regions. It would remain primarily hidden and unknown until the late twentieth century. Beloved for its slightly nutty and earthy flavor, amaranth is often cooked like rice, added to soups, or used to make porridge. It's also ground into flour for baking, offering a protein-rich alternative to traditional wheat flour. Naturally gluten-free, it is particularly appealing in the West, where identity dieting flourishes. In addition to protein, amaranth is high in fiber and essential minerals like magnesium and iron; it's a nutrient powerhouse. Amaranth is incredibly versatile. In Mexico and Central America, it is often popped like popcorn and mixed with honey or molasses to make a sweet treat known as 'alegría.' In India, amaranth infuses various dishes, particularly during fasting seasons, as it is considered a fasting grain. The leaves of the amaranth plant are also edible, making them a leafy vegetable and a tasty addition to salads. Amaranth's history is a story of resilience and revival, ascending to a cornerstone of ancient Aztec civilization, then crashing to its near disappearance and subsequent resurgence as a global superfood. Amaranth Month is an excellent opportunity to discover this unique grain and mix up your diet a bit.

Africa

May

Amnesty International Day (1961): May 28

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Today is the anniversary of the London Observer publishing the article "The Forgotten Prisoners" on May 28, 1961. This story led to the creation of Amnesty International in July of that year by its author, British lawyer Peter Benenson. Amnesty International is a global movement of more than seven million campaigning for human rights. It is independent of any political ideology, economic interest, or religion. As an organization, it investigates and exposes abuses violating international agreements on human rights. Additionally, the non-profit lobbies governments, companies, and organizations to ensure they keep their promises and respect international law, treaties, statutes, and conventions.

Africa

May

Amyloidosis Day, Ntl. (AU): May 8

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Amyloidosis is when protein amyloids build up in tissues and organs, leading to organ failure, which can kill you. It's a rare condition, but it can only be maintained, not cured. National Amyloidosis Day seeks to raise awareness about this condition and available treatments.

Africa

May

Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, Ntl.: May 9

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Do you have a plan for your pets if your house catches fire, is flooded, caught in an earthquake, or landslide, is snowed in for an extended period, or is a victim of a volcano, tornado, hurricane, or any one of hundreds of disasters that can befall you and your family? Most people don’t. Yet when everything goes wrong, losing beloved pets can make it so much worse. National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is a FEMA initiative designed to help you think about what can happen to your pets in an emergency and to prepare for that possibility. Create a plan. Ensure you have signs on your front door to let fire and emergency personnel know how many pets are in the house and what types they are. Have you made arrangements with friends or family to care for your pets should you become hospitalized for an extended period or incapacitated? Do you know where the local shelters can take pets if you find yourself temporarily displaced? An ounce of planning is worth a pound of prevention. Use today to make sure no matter what happens, your pets will be cared for in an emergency.

Africa

May

Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week, Ntl.: May 3-9

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National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week occurs during the first week of May. Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder, and over 20 million battle depressive illnesses, costing the economy billions of dollars annually. However, the economic costs are inconsequential compared to human suffering costs. This focused event begins at the start of National Mental Health Awareness month each year and is focused on helping individuals suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders find treatment.

Africa

May

Apara Ekadashi (H): May 13

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Ekadashi is a fast day and sacred observance in the Hindu religion commemorating Lord Vishnu. Apara Ekadasi is the Ekadeshi of Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha. Devotees fast for one day to show love and devotion to Lord Vishnu. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

May

Apple Pie Day, Ntl.: May 13

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"As American as Apple Pie" is a popular saying in the United States, and apple pie is our national dessert. What is the best way to celebrate today? Cut yourself a slice and add some ice cream or cheese, if you please. Whatever you do, enjoy!

Africa