Category: June 16

  • INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD – June 16

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

    On June 16th, International Day of the African Child commemorates those killed during the Soweto Uprising in South Africa. The day also raises awareness of the ongoing need to improve education for children in Africa.

    The Soweto Uprising began on June 16, 1976. Thousands of black schoolchildren in South Africa led this series of protests and demonstrations. The students were protesting against issues related to government-sanctioned apartheid within the student community.

    On their way to Orlando Stadium in Soweto, heavily armed police met the students. The police fired tear gas and live ammunition at the students. The result was a revolt directed against the South African government. The revolt spread throughout the country and continued for several months. It is believed that more than 170 people died during the Soweto Uprising. One of the youngest victims was just 12-years-old. The UN Security Council strongly condemned the incident and the apartheid government.

    Twenty years after the uprising, the South African Schools Act was passed. This law put an end to mandatory segregation in South African schools. The law also made primary education compulsory for all children starting at the age of 7. Despite this fact, many children in South Africa and other parts of the continent do not get a quality education. Girls especially face many barriers to getting any education at all. Many children in Africa drop out of school before their 10th birthday. Other children throughout the continent do not have enough food or adequate shelter.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #DayOfTheAfricanChild

    On this day, governments, NGOs, educators, and international organizations discuss the challenges children in Africa face. Events also discuss the importance of educational opportunities for these children. Here are some ways you can participate:

    • Donate to an organization that helps provide education to children in Africa.
    • Watch the documentary Uprize or the movie Sarafina! Both center around the Soweto Uprising.
    • Learn about the history of South Africa and the effect of apartheid on the country.

    Spread awareness for this day on social media with #DayOfTheAfricanChild

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD HISTORY

    The Organization of African Unity (OAU) initiated the first International Day of the African Child in 1991. The date of June 16th commemorates the beginning of the Soweto Uprising in 1976.

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  • WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY – June 16

    WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY

    Every year on June 16th, World Sea Turtle Day highlights the importance of sea turtles. The day also encourages global supporters to dive into the threats that sea turtles face.

    Did you know that sea turtles have been on the earth for over 100 million years? This means that sea turtles co-existed with dinosaurs. There are seven species of sea turtles. These include green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and the Olive ridley. Of these species of sea turtles, the leatherback is the largest. The leatherback sea turtle weighs anywhere from 550 to 2,000 pounds! This type of sea turtle grows up to six feet in length. Sea turtles live in both cool and warm waters throughout the world. However, the flatback can only be found in Australia.

    Sea Turtle Facts
    • Sea turtles can live between 50 to 100 years.
    • Some sea turtles travel more than 1,000 miles to return to their nesting ground.
    • Sea turtles nest multiple times, about two weeks apart, and lay up to 125 eggs per nest.
    • Most sea turtles nest at night, except for the Kemp’s ridley.
    • Leatherback sea turtles can dive nearly 4,000 feet into the water.
    • Unlike other kinds of turtles, sea turtles cannot retreat into their shell.
    • A large group of nesting sea turtles is called an “arribadas”, which is Spanish for “arrival.”

    One more interesting fact is that the temperature of the nest determines the sea turtle’s sex. Male hatchlings are born in cooler temperatures. When temperatures in the next are warm it produces female hatchlings. Fluctuating temperatures produce a mix of male and female baby sea turtles.

    Unfortunately, nearly every species of sea turtle is considered endangered. The hawksbills and Kemp’s ridley are both critically endangered. Entanglement in marine debris, destruction of habitats, and poaching for meat and eggs are among the top reasons for their endangerment.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldSeaTurtleDay

    On this day, conservation organizations and zoos organize a variety of events. These events include exhibits, beach cleanups, and educational seminars on how to protect the sea turtles. To participate:

    • Donate to a marine wildlife organization that works to protect the sea turtles.
    • Adopt a sea turtle through the Marine Conservation Society.
    • Avoid throwing plastic and other harmful debris into waterways and encourage others to do the same.
    • Watch movies that feature sea turtles, such as Finding Nemo, A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures, Turtle: The Incredible Journey, and Moana.

    Spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldSeaTurtleDay.

    WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY HISTORY

    In the year 2000, turtle conservation organizations came together to create World Sea Turtle Day. June 16th was chosen to honor the birthday of Dr. Archie Carr, a renowned sea turtle conservationist. Dr. Carr also founded the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Gainesville, Florida.

     

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  • INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILY REMITTANCES – June 16

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILY REMITTANCES

    Every year on June 16th, the International Day of Family Remittances recognizes the contributions that migrants make to improve the lives of their family members back home. It’s also a day for realizing the impact these contributions make on households, communities, countries, and entire regions.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 1 billion migrants throughout the world. Approximately 258 million of them are international migrants. Additionally, there are over 760 million internal migrants. People migrate from one location to another for many reasons. Some migrants are forced from their homes. Several others move to make a better life for themselves.

    According to the UN, about 200 million people migrate to improve the lives of their families back home. These migrants help 800 million family members. They do this by sending remittances, or funds, to family members who have stayed in their home country. Migrants who send remittances create a future hope for their children.

    Recent statistics from the Pew Research Center state that in one year, over 148 billion dollars in remittances left the United States. Mexico received the highest amount of remittances, which was over 30 billion dollars. Other countries that received remittances from the United States included:

    • China
    • India
    • Philippines
    • Vietnam
    • Guatemala
    • Nigeria
    • El Salvador
    • Dominican Republic
    • Honduras
    • South Korea

    In most cases, family members who receive remittances are living in poverty. Remittances greatly help to improve the lives of family members receiving them. This includes improving health, education, housing, and sanitation.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalDayOfFamilyRemittances

    On this day, private sector entities that transfer funds are encouraged to send remittances for free. The UN also encourages public sector stakeholders to hold meetings that discuss ways migrants can improve their country’s GDP. To participate in this day, educate yourself and others on the reasons people migrate. If you know an immigrant, ask them why they came to this country. You could also learn more about remittances and how these funds help to improve lives and the economies of poorer countries. Spread awareness for this day by sharing #InternationalDayOfFamilyRemittances on social media.

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILY REMITTANCES HISTORY

    On June 16th, 2015 the first International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) took place at the Global Forum on Remittances and Development. The celebration was part of World Expo in Milan, Italy. On June 12th 2018, the UN National Assembly adopted a resolution for an International Day of Family Remittances. The UN called upon the International Fund for Agricultural Development to facilitate the observance of IDFR. This day continues to be held every year on June 16th.

     

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  • BLOOMSDAY – June 16

    BLOOMSDAY | JUNE 16

    June 16th recognizes the life of the Irish writer James Joyce through the celebration of Bloomsday and readings, walks, and reenactments.

    #Bloomsday

    Born in 1882, Joyce is best known for his novel Ulysses narrated using the stream-of-consciousness method for which he’s noted. The protagonist, Leopold Bloom, inspired the name for the day. The celebrated author and poet also published short stories and was a respected teacher and literary critic. His contributions to modernist avant-garde literature make him one of the most influential authors of the 20th century.

    “I care not if I live but a day and a night, so long as my deeds live after me.”
    ―James Joyce

    Life is too short to read a bad book.
    ―James Joyce

    I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day.
    ―James Joyce

    HOW TO OBSERVE BLOOMSDAY

    The James Joyce Centre in Dublin, Ireland hosts many events on Bloomsday, including readings, walks, and reenactments. In Ireland, the day involves a range of cultural activities, including Ulysses readings and dramatizations, pub crawls, and other events. Enthusiasts often dress in Edwardian costumes to celebrate Bloomsday and retrace Bloom’s route around Dublin via landmarks such as Davy Byrne’s pub. Hard-core devotees have even been known to hold marathon readings of the entire novel, some lasting up to 36 hours.

    In the United States various activities mark the day, usually reading all or significant portions of the book Ulysses and accompanying activities in Kansas City, Missouri; Syracuse, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; Wichita, Kansas; Portland Maine; Portland, Oregon; Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    Use #Bloomsday or #BloomsdayFest to share and follow on social media.

    BLOOMSDAY HISTORY

    June 16 is the annual observance of Bloomsday because Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place on that date 1904. It is also the date of his first outing with his wife-to-be, Nora Barnacle,

    The Oxford English Dictionary added an entry for Bloomsday in 2005 and cites the word’s first appearance — in a letter Joyce wrote in June of 1924. It was in a letter by Joyce to Miss Weaver, June 27, 1924, which refers to “a group of people who observe what they call Bloom’s day – 16 June.

    The practice of gathering together on Bloomsday to celebrate started in 1929.

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  • WEAR BLUE DAY – Friday Before Father’s Day

    WEAR BLUE DAY | FRIDAY BEFORE FATHER’S DAY

    Men’s health is the focus of Wear BLUE Day on Friday before Father’s Day. By wearing blue, you are saying you support the men in your life to lead a healthy lifestyle, and you care about their well-being.

    #WearBlueDay

    As part of the campaign that includes Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week in June, Wear BLUE Day encourages us to take stock of our health choices and become more aware of health risks. Men are more likely to skip health checkups than women. At the same time, they are more likely to take chances with their health choices. The three leading causes of death for mean according to the Centers for Disease Control are cancer, heart disease, and accidents.

    The Wear BLUE Campaign provides an opportunity for employers, communities, and other organizations to hold events to raise awareness about concerns surrounding men’s health and how they can take charge. The day is also a way for loved ones to show their encouragement for the men in their lives.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WEAR BLUE DAY

    Sponsor a Wear BLUE fundraiser to raise money for prostate cancer or to provide education about diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. To find out more, visit www.menshealthnetwork.org. When it comes to getting healthy or staying there, sometimes a checklist helps. We created a list of 7 Simple Ways to Improve Health that will put you in the mood to wear blue.

    As you take part, be sure to use #WearBlueDay to share on social media.

    WEAR BLUE DAY HISTORY

    The Men’s Health Network founded the Wear BLUE Day campaign to raise awareness concerning men’s health.

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  • NATIONAL FUDGE DAY – June 16

    NATIONAL FUDGE DAY | June 16

    National Fudge Day comes around each year on June 16th, allowing you to indulge in your favorite flavor of this delicious confectionery. Some of the most familiar fudge flavors are chocolate, chocolate nut, peanut butter, maple, and maple nut. 

    #NationalFudgeDay

    Fudge lends itself to experimentation when it comes to flavors. Blending favorites or even a moment of inspiration will create a new delicious kind of fudge. Adding bits of candy, nuts, or sprinkles on National Fudge Day can bring just the right celebratory burst of excitement to an old favorite.

    When is National Penuche Fudge Day?

    In the late 19th century, some shops on Mackinac Island, Michigan, began to produce similar products as the Vassar College fudge and sold it to summer vacationers. Fudge is still made in some of the original shops located on the famous island. 

    Three other fudge holidays entice us to celebration, too. Check out May 12th to celebrate all those nutty fudges. July 22nd marks Penuche Fudge Day. Finally, on November 20th, we celebrate Peanut Butter Fudge Day.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FUDGE DAY

    Pick up some fudge at your local confectionery store and share it with family and friends. Here is a great fudge recipe if you feel like making your own. Use #NationalFudgeDay on social media.

    NATIONAL FUDGE DAY HISTORY

    The origins of this confectionery holiday, National Fudge Day, is currently being researched by the team at National Day Calendar. Are you looking for other sweet ways to celebrate throughout the year? Check out these days:

    June 16th Celebrated History

    1911

    Henry Ford establishes the Ford Motor Company with 11 investors.

    1933

    The Federal Reserve Act of 1933 creates the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

    1963

    Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space when she was launched into orbit around the Earth in Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963.

    2012

    Aboard the spacecraft Shenzhou, Liu Yang became the first Chinese woman in space.

    June 16th Celebrated Birthdays

    Geronimo – 1829

    The legendary Bedonkohe Apache, Geronimo sought revenge against the Mexican and U.S. governments. He successfully evaded capture for decades until 1886. Geronimo surrendered, not once, but twice that year. First to General George Crook, but quickly escaped fearing death. He surrendered once again soon after to Brigadier General Nelson Miles.

    Stan Laurel – 1890

    Born Arthur Stanley Jefferson, the American comedian and actor gained prominence during the 1920s. He performed slapstick comedy routines alongside Oliver Hardy until illness ended Hardy’s career in 1954. The duo was noted for “The Cuckoo Song.

    Katharine Graham – 1917

    The American publisher presided over The Washington Post for nearly 30 years. She operated Newsweek magazine.

    Joyce Carol Oates – 1938

    The American writer is known for her poems and short stories. She’s published several books including, The Falls, We Were the Mulvaneys, and A Book of American Martyrs.

    Tupac Shakur – 1971

    In 1996, the influential American rapper was murdered during a drive-by shooting.

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