Category: May 05

  • AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY – May 5th

    AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY

    Every year on May 5th, African World Heritage Day offers an opportunity for people around the world to celebrate Africa.

    #AfricanWorldHeritageDay

    Africa is the world’s second-largest continent. Some of the biggest threats facing Africa include climate change, uncontrolled development, disease, civil unrest, and poaching. Unfortunately, many of Africa’s cultural and natural wonders are at risk of losing universal value. Because of the threats facing this diverse continent, it’s more important than ever to protect and preserve their heritage.

    In honor of this day, explore some interesting facts about Africa:

    • The continent consists of 54 countries and one non-self-governing country.
    • Ancient Egypt’s Pharaonic civilization is one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
    • There are over 2,000 recognized languages on the continent.
    • The most spoken language is Arabic, followed by English, Swahili, and French.
    • Africa has 1.1 billion people, and over half of them are under the age of 25.
    • By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to double.
    • About 90% of malaria cases in the world take place in Africa.

    The continent is home to the largest reserves of precious metals in the world. One more amazing fact about Africa is that it contains the world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara. This desert is 3.6 million square miles, which is comparable to China or the continental United States.

    HOW TO OBSERVE AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE MONTH

    People around the world, especially those in Africa, celebrate this day in various ways. Events include the African World Heritage Youth Forum, cultural presentations, and an Instagram photo contest.

    To participate:

    • Read about famous historic sites in Africa, including the Isimila Stone Age Site in Tanzania, Robben Island in South Africa, Luxor Temple in Egypt, and Elmina Castle in Ghana.
    • Learn about African heroes, including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Chinua Achebe.
    • Commit to taking a trip to Africa someday.
    • Watch a movie set in Africa, such as Hotel Rwanda, Out of Africa, Goodbye Bafana, and Beat the Drum.

    Share this day on social media with #AfricanWorldHeritageDay.

    AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY HISTORY

    In November 2015, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed May 5th as African World Heritage Day. They chose May 5th as it marked the anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund. This initiative was launched in 2006 to support the conservation and protection of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • WORLD PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE DAY – May 5

    WORLD PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE DAY

    Every year on May 5th, World Portuguese Language Day highlights the important role this language plays in preserving human civilization and culture.

    #WorldPortugueseLanguageDay

    Around the world, Portuguese is one of the world’s most spoken and widespread language. It is the most widely spoken language in the Southern hemisphere. Portuguese speakers also account for the first wave of globalization. Because of this, the Portuguese language influenced other languages. Study many English words, and you will find their origins in the Portuguese language. Some of these words include banana, embarrass, acai, breeze, coconut, macaw, monsoon, molasses, mango, maraca, samba, zebra, and cobra. Mosquito is also a Portuguese word, which means little fly.

    Today, about 229 million people in the world speak Portuguese. This makes Portuguese the 9th most spoken language in the world. Someone who speaks this language is called a Lusophone. A majority of Lusophones live in Brazil. Besides Brazil, eight other countries name Portuguese as the official language.

    These countries include:

    • Angola,
    • Cabo Verde
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Guinea-Bissau
    • Mozambique
    • Portugal
    • Sao Tome and Principe
    • Timor-Leste

    Portuguese is considered a Romance language, taking its origins from Latin.

    Are you interested in learning the Portuguese language? If you already know Spanish, French, or Italian, you’ll be glad to know the grammatical structure of Portuguese is similar. Listening to Brazilian music can be helpful as well.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD PORTUGUESE DAY

    Many Portuguese-speaking countries celebrate this day with concerts, cultural and artistic activities, and literary events. To participate:

    • Commit to learning the Portuguese language
    • Learn about famous Portuguese authors like Gil Vicente, Fernando Pessoa, José Luís Peixoto, and Luís de Camões.
    • Watch a Brazilian and Portuguese movie, such as City of God, Central Station, The Man from the Future, Arabian Nights, and Once Upon a Time in Rio.

    You can also share this day on social media with #WorldPortugueseLanguageDay.

    WORLD PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE DAY HISTORY

    The Council of Ministers of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) originally began observing a Day of the Portuguese Language and Culture on May 5th. In 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) changed it to World Portuguese Language Day. This was the first time an unofficial UNESCO language was given this honor.

  • INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE – May 5

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE

    The medical profession of a midwife is celebrated every year on May 5. The goal of the observance is to draw attention to this field of health care and to attract more registered nurses to become midwives. Midwives are qualified health care providers who receive comprehensive training and must pass an examination to become certified. Certification is offered by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).

    #Midwives

    A midwife will:

    • Provide family planning and preconception care
    • Do prenatal exams and order tests
    • Watch physical and psychological health
    • Help make your birth plans
    • Advise about diet, exercise, meds, and staying healthy
    • Educate and counsel your pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal care
    • Give emotional and practical support during labor
    • Admit and discharge patients from the hospital
    • Deliver babies
    • Make referrals to doctors when needed

    Some of the first records of the occupation of midwife go back about 2,000 years before Christ. The actual word ‘midwife’ dates back to around 1300 and means together or alongside a woman (mid means ‘together with’, so ‘together with woman’).

    WebMD says midwives may deliver babies at birthing centers or home, but most can also deliver babies at a hospital.

    The organization Midwives Alliance quotes a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that says the number of midwives attending births in the U.S. reached an all-time high in 2009 and continues to climb.

    Millennials more than their parents appear to be interested in delivering babies with a midwife. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there were 6,250 practicing certified midwives in the United States in 2018. The average earnings for a midwife in the U.S. are about $104,000.

    HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE

    Watch for and plan to attend events sponsored by midwife groups.
    Sponsor a brown bag lunch for a midwife to attend to explain her work.
    Recently, BBC produced a series based on the memoir Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth who was a midwife in the 1950s. Both the series and the memoir are worthy backgrounds for the recent history of midwives and maternity care in the 20th century.
    Use #IDM and #Midwives to follow on social media.

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE HISTORY

    The idea of having a day to recognize and honor midwives came out of the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands. International Midwives’ Day was first celebrated May 5, 1991, and has been observed in more than 50 nations around the world.

  • NATIONAL SILENCE THE SHAME DAY – May 5

    NATIONAL SILENCE THE SHAME DAY

    On May 5th, National Silence the Shame Day brings an opportunity to continue the conversation about mental health and wellness and erase the stigma associated with mental illness.

    #SilenceTheShameDay

    Mental illness, like any other health concern, is diagnosed at different stages. It may have fewer symptoms from time to time and/or impact on our daily functioning. It is also important to know that mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible.

    Unlike other areas of our health care, many people don’t have an affordable or accessible routine plan of care for mental health challenges. Individuals who may have access often suffer in silence due to the stigma of being diagnosed.

    National Silence the Shame Day offers education and awareness, opening up conversations about mental health, wellness, mental illness, and recovery.

    HOW TO OBSERVE SILENCE THE SHAME DAY

    DONATE: Text SILENCE to 707070 to benefit educational programs/awareness for mental health services.

    Use #SilenceTheShame to share on social media on May 5th.

    Sample Copy for post/video:

    • TODAY I am Silencing the Shame around mental health and donating to increase resources. Join me by texting the word SILENCE to 707070.
    • Today I will Silence the Shame around stigma in mental health! Please join us and text to give! $5 or $100, every amount helps! Text the word SILENCE to 707070.
    • Today I will Silence the Shame and not be afraid to talk about mental wellness! Please help me to raise awareness and funding by texting SILENCE to 707070.

    Other ways to participate include:

    • Attend a mental health fair. They offer information about mental health conditions and how to care for your own mental health and wellness.
    • Visit the blog/hashtag at #SilenceTheShame for stories like yours. You’re not alone or the only one dealing with mental health concerns.
    • Request an assessment at your next checkup if you feel you may have mental health challenges.
    • Some employers offer free, confidential employee assistance programs that include counseling sessions.
    • Also, consider that 1 in 5 Americans suffer from some kind of mental illness. A neighbor, family member, coworker, friend, church member, or classmate could be struggling with a mental illness. However, the stigma silences them.
    • Find out how you can make a difference to #SilenceTheShame by checking out the resources page.

    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7 free suicide hotline (1-800-273-8255). Here anyone can get help or get involved.  Also for confidential help, you can text the word Silence to 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor from Crisis Text Line.

    Visit www.silencetheshame.com to learn more and join the movement.

    NATIONAL SILENCE THE SHAME DAY HISTORY

    The Hip-Hop Professional Foundation, Inc. founded Silence the Shame Day on May 5, 2017, to increase positive awareness and education concerning mental illnesses and to encourage open discussion about mental health.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Silence the Shame Day to be observed in 2018.

    About Shanti Das

    Shanti Das is an accomplished entertainment executive, consultant, entrepreneur, mentor, author, and Philanthropist.

    Shanti is a 27-year veteran in the entertainment business. Her music industry career (intern to Executive Vice President) included positions at Capitol Records, LaFace Records, Columbia Records, Sony Urban Music and Universal Motown where she worked directly with some of music’s top talent like Outkast, Usher, Prince, TLC, Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, and more.

    An advocate for many social issues and service projects for the past 9 years, she decided to establish her very own nonprofit, The Hip-Hop Professional Foundation, Inc. The mission of the foundation is: To empower and enrich the lives of those in underserved communities around mental health, youth empowerment, and poverty.

    The foundation’s mental health movement is Silence the Shame. Shanti has suffered from depression over the years and has also experienced loved ones affected by mental health disorders. With Silence the Shame, she hopes to peel back the layers of shame and stigma as it relates to mental health.

  • SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY – First Friday in May

    SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY

    The first Friday in May is School Lunch Hero Day, dedicated to those men and women who make the cafeterias and the schools a better place to be! What was your favorite school lunch? Do you remember the smiling face who served it to you?

    #SchoolLunchHeroDay

    For many children, the cafeteria is the first place they enter on a school day. From the first time through the cafeteria line, the lunch hero has more than nutrition on their minds.  The well-being of every child is important to them.  Keeping them safe, happy, and providing them with good and delicious food is also a priority.

    Often they see entire families grow up, and sometimes, they are family. The celebration provides students and communities an opportunity to create ways to recognize their school heroes.

    HOW TO OBSERVE SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY

    Organize a lunch for your lunch hero! Make a card or bring a flower. Decorate a banner telling your heroes all the ways they are super! Tell your hero, thank you.

    SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY HISTORY

    Inspired by children’s author and illustrator, Jarrett Krosoczka created School Lunch Hero Day to honor the foodservice employees after returning to his old school, and finding his childhood lunch lady remained and remembered him.

  • CINCO DE MAYO – May 5

    CINCO DE MAYO

    Cinco De Mayo’s deeply rooted history in the Franco-Mexican War influenced Mexican-Mexican American communities in the early years of the American Civil War. In the early 1860s, as the Civil War erupted, these communities took up the banner of the Cinco De Mayo celebration as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy. Today, in the United States, Americans celebrate Mexican-American heritage and pride annually on May 5th.

    #CincodeMayo

    Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “fifth of May.”

    On June 7, 2005, the United States Congress issued a Concurrent Resolution. The resolution invited the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

    According to José Alamillo, professor of ethnic studies at Washington State University in Pullman, a 2006 study found more than 150 official events celebrating the day.

    Celebrations surrounding the observance in the United States take on a significance beyond that in Mexico. They include displaying of banners and events highlighting Mexican culture, music, and regional dancing. School districts also hold special events to educate students about its historical significance. In the U.S., commercial interests the day by celebrating Mexican products and services with an emphasis on beverages, food, and music.

    HOW TO OBSERVE CINCO DE MAYO

    Celebrate Mexican heritage, culture, and history. Explore foods and traditions, music, and cinema. Immerse yourself in the language and discover new connections. Uncover long lost history and share your treasures. Share your Mexican heritage and use #CincodeMayo to post on social media.

    Try these recipes to spice up your celebration:

    Mexican Bean and Chicken Dip
    Mexican Beef & Bean Dip

    CINCO DE MAYO HISTORY

    In 1861, the Battle of Puebla pitched 6,000 French troops against a small, under-supplied Mexican force of 2,000 men. Not expecting to win the campaign, the Mexican army overcame the French in under a day. While the battle didn’t win the war, the victory held great symbolism for Mexico during the Franco-Mexican War and buoyed the army throughout the conflict. Each year, Mexico commemorates the day with celebrations across the country, though it is not a federal holiday.

  • NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY – May 5

    NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY

    National Astronaut Day on May 5th each year celebrates Astronauts as true heroes. The day’s mission is to inspire ALL to “reach for the stars” by sharing “out of this world” Astronaut stories and experiences.

    #NationalAstronautDay

    On May 5th, 1961, Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere. It was a milestone achievement and a trailblazing example of heroic bravery. This adventurous spirit is the essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.

    By sharing the incredible stories, experiences, and perspectives of actual Astronauts, the mission of National Astronaut Day inspires us ALL to follow our dreams. The day includes both future Astronauts and those who seek to keep their feet on the ground!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY

    Put on your space suit and practice your moonwalk. Are you ready for zero gravity? If not, just experience a little of the excitement of space. Learn about the history of space flight. Read about astronaut training or the biographies of astronauts. Some biographies to read include:

    • Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr
    • Two Sides of the Mood: Our Story of the Cold War Space Race by Alexei Leonov and David Scott
    • Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace and Second Chances by Leland D. Melvin
    • Find where the Wind Goes: Moments from My Life by Mae C. Jemison

    Also, watch a documentary or learn more about the International Space Station. While you are being inspired, be sure to invite someone to share the experience with you!

    Visit the Official Website: www.NationalAstronautDay.com

    Share your favorite Astronaut stories. Use #WeBelieveInAstronauts & #NationalAstronautDay to post on social media.

    Twitter/Facebook: @uniphispaceage, Instagram @nationalastronautday

    You can also visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to help you Celebrate Every Day!

    NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY HISTORY

    uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC founded National Astronaut Day in 2016 to inspire everyone to reach for the stars!

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the day to be observed on May 5th of each year.

  • NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY – May 5

    NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY

    It may go by many names, but on May 5th, National Hoagie Day celebrates a hero of a sandwich!

    #NationalHoagieDay

    Besides a hero, the hoagie goes by several other aliases. The sub, grinder, Italian, torpedo, or baguette are just a few of its many names. Some of those names give a hint as to how we make a hoagie, too. We cut a long Italian roll or French bread lengthwise and fill it with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. Pile it high with your own combination of fillings and enjoy it either hot or cold.

    About the Word “Hoagie”

    In 1953, Italians working at the World War I-era shipyard in Philadelphia known as Hog Island packed their lunch to work every day. They introduced the sandwich by putting different meats, cheeses, and lettuce between two slices of bread. It was referred to as the “Hog Island” sandwich, which they later shortened to the “hoagie.”

    A different explanation is offered by the Philadelphia Almanac and Citizen’s Manual. They believe early 20th-century street vendors called “hokey-pokey-men” created the sandwich.

    Yet another theory is that the word “hoagie” arose in the late 19th to early 20th century among the Italian community in South Philadelphia. The phrase “on the hoke” was used as slang to describe a destitute person. Deli owners gave away scraps of meat and cheese on an Italian roll known as a “hokie.” However, Italian immigrants pronounced it “hoagie.”

    In 1992, former Philadelphia mayor (and later Pennsylvania governor) Ed Rendell declared the hoagie the Official Sandwich of Philadelphia.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY

    Oh, you can celebrate this day in so many ways!

    • Pick up a party-size hoagie for the office.
    • Experiment with your stack. Mix and match your fixings for the perfect hoagie.
    • Mayo, mustard, sriracha, avocado, BBQ, aioli, hummus. What’s your spread?
    • Swap out your hoagie bun for a pretzle bun.
    • Host a hoagie challenge. Who made it best?

    No matter how you celebrate, share your creations using #NationalHoagieDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this sandwich holiday. While we do, we’ll have a sandwich or two.

  • NATIONAL TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY | May 5

    NATIONAL TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY

    Each year on May 5th, National Totally Chipotle Day celebrates right alongside Cinco de Mayo and is dedicated to the chipotle, a smoked, dried jalapeno pepper.

    #TotallyChipotleDay

    There are different varieties of jalapenos and they vary in size and heat. At one time, chipotles were primarily found in the markets of central and southern Mexico.  As Mexican foods became more popular in the more northern areas of North America, the jalapeno production and processing expanded north into the United States.

    Chipotles are often an essential ingredient and add a mild spiciness to many different dishes in Mexican cuisine. While you expect to find them in salsas and other sauces, don’t hesitate to use them in other ways, too. Add them to soups and marinades if you want to bring the heat to a dish. Bean or lentil dishes shine when you add chipotle to them. Do you like sweet and spicy flair? Add chipotle to your jellies. When pairing chipotle with a slice of smoky cheese, you won’t be disappointed. Top it on a grilled bbq chicken pizza to wow guests.

    You can even add it to desserts for a surprising but delicious twist. For example, homemade dark chocolate ice cream with the hint of smoky chipotle in every bit is a real winner. You can turn down the heat by removing the seeds and membrane or leave them in for a more exciting experience.

    HOW TO OBSERVE TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY

    What’s your favorite chipotle dish? Celebrate the day by mixing up dips, marinades, sides and more! Be sure to share by using #TotallyChipotleDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY HISTORY

    Within our research, we were unable to find the creator or the origin of National Chipotle Day.

  • NATIONAL CARTOONISTS DAY – May 5

    NATIONAL CARTOONISTS DAY

    Observed on May 5th each year, National Cartoonists day honors all those creative ink-stained artists, past and present, and the fascinating pieces they have created. Throughout the years, their talents bring humor, entertainment into our lives while provoking thought and debate, too.

    #NationalCartoonistsDay

    American comic strip writer and artist, Richard Outcault (January 14, 1863 – September 25, 1928) is considered the inventor of the modern comic strip.  At 15 years of age, he studied for three years at the McMicken University’s School of Design in Cincinnati. Outcault created the comic strips The Yellow Kid and Buster Brown.

    Outcault was a 2008 Judges’ Choice inductee into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.

    On Sunday, May 5, 1895, the readers of the New York World discovered an exciting new addition in their morning paper. On the pages, they found Outcault’s full-color drawings featuring a big-eared, barefoot little boy with a mischievous grin. The first color installment of the cartoon called Hogan’s Alley would later become known as The Yellow Kid and was the first commercially successful cartoon icon.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CARTOONIST DAY

    Are you a cartoonist? Share your work with the world. Give a shout-out to your favorite cartoonist. Enjoy your favorite cartoon and use #NationalCartoonistsDay to post on social media.

    Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects designed to #CelebrateEveryDay!

    NATIONAL CARTOONISTS DAY HISTORY

    In 1990, the National Cartoonists Society proclaimed May 5th as National Cartoonists Day.

    May 5th Celebrated History

    1904

    Pitching for the Boston Americans, Cy Young completed the first perfect game in modern baseball history. He also pitched a no-hitter, leading the Americans to a 3-0 Boston win.

    1961

    Aboard the Freedom 7, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space. He was selected from among seven men in the Mercury space program for the mission.

    1969

    Moneta Sleet Jr. was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his photo of Coretta Scott King during the funeral of her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., the assassinated civil rights activist. Moneta Sleet Jr. was the first African American photographer awarded the prize.

    1973

    Secretariat breaks a racing record at Kentucky Derby with a winning time of 1:29 2/5. In the coming months, Jockey Ron Turcotte would ride Secretariat to Triple Crown history, winning the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

    May 5th Celebrated Birthdays

    Nellie Bly – 1864

    Born Elizabeth Cochran in Cochran Mills, Bly made a name for herself when she went undercover as a mental patient on Blackwell’s Island as an investigative journalist for the New York World. The exposè led to real change in the New York City mental health system. The World also sent Bly on a Jules Verne-style journey around the world, inspired by the author’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days.

    Charles Albert Chief Bender – 1884

    In 1903, the right-handed pitcher out-pitched Boston’s Cy Young for the Philadelphia Athletics wins. He would bring home three World Series Championships and in the 1911 World Series, Bender pitched three complete games.

    Blind Willie McTell – 1889

    The talented guitarist, blues singer, and composer was an enigma until after his death in 1959. Recording under different names and labels with a variety of artists, Willie Samuel McTell never saw much success during his lifetime. However, he produced assorted sessions across several labels and he performed with unquestionably gifted talent in each genre.

    Dorothy Annie Elizabeth Garrod – 1892

    The pioneering archaeologist is most noted for her work during the 1930s including excavations in Mount Carmel, Palestine. One important discovery included the first-ever female Neanderthal skeleton outside of Europe.

    James Beard – 1903

    Had James Beard been a better actor, the face of American cuisine might have an entirely different quality. Beard’s call to the culinary world led to more than a dozen cookbooks, The James Beard Cooking School, cooking shows and inspired chefs and amateur cooks.

    Adele Laurie Blue Adkins – 1988

    The award-winning British singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 2000s with hits like “Chasing Pavements” and “Someone Like You.”