It started with Pantone in the early 2000s, the annual declaration of the Color of the Year. Pantone doesn’t announce until early December, but several other paint and decor companies now declare their color of the year. These colors tend to influence interior design and, to a lesser extent, fashion over the years.

These are the colors for the various brands in 2025. Once announced, Pantone, as the originator, gets its page.

1) VERANDA: COSMIC COBALT

The color of lapis lazuli, cosmic cobalt, is a deep blue that designates royalty, calm and drama. It has been a favorite of royalty for over 8,000 years, and the color and representation standard in art and jewelry date back to antiquity.

2) BEHR: RUMORS

Following the Veranda tradition, Behr's choice for the color of the year is a deep, rich blend of burgundy and brick red. Warm and cozy, it is any room or wardrobe's central color or accent.

3) C2: RAKU

Although billed as neutral, this medium-roast coffee-colored hue with warm red undertones creates a noble, warm, and cozy welcome in any room.

4) SHERWIN-WILLIAMS/VALSPAR: ENCORE 8002-45G

Like Veranda, Valspar is going to the blues with a lighter version of cobalt that exudes tropical charm. Described as a "joyful" shade, it brightens a room with bold pops of blue.

5) MINWAX: VIOLET

Unlike paint, which is opaque, Minwax is a stain company. Their choice of a purple stain for wood, whether furniture, flooring or wood accents, takes the expected in a completely new direction.

6) DUTCH BOY: MAPPED BLUE

Best described as a cross between seafoam green and turquoise blue, this calming color nods to the deeper pastel spectrum favored in offices where a neutral is considered boring and a soothing color is required.

7) STAINMASTER: TRUFFLE

Like C2's Raku, Stainmaster's Truffle is a deep brown with white undertones that immediately evoke the comfort of an English study. Moody and contemplative, it will surely be a favorite with those hoping to make a statement.

8) LITTLE GREEN: MOCHI

Mochi could almost be called a medium-tone skin color, exhibiting pinks, browns, and tans in one color. It is a beautiful color that will enhance and radiate the skin tones of people of color embraced in its surroundings.

9) RUST-OLEUM: 4 COLORS

In 2025, the company chose four colors: Gloss Burgundy, Earthy Green, Smokey Beige, and Warm Caramel. Together, these colors create a peaceful yet engaging interior environment.

10) GRAHAM AND BROWN: RIVERTON FOLLY

Resembling a gourmet cup of hot cocoa, this white undertone medium brown harkens to the estate homes of England and continues on the brown earth tone trend seen for 2025.

11) KRYLON: HAMMERED BLACK

This textured black and dark grey color scheme brings a new dimension to this year's selection. It is the perfect accent hue for bold statements with a gothic touch.

12) GLIDDEN: PURPLE BASIL

A beautiful white-tone purple, Purple Basil lends a nostalgic warmth to any room as the primary color or an accent. It pairs beautifully with taupe, cool gold, and deeper greens.

13) DUNN-EDWARDS: CARMALIZED

Light and warm, this tan creates an inviting retreat from the world and blends beautifully with nearly any other warm tone color. It's the new neutral.

14) COLOR: FUTURE DUSK

This deep bluish-purple pairs splendidly with metallics. A base color, it is best used in legacy surroundings and classic design.

15) HGTV-SHERWIN WILLIAMS: QUIETUDE

A lovely cool-tone light seafoam green, Quietude transforms any space into a luxury retreat that is inviting and relaxing at the same time.

16) DULUX: TRUE JOY

This mustard yellow lends a pop of color and blends beautifully with browns, oranges and reds or contrasts with purples. It's a modern twist on a warm and vibrant favorite.

17) BENJAMIN MOORE: CINNAMON SLATE 2113-4

Plums and cinnamon combine to create this warm, inviting purple with brown undertones. The color pairs beautifully with classic or modern furnishings, creating a cozy yet contemporary feel to any home or office.

Africa

Jan

24 Karat Day (1848): January 24

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International 24 Karat Day marks the anniversary of the discovery of gold on January 24, 1848, by James W Marshal at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. Dubbed the California Gold Rush in 1849, this single event was responsible for massive migration in the United States across the country to the Western States. Those chasing gold in California were affectionately referred to as Forty-niners.

Africa

Jan

55-MPH Speed Limit Day (1974): January 2

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Today is the anniversary of the enactment of the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit in the United States in 1974. Speed limits have been with us since 1757, when they first appeared in Boston. The 55-mile-per-hour speed limit became the maximum speed limit in the United States for 12 years, beginning in 1974 and ending in 1986. The logic behind the limit was to force fuel economy following the 1973 oil embargo, and experts believed the law would force fuel consumption to fall by 2.2%. It only fell between .5 and 1.1%, depending upon the study. As Sammy Hagar famously states in his song “I Can’t Drive 55”, the double nickel speed limit was not popular, especially on rural highways in western states. In 1987 the US Congress raised the national speed limit to 65 MPH. By the end of 1995, National Highway Designation Act permanently killed the idea of a federal speed limit, transferring authority to the individual states.

Africa

Jan

Acceptance, Intl. Day of (1984): January 20

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International Day of Acceptance, observed annually on January 20th, is dedicated to fostering social acceptance of disability and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. This day marks a global effort to celebrate and embrace disability as a natural part of the human experience. The awareness and advocacy day celebrates the life of Annie Hopkins, founder of 3E Love, a social entrepreneurial company with the mission of changing societal perceptions of disability. Hopkins, who had a disability herself, initiated the "Wheelchair Heart" symbol, representing love and acceptance. She died in 2009 at 24; Annie's family and friends declared January 20th, 1984, her birthday, the International Day of Acceptance in her memory. International Day of Acceptance encourages people to publicly show their acceptance of people with disabilities. The day is not just about passive recognition but active participation in fostering a world where people with disabilities have equal opportunities and accessibility in society. It serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to embrace diversity, including disabilities, and to work towards inclusivity in all areas of life. Events and activities marking the day range from educational programs and awareness campaigns to social media movements, all aimed at promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusive practices. The symbol of the Wheelchair Heart signifies support and solidarity while functioning as a tribute to Annie Hopkins' vision and legacy and a reminder of the ongoing effort required to create a more inclusive society for everyone.

Africa

Jan

Adopt a Rescued Bird Month: January

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If you live in West Los Angeles, you may have seen the flock of green parrots. Conventional wisdom is a few birds escaped from a pet store fire sometime in the 1980s, and now they number in the 100s. It’s quite a sight the first time you see them. Parrots are not native to North America, but exotic birds are popular pets. Sometimes they get lost, their owners pass, or they are surrendered where they end up in shelters and need to find new homes. Adopt a Rescue Bird Month highlights that animal rescue helps all animals, including birds. If your dream is to own a bird, before you purchase from a pet store, check with your local shelter and bird rescue. You might be able to give a bird its forever home.

Africa

Jan

Adult Entertainment Expo, Las Vegas (US-NV): January 22-25

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The Adult Entertainment Expo is the largest gathering of products and services related to the adult entertainment and the adult products industries globally. It is an awards program for those in the industry and a trade show of products and services within the legal adult industries. 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 unknown until 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

Jan

AFC Championship Game: January 26

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The American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game, or AFC Title Game, determines which team from the American AFC will play in the Super Bowl against the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game winner. The Super Bowl is played between the top team in the AFC and the top team in the NFC. It is the final professional football contest of the year, and the winner is considered the World Champion. 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

Jan

African and Afrodescendant Culture, World Day for: January 24

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World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture is celebrated annually on January 24. This UNESCO-proclaimed day acknowledges the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and the African diaspora and their contributions to the global community. It serves as a recognition of the diverse heritage and influence of African and Afro-descendant communities worldwide. World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture promotes the rich cultural expressions of Africans and Afro-descendants, ranging from music, dance, and art to languages, storytelling, and religious practices. It underscores the importance of these cultural expressions in shaping identities and fostering social inclusion and human development. The World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture calls for the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage, often threatened by globalization, marginalization, and various forms of discrimination. It encourages not only a celebration but also a reflection on the historical challenges faced by African and Afro-descendant communities, including the legacies of the slave trade and colonialism. Activities on this day include educational programs, artistic performances, exhibitions, and discussions that highlight the importance of cultural diversity and the need for intercultural dialogue. These events are platforms for sharing knowledge, celebrating these communities' artistic and cultural contributions, and advocating for policies that support cultural diversity and heritage preservation.

Africa

Jan

African Year of Justice and Reparations: 2025

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2025: THE YEAR OF AFRICAN JUSTICE AND REPARATIONS

SEEKING JUSTICE FOR CENTURIES OF HARM

In a historic move, the African Union (AU) is intensifying its call for reparations to Africans on the continent and in the diaspora for the enduring harms caused by the transatlantic slave trade, slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism. The AU's campaign, rooted in a deep history of struggle and advocacy, aims to address these historical injustices' profound socio-economic and psychological impacts.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

The movement for reparations is not new. It traces back to the early 20th century when Pan-African leaders and intellectuals like WE B Du Bois and Marcus Garvey first advocated for the recognition of the devastating effects of slavery and colonialism. The push gained momentum during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, where activists like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the need for economic justice and reparations for African Americans.

In Africa, the post-colonial era saw leaders like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania vocalize the need for reparative justice to heal the wounds inflicted by colonial powers. The Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the AU, laid the groundwork for the current reparations discourse, calling for recognizing the historical injustices the African people suffered.

REASONING

In 2025, the AU aims to make Justice and Reparations its central theme, highlighting the urgency and importance of this issue. The decision aligns with the AU's broader agenda of promoting human rights, justice, and sustainable development across the continent.

"Reparations are not just about financial compensation; they are about acknowledging the historical injustices and addressing the lasting impacts on our societies," said Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. "This theme will allow us to engage in meaningful dialogue and action towards restorative justice."

GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

The AU's call for reparations resonates beyond Africa, influencing global historical justice and equity discussions. Countries in the Caribbean, represented by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), have also been vocal about the need for reparations from former colonial powers. In the United States, the debate over reparations for slavery has gained renewed attention, with legislative proposals and public discourse highlighting the systemic inequalities faced by African Americans.

European nations, particularly those with colonial histories, face growing pressure to address their historical responsibilities. The AU's stance underscores the interconnectedness of the global struggle for justice and the need for collaborative efforts to redress historical wrongs.

WHY 2025?

The decision to spotlight Justice and Reparations in 2025 is strategic. It coincides with significant anniversaries and milestones in African and global history, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism. The year 2025 marks 130 years since the Berlin Conference, where European powers carved up Africa, leading to the colonial domination that has left lasting scars on the continent.

By making reparations a focal theme, the AU aims to mobilize African nations, the diaspora, and the international community to take concrete steps towards addressing historical injustices. The campaign seeks financial compensation and measures to promote education, cultural restoration, and socio-economic development.

The African Union's call for reparations is a powerful assertion of the need for justice and healing. As the continent prepares to make this a central theme in 2025, the movement for reparations seeks to gain unprecedented momentum, potentially reshaping international relations and fostering a more equitable global society.

Africa

Jan

Al Ula Citrus Festival (SA): January 5-13 (est)

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Al Ula Citrus Festival

Highlighting the Region's Agricultural Prowess

In a vibrant celebration of citrus bounty, the Al Ula Citrus Festival draws attention to the agricultural riches of this ancient oasis in the heart of the Saudi desert. This festival not only celebrates the variety and abundance of citrus fruits but also underscores Al Ula's rising prominence as an agricultural hub in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Known for its breathtaking rock formations and archaeological treasures, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, Al Ula is now gaining recognition for its agricultural potential. The festival, which showcases the region's production of premium citrus varieties, marks a period of transformation as Al Ula transitions into a key player within the Kingdom's sustainable agriculture movement.

Officials report that the region's unique climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers, cultivates a sweet and diverse citrus yield. Innovations in water conservation and agricultural techniques have allowed for the successful growth of these fruits despite the arid environment. The region's farmers display their harvests with pride, offering a plethora of oranges, lemons, limes, and more exotic varieties to festival-goers, symbolizing a triumph over the challenging desert conditions.

The festival is not just a showcase but also a strategic move in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and develop public service sectors, including tourism and recreation. By highlighting Al Ula's capacity for high-quality agricultural produce, the festival aligns with broader goals of sustainability and economic growth.

Beyond the celebration, Al Ula's citrus production is a testament to the Kingdom's investment in innovative agricultural practices, which aim to balance traditional methods with modern technology, ensuring resource sustainability. The government has invested considerably in agricultural research and development in the region, fostering growth that respects the delicate desert ecosystem.

As Al Ula grows its agricultural reach, the Citrus Festival serves as an annual reminder of the region's capacity for change and development. With every glass of sweet orange juice savored or the zest of lemon inhaled, visitors and residents alike are tasting the fruits of a profound agricultural transformation in the Kingdom's heartland.

Africa

Jan

Alasitas Festival (BO)(1781): January 24

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Making a little deal out of big dreams, Alasitas is a unique festival found only in Bolivia. The pre-Columbian (before 1492) Aymara people of Bolivia ushered in the fall harvest season with a pagan festival celebrating the goddess of abundance, Ekeko. Prayers with offerings of miniaturized objects to the goddess informed the ritual, with hopes of being blessed with abundance in the coming year. With the arrival of Christianity, the festival folded into the pre-Lent celebrations. Later, the anniversary of the January 24, 1781 battle between the Bolivians and imperial Spain marked its beginning, making it a civic holiday. Today Alasitas is held annually beginning on the battle's anniversary in the city of La Paz and continues for a month, usually until the first day of Lent. Priests and shamans perform blessings. Everything in the town goes small, from fun-size food to tiny bicycles, dolls, and plants. Even money and houses are miniaturized for those wishing for either in the upcoming year. These little dreams and indulgences are part of the celebration. Bolivians purchase and collect miniature dolls, furniture, plants, and other collectibles to represent their hopes and wishes for the coming year and eat mini meals of itty bitty foods. Globally, Alasitas is often referred to as The Festival of Miniatures, bringing the festival and traditions full circle to their cultural origins.

Africa

Jan

Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders Day, (1908): January 15

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Today, January 15, is the anniversary of the founding of the first black sorority in the United States in 1908 at Howard University. It is called the Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Africa

Jan

Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month (CA): January

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Each year Alzheimer’s Canada hosts

National Alzheimer’s month.

Nearly one million Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias today, a number expected to increase to 1.4 million in the next 15 years.

—Three out of four Canadians know someone with dementia.
—Women represent 72 percent of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s.
—Two or more family members provide care for every person with the disease. Women account for 70 percent of family caregivers.

In 2011 alone, caregivers spent 444 million unpaid hours providing care. That’s the equivalent of $11 billion in lost income or 230,000 full-time jobs.

Dementia costs the Canadian economy $33 billion annually, and by 2040, that figure will skyrocket to $293 billion annually. Age is the most significant risk factor for dementia; after age 65, the risk doubles every five years.

Dementia also occurs in people in their 50s, 40s, and even 30s.

Dementia is progressive and varies significantly from person to person. From the initial onset, it can take eight to 10 years – or even longer, before death.

Dementia is fatal. Its causes are not fully known, and there is still no cure or effective treatment to prevent or reverse the disease.

Dementia is a collective term to describe brain disorders whose symptoms include:
—A decline in memory, reasoning, and communication skills.
—Gradual loss of ability to carry out day-to-day activities.
—Changes in personality and behavior.

Dementia can be present in the brain for up to 25 years before symptoms appear.

There are many ways to get involved with the campaign at www.alzheimer.ca/stillhere:

Africa

Jan

Ancestors (Heroes) Day (HT)(1804): January 2

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August 21, 1791, through January 1, 1804, represents the 12 years in which the slaves of Haiti fought against French colonial rule for their independence. Ancestors Day or Heroes Day commemorates the people who died fighting for Haiti’s freedom during this war. It falls on the anniversary of the first full day of freedom, January 2, 1804. We’ve included a few songs from the era for your enjoyment below. Heroes Day is a national public holiday in Haiti.

Africa

Jan

Angel Island Day, Ntl. (1910): January 21

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Today marks the anniversary of the opening of the immigration center on Angel Island, January 21, 1910. Located in the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island is the 2nd most significant island in the bay, with views of Sonoma and Napa on clear days. From 1910 to 1940, the Angel Island Immigration Station, "The Ellis Island of the West," was the first stop for over 1 million Asian immigrants entering the US. In 1964, after lobbying by the Chinese American community, it was declared a state landmark by the state of California. In 1975, California created the Angel Island Conservatory with a primary mission to facilitate the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historical and natural resources on the island.

Africa