In addition to Halloween, October is...

Indigenous People Day - October 14 (Court holiday)

Indigenous People’s Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October (October 14 this year) to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. The day is centered around reflecting on their tribal roots and the tragic stories that but strengthened their communities.

There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 6 per cent of the world's population, but account for at least 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.

Indigenous Peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.

The Third Judicial Circuit considers this as a recognized holiday and all operations will be closed for the day. Court will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Sources: NationalToday.com and the United Nations website.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.

The Office of Disability Employee Policy has chosen “Access to Good Jobs for All: as its theme for NDEAM 2024. The ODEP is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.

Source: Office of Disability Employee Policy

Global Diversity Awareness Month

Celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month and pay tribute to the diverse minds and beliefs held by all cultures around the world. We live in a multicultural society and embracing the values of various cultures only strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Open your mind to new views and ideas, appreciate cultural differences, and enjoy a fresh perspective. 

As such, October is also a celebration of the recognition that diversity helps to make our lives interesting. It also supports:

• Creativity and innovation: Diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas to the table, which can lead to more creative solutions and unique marketing strategies. 
• Collaboration: A diverse workforce can foster a more collaborative environment. 
• Productivity: People who work together in diverse teams tend to be more productive. 
• Employee experience: Diversity can lead to a richer employee experience. 

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

Emotional Wellness Month

Did you know your emotional well-being has powerful effects on your overall health? Mental and emotional stress can translate into negative physical reactions, a weakened immune system, and poor health. “Emotional wellness” refers to our ability to process feelings in a healthy, positive way and manage the stress of everyday life.

Despite recent strides in how our society approaches mental wellbeing, many Americans struggle with finding ways to support their mental health. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
• Only 47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021.
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, try a soothing activity like meditation or yoga to slow down and clear your mind. Use Emotional Wellness Month as an opportunity to take charge of your emotional wellness, find the soothing activities that works for you, and, most of all, breathe!

Source: National Day Calendar

LGBTQ History Month

In 1994, a Missouri high school teacher named Rodney Wilson – the first out public school teacher in the state – wanted to give students better access to LGBTQ history as well as more role models with whom they could identify. He established a planning committee with LGBTQ leaders from around the country, and from there, Gay and Lesbian History Month was born.

LGBTQ History Month is a way to encourage schools, media, and other institutions devoted to sharing knowledge to amplify the important stories of the LGBTQ community.

 Source: LGBTQ Nation

Important October Dates

Trunk or Treat events in October:

Trunk or Treat events are available for families throughout Metro Detroit. Click here for a list of options that are free for all. Detroit police and fire stations are also hosting trunk or treat events this month.

Other Notable Days

October 6 - National German American Day

October 7 - National Inner Beauty Day

October 8 - Autism Awareness Workshop at Detroit Public Library, Sherwood Forest at 8 pm

October 9 - National Stop Bullying Day

October 12 - National Native American Day

October 14 - Columbus Day (recognized Court holiday)

October 17 - Black Poetry Day

October 26 - National Make a Difference Day

October 27 - National Civics Day

October 31 - Halloween