New Year’s Day

In many countries the New Year begins on January 1. However, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, for centuries, other dates marked the start of the calendar, including March 25 and […]

World Braille Day

Each year, we work to get Braille into the hands of more blind people. January 4 marks World Braille Day in celebration of its creator, Louis Braille. Every day, thousands of […]

Indian Self-Determination Act of 1975

Indian Self-Determination is the ability for tribal communities to shape their own destinies, unencumbered by external forces which may undermine their authority. In the years following the disastrous policy of […]

Maghi

Sikhs and Hindus, especially in India’s Punjab region, both observe the first day of the month of Magh. In Sikhism, Maghi honors the martyred Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones), killed […]

José Martí’s birthday (Cuba)

José Martí (born January 28, 1853, Havana, Cuba—died May 19, 1895, Dos Ríos) was a Cuban poet and essayist, patriot and martyr, who became the symbol of Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain. His […]

National Freedom Day

February 1st is National Freedom Day in the United States. National Freedom Day is celebrated because on February 1st, 1865 Abraham Lincoln signed the joint resolution from the House and the Senate that eventually became the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution—the amendment that officially ended slavery in the United States. This year and every year, make it a […]

Dawes Act (1887)

The Dawes Act (sometimes called the Dawes Severalty Act or General Allotment Act), passed in 1887 under President Grover Cleveland, allowed the federal government to break up tribal lands. The […]