All - Leep Calendar

The United Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 55/201 of December 20, 2000, proclaimed May 22 as The International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The date commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on May 22, 1992, by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The UN General Assembly designated December 29 (the date of entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity) the International Day for Biological Diversity. However, it took a lot of work for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations on December 29; given the number of holidays that coincide, the official date was moved to May.

Africa

May

Bird Day, World Migratory: May 10

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The United Nations hosts World Migratory Bird Day on the second Saturday in May (previously May 10) to focus on the impact of migratory birds on the health of people and the planet. CMS and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) – two intergovernmental wildlife treaties administered by UN Environment Program (UNEP) – organize the campaign in cooperation with several partners.

Africa

May

Birth Control Pill Day (1960): May 9

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Gregory Pincus, bolstered by the advocacy of Margaret Sanger and funding from heiress Katherine McCormick, created the first birth control pill using synthesized hormones in 1952. The idea of birth control is not new. In antiquity, women created cotton-based suppositories soaked in honey, dates, and acacia, which fermented inside and effectively killed sperm. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that the idea of a pill became a reality. The first trials, 100% successful, occurred in 1954. However, as many states had anti-birth control laws, Puerto Rico became the location for testing the new contraceptive. In 1957 the FDA approved the drug for severe menstrual disorders but not birth control, which would have to wait another three years. On May 9, 1960, the pill was approved by the FDA for birth control. By 1962 over 1.2 million women were using it. The pill gave women control over their sexual health, desires, lives, and careers. It remains controversial with some faith-based groups and others who are against sex outside of marriage or oppose birth control under any circumstance. Carl Djerassi concurrently explored a similar idea to Pincus' pill using hormones but did not have access to distribution or testing facilities.

Africa

May

Birth Mother's Day: May 10

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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

Black Mothers Bailout Week: May 4-10

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Created in 2017, Black Mothers Bailout is a nationwide campaign to bail out as many mothers awaiting trial and in jail because they cannot afford bail so they can spend Mother's Day with their children. Thousands of mothers sit in jail simply because they cannot afford to pay bail while awaiting trial. The impact on families and communities is extreme. Jobs and incomes are lost, homes are lost, families are divided, and the women haven't been convicted of anything, only arrested. Because it can take months to go to trial, many of these women also risk losing their children. This event seeks to raise awareness of the National Bail Fund, encourage donations and buy the freedom of these women.

Africa

May

Black Pound Day (UK): May 3

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Born in 2020 in the wake of the Black Lives Matter global protest, Black Pound Day in the United Kingdom is a monthly event occurring on the first Saturday of each month. The purpose is to ask consumers to support Black-owned businesses on this day by shopping at them or giving their patronage. Musician DJ Swiss created it.

Africa

May

Blessing of the Bikes: May 4

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Motorcycles are a popular form of transportation worldwide and come with their romantic ideals. Each year since 1969, thousands of bikers gather at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, New Jersey, to receive a blessing for the upcoming summer season. Granted by the Bishop, it places a prayer of safety on the bikes, riders, and their friends. The Blessing of the Bikes is a Mass and ceremony held on the first Sunday in May.

Africa

May

Blood Pressure Month, Ntl.: May

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May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. One in three American adults has high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and that's 67 million people who have to work to check their blood pressure daily. Unfortunately, more than half of people with high blood pressure do not have their condition under control. Blood pressure is normal when systolic pressure (the higher number) is less than 120 mmHg, and diastolic pressure (the lower number) is less than 80 mmHg. People at risk for high blood pressure, often called prehypertension, have systolic pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg. High blood pressure means systolic pressure is 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic is 90 mmHg or higher. Talk with your healthcare team about your personal blood pressure goal.

Africa

May

Blueberry Cheesecake Day: May 26

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Cheesecake is one of the oldest desserts in human history, eaten since ancient times in Greece. The desert originated on the Greek Island of Samos a little over 4,000 years ago. The dessert was so prized athletes ate it before performances during the original Olympics in 776 BC! It also served as a wedding cake throughout the Greek and Roman empires. The first cheesecake recipe in print also comes from the Greeks in 230 AD and included wheat flour and kernels, honey, and pressed cheese. The first known recipe, however, was by Roman politician Marcus Cato sometime in the century leading up to the birth of Christ. Of course, once the Romans got a hold of the original recipe, they augmented it, adding eggs and cheeses. As the recipe traveled to Europe over the coming centuries, each country put its spin on this basic dessert. Cutting it into slivers for serving and topping with fruit was the contribution of the chefs of King Henry the VIII of England in the 16th century. In 1545 cheesecake saw its first appearance in a cookbook. But, the cooks were not done with the dessert. Enter the United States in the 19th century and the invention of cream cheese in 1875. Cream cheese became the base ingredient for what we now call New York Style Cheesecake, which includes more egg yolks and cream cheese. The same man who invented the Reuben sandwich, Arnold Reuben, is credited with creating the New York-style cheesecake. There are several different versions of cheesecake. Blueberry cheesecake came about through experimentation, and blueberry and strawberry cheesecake are two of the most popular versions on the planet. What is the best way to celebrate Blueberry Cheesecake Day? Have a slice for yourself, and enjoy!

Africa

May

Blues Music Awards (WC Handy Awards): May 8 (est)

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Each May in Memphis, The Blues Foundation presents the Blues Music Awards. The annual Blues Music Awards ceremony recognizes superior achievements in Blues performance, songwriting, and recording while honoring its rich cultural tradition. The ceremony is broadcast live on Sirius XM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville.

Africa

May

Bonza Bottler Day, Intl: May 5

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When the number of the month matches the number of the day, that's Bonza Bottler Day. It is a play on numbers. There are twelve Bonza Bottler Days a year. This event began in 1985. Bonza is Australian for "Super." Bottler is slang for "something excellent."

Africa

May

Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month: May

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Borderline personality disorder (BPD), marked by the inability to manage emotions, is a serious mental illness affecting nearly six percent of the population, millions worldwide. Symptoms generally occur in adolescence or early adulthood and can be present in familial relationships, business relationships, or both. Signs of BPD include impulsiveness, reckless behavior, and an inability to maintain healthy relationships. BPD often compounds other issues, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. BPD Month is an opportunity to learn about this mental illness, how to best interact with persons suffering, and learn about techniques for managing it.

Africa

May

Boys and Girls Club Day (1906): May 19

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Boys & Girls Club Day is an annual celebration of the over 150-year-old history of Boys and Girls clubs across the country. Concerned for the welfare of boys left to roam the streets in 1860, three women from Hartford, Conn. - Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin, and Elizabeth Hammersley created a program to educate and entertain the youth, and it worked! Not only did their club flourish, but other communities emulated their success. In 1906 Boys Clubs from across the country joined, and the Boys Club Federation of America was born. Today is the anniversary of the 1906 creation of the Boys Club Federation of America. In 1990 the name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Africa

May

Brain Tumor Action Month: May

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Promoted by the National Brain Tumor Society, Brain Tumor Action Month raises awareness about brain tumors and provides the means for treatment, support, and early detection. Annually, brain tumors are discovered in nearly 200,000 Americans. Particularly in children, a brain tumor is considered the most deadly type of cancer, and brain tumors are the third most dangerous cancer in 20-39-year-olds.

Africa

May

Brother's Day, Ntl: May 24*

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Created in 2001 by C. Daniel Rhodes, Brother’s Day celebrates the bromance between friends, fraternity, and actual siblings. It is one of two Brother’s Days on the calendar.

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