Momentous May Events

Prom, graduation, mothers, boating and barbeques are several themes in May. Along with October, May tends to be one of the most densely packed event months of the year. It's before the summer humidity and the last full month of the school year. The weather is warming in the Northern Hemisphere and becoming crisp in the Southern Hemisphere. Additional themes include physical fitness, outdoor safety, pets, healthcare careers, and vision health.

Journalism and writing celebrate their big day with the announcement of the Pulitzer Prizes on May 6. In 60% of the world, mothers will celebrate Mother's Day on May 12. The Scripps Spelling Bee occurs May 28-30 in Washington, DC. The Webby Awards presentation will be on May 13 in New York City.

Nursing and its related fields are heavily highlighted throughout the month (Florence Nightingale's birthdate is May 12, 1820). International May Day, a national or public holiday in many countries, celebrates organized labor worldwide on May 1. Haitian, Asian & Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans celebrate their heritage months. Older Americans (65+) have their month.

Check out my May 2023 issue for more events. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2023-events-magnificent-may-ld-lewis/. I'm still having issues adding text links below. Therefore, only the images will take you to the full event description and videos. As always, these are abbreviated.

Let's start with the world's most dangerous high-speed motorcycle race, the Isle of Man TT.

The TT is the world's most dangerous annual motorcycle street race—promptography LD Lewis.

ISLE OF MAN TT

Date: May 27 - June 8, 2024

Location: Isle of Man

Champion: Isle of Man Government, Department for Enterprise

The Isle of Man is a tranquil, picturesque island known for its rugged coastlines, medieval castles, and Celtic and Norse heritage transforms annually into the epicenter of one of the world's most daring motorcycle races: The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy), established in 1907, is among the oldest continuous motorcycle races in the world. But this isn't just any motorcycle race. It's a grueling, high-speed test of skill and bravery, where riders race on public roads, winding through towns, darting past stone walls, and rocketing over hilltops at speeds often exceeding 200 mph.

Over 40,000 fans descend annually on the Isle of Man, transforming the island into a buzzing hub of motorcycle enthusiasm. Beyond the races, The Isle of Man features multiple events, including the Festival of Jurby, which celebrates the island's rich motorcycling history, and the Ramsey Sprint, where enthusiasts test their bikes' speeds. For those brave enough to compete and the passionate fans that cheer them on, the TT is not just a race – it's a living legend.

Amaranth is a grain that can be popped like corn or served in many dishes—promptography LD Lewis.

Amaranth Month

Date: May 1-31, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: World Grain Council

Amaranth Month highlights the 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.

Naturally gluten-free, amaranth is particularly appealing in the West, where identity dieting flourishes. The grain is high in protein, fiber and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.

Serving it? 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 International Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world—photo The Booker Prize.

INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE

Date: May 21, 2024

Location: London, United Kingdom

Champion: Booker Prize Foundation

The International Booker Prize, established in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize, is the international version of the Booker Prize. It recognizes the finest works of translated fiction worldwide and highlights the importance of translation in connecting global audiences with diverse literary voices.

Unlike the Booker Prize, which acknowledges a single author, the International Booker Prize is awarded jointly to the author and the translator of the winning book, underscoring the collaborative nature of translated works. The Booker Prize winners and the International Booker Prize receive significant monetary awards and a substantial boost in international recognition and book sales.

Southern Hemisphere, check your wiper blades before winter sets in—promptography LD Lewis.

CHECK YOUR WIPERS DAY

Date: May 16, 2024

Location: Southern Hemisphere

Champion: Michelin Group

Windshield wipers are small, unassuming devices (invented by a woman) that play a vital role in maintaining clear visibility during inclement weather, making them an essential element of road safety. To underscore their significance, "Check Your Wipers Day" was established as an annual event, reminding drivers to ensure the proper functioning of their windshield wipers.

Automobile accidents caused by impaired visibility due to worn-out or malfunctioning windshield wipers are common. Non-functioning wiper blades produce rain-smeared or fog-obscured windshields, which can lead to accidents and endanger the lives of motorists and pedestrians alike.

The Northern Hemisphere observes Check Your Wipers Day on November 16.

A white wreath rests on an empty dinner plate—promptography LD Lewis.

WHITE WREATH DAY

Date: May 29, 2024

Location: Australia

Champion: White Wreath Association Ltd.

White Wreath Day is a day of remembrance and advocacy dedicated to those who have lost their lives to suicide. The event, orchestrated by the White Wreath Association, encourages public and private reflections on mental health and the profound impacts of suicide on families and communities.

The White Wreath Association, founded by Fanita Clark in 2001 after experiencing the personal tragedy of suicide in her own family, promotes the day as an opportunity to support those who suffer in silence. The symbol of the white wreath serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and a call to action against the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide.

Dr. Loomis made the creation of wireless communication a possibility.

LOOMIS DAY

Date: May 30, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Created by the late Robert Birch.

Loomis Day celebrates Doctor Malhlon Loomis.

Mahlon Loomis (July 21, 1826 – October 13, 1886) was an American inventor and dentist who tapped into wireless technology with his inventions. Based on the first known wireless aerial communication in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1866, Loomis received Letters Patent No. 129,971 on July 30, 1872. His invention improved telegraphing by allowing for wireless message transmission. This was three decades prior to Marconi's experiments and years before his 1874 birth.

Loomis's contributions are lesser known despite his pioneering work, primarily due to his financial hardships. Unlike Marconi, who benefitted from robust financial backing in Britain, Loomis struggled economically. His attempts to secure U.S. government funding were thwarted by slow legislative processes and the financial crises of the 1870s, including the Panic of 1873 that triggered a severe depression. This highlights the crucial role of financial support in advancing and recognizing technological innovation.

The several hundred-year-old keffiyeh's pattern resembles fishing nets and agriculture. Utilitarian and distinctive, it has recently symbolized resistance, social justice, and national pride—image Pavel Danilyuk.

WORLD KEFFIYEH DAY

Date: May 11, [1948]

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights

World Keffiyeh Day was created in the late teens to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people and a commitment to social justice.

WHAT IS A KEFFIYEH?

A keffiyeh (also known as a kufiya, shemagh, or ghutrah) is a centuries-old traditional Arabian scarf worn by men and women. Its appearance differs slightly depending on the region. Black and white tend to be the colors chosen in the Levant (SE Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and the Sinai to the Nile basin in Egypt).

Red and white or plain white is more common in the Gulf states and North Africa. Versions in beige, blue, and green can also be found; however, these are more recent incarnations and are not specific to a region.

The keffiyeh's pattern resembles the fishing nets and agricultural lands that have fed generations for thousands of years. Traditionally, people of all faiths wear the scarf to protect themselves from the sun, wind, and sand.

The Lindy Hop, popularly called the Jitterbug, is celebrated today—promptography LD Lewis.

WORLD LINDY HOP DAY

Date: May 26, [1914]

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Historical Anniversary

World Lindy Hop Day occurs annually on the birthday of Frankie Manning.

Frankie Manning was a pivotal figure in developing and popularizing the Lindy Hop. Born May 26, 1914, in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised in Harlem, New York, Manning started dancing at a young age and quickly became a regular at the Savoy Ballroom, the epicenter of the Lindy Hop during the Harlem Renaissance. The Savoy Ballroom was a unique cultural venue because it was one of the first racially integrated public places in the United States.

Manning is credited with many innovations in the dance, most notably the creation of aerial maneuvers or "air steps" that became a hallmark of the Lindy Hop. One of his most famous contributions was the "over-the-back" aerial, which he reportedly first choreographed in 1935 for a performance at the Apollo Theater.

The name Lindy Hop is commonly attributed to George "Shorty" Snowden. During a 1928 dance marathon in New York City, legend says reporters asked Snowden to name his unique dance style. He reportedly called it "Lindy Hop" in honor of Charles Lindbergh's recent transatlantic flight, famously nicknamed "Lindy's Hop" across the Atlantic.

Today, the Lindy Hop is celebrated for its rich history and role in advancing social integration through dance. It continues to be a symbol of cultural expression and creativity, taught in dance studios and performed in competitions and social gatherings around the globe.

Mosaic of world flags—promtography LD Lewis.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD IN MAY

CONSTITUTION DAY

 

• Marshall Islands: May 1, 1979
• Norway: May 17, 1814
• Poland: May 3, 1791

 

CONSTITUTION MEMORIAL DAY

 

• Japan: May 3, 1947

 

INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

• Eritrea: May 24, 1991/1994
• Jordan: May 25, 1946
• Paraguay: May 14-15, 1811
• Timor-Leste: May 20, 2002
• Georgia: May 26, 1919

 

NATIONAL DAY

 

• Azerbaijan: May 28, 1918

 

YOM HA ATZMA'UT

 

• Israel: May 13/14, 1948

 

Mosaic of sports—promtography LD Lewis.

MAY MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS

May sporting events run the gamut. The NBA and NHL are heading toward championships in June, and the Triple Crown competition starts with the Kentucky Derby. Here are the highlights.

Cyclofemme (Cycling): May 12 —Worldwide Fundraiser

Europa League Final (Football): May 22 —Ireland

FA Cup Final (Football): May 25 -United Kingdom

Giro D'Italia (Cycling): May 4-26 —Italy

Grand Final A-League (Football): May 24-26 —Australia

Grand Prix of Monaco (Auto Racing): May 26 —Monaco

IIHF World Championship (Ice Hockey): May 10-26 —Czechia

Indianapolis 500 (Auto racing): May 26 —United States

International Ride of Silence (Cycling): May 15 —Worldwide Fundraiser

Isle of Man TT (Motorcycle Racing): May 27 - June 8 —United Kingdom

Kentucky Derby (Horse Racing): May 4 —United States

Kitchenaid Senior PGA Championship (Golf): May 23-26 —United States

Miami Grand Prix (Auto Racing): May 5 —United States

PGA Championship (Golf): May 13-19 —United States

Preakness Stakes (Horse Racing): May 18 —United States

Premier League Final (Football): May 19 —United Kingdom

Roland-Garros / French Open (Tennis): May 20 - June 9 —France

World Snooker Championship (Snooker): April 10 - May 6 —United Kingdom

 

Featured Event

The rape and murder of Hanna Harris on Independence Day 2013 is the inspiration behind this event.

NATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS FOR MISSING AND MURDERED NATIVE WOMEN AND GIRLS

Date: May 5, [1992]

Location: United States

Champion: Historical Anniversary. Congressional Resolution.

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls acknowledges and raises awareness about the disproportionate rates of violence faced by Native American and Alaska Native women and girls. Activists, families, and community leaders come together to remember the victims and advocate for systemic changes to address this ongoing crisis.

It originates from the tragedy of Hanna Harris (May 5, 1992 - July 4, 2013), a Northern Cheyenne tribal member murdered on July 4, 2013. Her case brought attention to the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and sparked national advocacy efforts. In response to widespread calls for justice, the US Congress officially designated May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls in 2017.

STATISTICS ILLUSTRATE A GRIM REALITY

Native American women face murder rates that are more than ten times the national average, and they are significantly more likely to experience violence in their lifetimes.

Statistics on crimes against Native American women reveal deeply troubling issues, including high rates of rape, murder, assault, harassment, racism, and domestic violence. Here is the most recent data (as of April 2024) publicly available:

VIOLENCE RATES

According to the National Institute of Justice, more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women (over 84%) have experienced violence in their lifetimes. These statistics include 56% who have experienced sexual violence and 55% who have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Native American women face murder rates that are more than ten times the national average in some counties, primarily those that are rural and on reservations. Sexual assault rates among Native American women are also exceptionally high, with studies suggesting that one in three Native American women report rape during their lifetime.

MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN (MMIW)

The issue of MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) is a critical concern. Data collection is inconsistent and often underreported, but it's clear that indigenous women are murdered at a rate much higher than national averages. For instance, in some regions, the rate of fatal assault against Native American women is more than double that of the US average.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is a significant issue, with more than half of Native American women experiencing intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This rate is significantly higher than that for white, black, or Hispanic women.

RACISM AND HARASSMENT

Racism and systemic discrimination exacerbate the risks faced by Native American women. Racially motivated harassment and violence are prevalent concerns, often complicating the legal and social services landscape that victims must navigate.

CHALLENGES IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM

The legal framework presents unique challenges for prosecuting crimes on tribal lands due to jurisdictional complexities between federal, state, and tribal authorities, often leading to lower prosecution rates of violent crimes against Native American women.

DATA AND REPORTING ISSUES

There is a significant issue with the underreporting and misclassification of violent crimes against Native American women. Many cases go unreported, and data collection methods are inconsistent, which hampers accurate statistical analysis and the effective targeting of resources and support.

Efforts are ongoing to improve data collection, legal jurisdictional clarity, and resource allocation to address these severe issues effectively. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization and other legislative measures are steps toward addressing the systemic nature of these crimes.

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls coincides with broader efforts, such as the movement for a national inquiry into these issues and implementing more robust databases to track such crimes. Advocates continue to push for the passage of more comprehensive legislation like Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act, which aim to address jurisdictional challenges and improve coordination among federal agencies.

WHAT IS AN INDIGENOUS PERSON?

The definition of an "indigenous person" involves several key characteristics distinguishing them from other population segments within a country or region. The term is broadly used to describe the original inhabitants of a territory who have maintained a cultural identity distinct from the dominant society now governing that territory. Defining characteristics include:

HISTORICAL CONTINUITY

Indigenous peoples are descendants of the original inhabitants of a region or country who lived there before colonizing or settling populations arrived. Thus, they have historical continuity.

CULTURAL DISTINCTION

Indigenous peoples maintain cultural, social, economic, and political characteristics distinct from those of the dominant society. These include language, traditional practices, social structures, and often spirituality linked to their ancestral lands.

SELF-IDENTIFICATION

Self-identification as indigenous or belonging to an indigenous group is an integral part of their community membership and is often a requirement for legal and social recognition.

CONNECTION TO THE LAND

Indigenous peoples' traditional practices, livelihoods, and cultural and spiritual lives are often closely connected to their home region's land, water, and natural resources.

GROUP CONSCIOUSNESS

First Nations people possess a strong sense of group identity, expressed through a common heritage, language, history, and connection to the land. Often, this consciousness emerges as an opposition to the dominant society's policies and practices that seek to assimilate them or undermine their rights.

HISTORICAL DISADVANTAGE

Native peoples are frequently marginalized, disenfranchised, and disadvantaged by post-colonial and settler governments that have sought to erase their cultures and usurp their lands, including reducing access to political power and economic resources.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

International bodies, including the United Nations, have frameworks to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. The UN's definition, guided by the work of José Martínez Cobo (Special Rapporteur on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations), emphasizes non-dominance, cultural difference, and self-identification. Key documents include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which outlines and protects Indigenous peoples' rights to land, culture, education, and health care, free from discrimination. Despite best efforts, indigenous people continue to suffer from disproportionate violence, particularly in lands still occupied by non-indigenous people.

CONCLUSION

Worldwide, First Nations, native peoples, and the original inhabitants of their lands continue to fight for their rights, culture and beliefs, whether self-determination or equal treatment under the law. However, in areas of law enforcement and protection, being an Indigenous person often leads to more crime and less justice, whether in the United States, the Amazon, Yukon or Palestine.

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls is an American awareness campaign designed to focus on increasing safeguards, resources and the reporting of crimes against Native American women and girls in the United States. The day, though, resonates with all indigenous people the world over.

Regardless of borders, they tend to be targeted for crime and abuse at a much higher rate than the population at large. Today is a day to highlight their struggle, wherever they are, on this great blue marble we call home.

Thank you again for the gift of your time!

The next issue will focus on events in June 2024. Please like and share; if you're not a subscriber, please join me by subscribing!

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Last updated: May 6th 2024