All - Leep Calendar

Amerigo Vespucci Day: Celebrating the Namesake of America Amerigo Vespucci Day, commemorated on March 9, celebrates the life and legacy of the Italian explorer after whom the Americas are named. This day serves not only as a tribute to Vespucci's contributions to the age of exploration but also as an opportunity to reflect on the history of the New World's discovery and naming. Amerigo Vespucci, born on March 9, 1454, in Florence, Italy, was an explorer and navigator who played a significant role in understanding the scope of the New World. Unlike his contemporaries, who believed they were reaching parts of Asia, Vespucci posited that the lands discovered by European explorers were part of a separate continent. This theory significantly altered the geographical understanding of the time. Vespucci's voyages to the New World took place in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. His accounts of these voyages, particularly his descriptions of the lands and peoples he encountered, were widely circulated and highly influential. Vespucci was one of the first explorers to suggest that Brazil and the West Indies did not represent Asia's eastern outskirts but were part of an entirely new landmass. The naming of America is credited to the German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller. In 1507, Waldseemüller produced a world map on which he named the new continent "America," a Latinized version of "Amerigo," in recognition of Vespucci's understanding that these lands were part of a new continent. This map, known as the Universalis Cosmographia, was the first to depict the Western Hemisphere as a separate continent and to use the name America. Amerigo Vespucci Day is acknowledged by history enthusiasts and cultural organizations, especially within Italian-American communities. The day often involves educational events, discussions, and exhibits that highlight Vespucci's life and the impact of his voyages on the world's geographical knowledge.

Africa

Mar

AmeriCorps Week: March 8-14

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AmeriCorps Week celebrates the US government service organization, AmeriCorps, sometimes called the US-focused version of the PeaceCorps. Each year AmeriCorps organizations engage over 270,000 Americans through its staff and volunteers, assisting communities impacted by COVID-19, ensuring students stay on track to graduate, combating hunger and homelessness, responding to natural disasters, fighting the opioid epidemic, helping seniors live independently, supporting veterans and military families and more. Use AmeriCorps Week to discover your community's programs and learn how to get involved. @AmeriCorps, #WeAreAmeriCorps, #AmeriThanks, and #AmeriCorpsWeek.

Africa

Mar

AmDocs (US-CA): March 25-29

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The American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs) celebrates the artistry and power of true stories and animated narratives. It is a major awards program and event in the documentary and animation genres. Established in 2011, AmDocs champions independent filmmakers, giving them a coveted platform to showcase their work. The festival continues to grow in submissions and attendees, solidifying its reputation on the international film circuit. Distinguished for its inclusivity, the festival screens films from across the globe. These include full-length documentaries, animated features, shorts, and student submissions. Each year, a jury of industry professionals and enthusiasts bestow awards in various categories, ensuring that excellence in filmmaking is recognized and celebrated. In addition to the screenings, AmDocs is renowned for its interactive segments, which include filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events.

Africa

Mar

Alport Syndrome Awareness Month: March

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National Alport Syndrome Awareness Month first ran in 2013 and seeks to raise awareness of the hereditary syndrome affecting kidneys, sight, and hearing called Alport. The condition is named after the doctor who defined it in 1927, A. Cecil Alport. The awareness month seeks to educate people on the need for organ donations and continue to raise funds for research.

Africa

Mar

Alfred Hitchcock Day (1940): March 12

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On this day in 1940, the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, released the Academy Award Winning film for Best Picture, "Rebecca," his first film from an American studio. Hitchcock already had 20 years of film industry experience, starting in 1920 with silent movies. He would go on to direct or produce over 50 films. His last film was "Family Plot" in 1976.

Africa

Mar

Aldo Leopold Weekend (US-WI): March 7-8

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The author of the Sand Country Almanac, Aldo Leopold, is considered one of Wisconsin's most influential voices on issues related to the environment. The entire state celebrates his contributions the first weekend of March.

Africa

Mar

Al Quds Day, Intl.: March 13

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Al Quds means "Jerusalem" in Arabic, and Al Quds Day has been observed internationally since 1979, beginning in Iran and now globally. Jerusalem is to remain an international city in perpetuity, and representatives of the future Israeli government agreed to this as part of the 1947 agreement creating the nation-state of Israel. In 1967, Israel occupied the eastern portion of the city and continues to occupy it as it attempts to annex it, violating international law and the laws creating the state. "Al Quds Day is a universal day. It is not an exclusive day for Quds itself. It is a day for the oppressed to rise and stand up against the arrogant." Imam Khomeini Al Quds Day highlights the oppression and ongoing subjugation of Christians and Muslims in the holy city, but its primary objective is to end oppression worldwide. Whether under occupation or colonial rule, the rights of its people are doled out based upon arbitrary designations, including origin, nationality, race, sex, and religion. In solidarity with Jerusalem, people throughout the world living under oppression are encouraged, through non-violent means, to stand up against their oppressors, insist on peace, and work toward a better future where the people, rather than political force, prevail. Traditionally this event is held on the last Friday of Ramadan.

Africa

Mar

AKC Agility Championship (US-CA): March 19-22

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THE AKC AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIP A Test of Canine Dexterity and Intelligence The American Kennel Club (AKC) Agility Championship is a prestigious event in the canine sports world, showcasing the agility, training, and partnership between dogs and their handlers. This annual event, which has grown in popularity since its inception, attracts some of the best-trained dogs and skilled handlers across the United States. The AKC Agility Championship celebrates and promotes the sport of dog agility. Agility tests a dog's ability to swiftly navigate an obstacle course with guidance from their handler, demonstrating speed, flexibility, and obedience. The competition highlights the strong bond and communication between the dog and its handler, which is essential to successful agility performance. In agility competitions, dogs navigate various obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and seesaws. Courses test a dog's ability to follow commands promptly while moving quickly. Dogs are judged based on speed and accuracy, with penalties for mistakes like knocking over a jump bar or missing an obstacle. This sport is crucial for dogs as it provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, essential for their overall well-being. Agility training enhances a dog's coordination, increases endurance, and strengthens muscles. Additionally, agility fosters a deeper bond between the dog and the handler, as they must work together to complete the course. It also offers an excellent outlet for dogs to use their instincts and problem-solving skills. Participation in the AKC Agility Championship is diverse, with dogs of various breeds and sizes competing. The competition is structured to accommodate this diversity, with different courses and standards for other classes of dogs, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all. The AKC Agility Championship is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of the capabilities and spirit of dogs and their handlers. It's an event where training, trust, and teamwork come together in a dynamic display of agility and intelligence. The championship entertains spectators and inspires dog owners to engage in agility training, highlighting the sport's benefits for dogs' physical and mental health.

Africa

Mar

Air Max Day (1987): March 26

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Air Max Day takes place annually on March 26. The first Air Max Day was held in 2014 and every year since Nike has made the event bigger and better. Today, the holiday is an anticipated date in the sneaker calendar and represents an opportunity for collectors to share their favorite Air Max sneakers. Additionally, Air Max Day is known for its headline-grabbing drops, and Nike makes a point of celebrating the occasion every year with blockbuster releases.

Africa

Mar

AIDS, Zero Discrimination Day: March 1

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Discrimination forms through misinformation or fear of the unknown. By reflecting on people in everyday situations, on Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS challenges people to recognize where discrimination occurs and stop it. No one should ever be discriminated against because of their HIV status, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, language, geographical location, migrant status, or for any other reason. Unfortunately, discrimination continues to undermine efforts to achieve a more just and equitable world. People face discrimination daily based on who they are or what they do. Discrimination will only disappear by actively addressing the ignorance, practices, and beliefs that fuel it. Zero Discrimination Day has been observed every year since 2014.

Africa

Mar

AIDS Awareness (Women/Girls), Ntl. Day for: March 10

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National Day for Women and Girls AIDS Awareness is observed by community organizations that offer support, fight to reduce stigma, and share information that empowers women and girls on the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention, ongoing care, and available treatments.

Africa

Mar

AG Week, Ntl.: March 22-28

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National Ag Day and Ag Week are organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food, and fiber community dedicated to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to: Understand how food and fiber products are produced. Appreciate agriculture's role in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products. Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy. Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industry. ACA also holds an annual Ag Day Essay and Ag Day Poster Art Contest. See the website for details. http://www.agday.org

Africa

Mar

Agricultural Safety Week (CA): March 15-21

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The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) and the Federation of Agriculture (CFA) team up yearly to celebrate Canadian Agricultural Safety Week in the third week of March. It’s a time to reflect on the importance of farm safety and empower producers and their families with the information and resources they need to make their farms safer. According to a recent survey, although most Canadian producers (85%) believe safety is a priority on their farm, less than one in ten (9%) currently have a written agricultural safety plan on their farm or ranch.

Africa

Mar

AG Day, Ntl.: March 24

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National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food, and fiber community dedicated to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to: Understand how food and fiber products are produced. Appreciate agriculture's role in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products. Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy. Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industry. ACA also holds an annual Ag Day Essay and Ag Day Poster Art Contest. See the website for details. http://www.agday.org

Africa

Mar

Adwa Day (ET)(1896: March 2

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The Battle of Adwa, March 2, 1896, in which Ethiopians defeated Eritrea's Italian colonial army in the Ethiopian city of Adwa, remains one of the great battles against colonialism in Africa. Defending their land, the Ethiopians defeated the Italians, something nearly unheard of in colonized nations. This battle became the roadmap for future efforts against colonialism, becoming a national holiday in Ethiopia.

Africa