April DEI News
April Awareness Months 2026
Genocide Awareness Month
Genocide refers to the deliberate and systemic destruction or killing of a group of people because of their ethnicity, race, or religion. Learn about genocide throughout history, including in Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia, and Armenia, and the Holocaust. Learn what you can do to help those who are victims of these horrific tragedies.
Paralyzed Veterans Awareness Month
This month, learn about the challenges of veterans living with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction. The Paralyzed Veterans of America has 34 chapters across the country that educate the public about its programs, services, and support for injured veterans and their families. Take time to honor those who make these lifelong sacrifices for our country and freedoms daily.
April Heritage Months 2026
Scottish-American Month
This month, learn about the culture and contributions of Scottish Americans to society. Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6th to remember the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which granted Scotland independence from England. Highland games are enjoyed this month, including the hammer throw, tug-of-war, and caber toss. April is a time to learn about the impact that Scottish culture has had on America. Learn about their rich traditions to promote acceptance of all heritages in society.
National Arab American Month
This month, recognize the contributions of nearly 3.5 million Arab Americans to all aspects of American culture. It is also a time to raise awareness about anti-Arab bigotry and how to eradicate it. Focus on challenging stereotypes and prejudices in the workplace and beyond this month.
April 2 – World Autism Acceptance Day
Promotes understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals and their families.
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish Heritage Month
May 5 – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Raises awareness of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
Book of the Month:
Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces
By Karen Catlin and Sally McGraw
Better Allies is one of the best books on inclusion in the workplace. The book explains how to be a supporter and advocate for coworkers of different backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations and identities, ages, and abilities. Karen Catlin gives practical advice on implementing fair hiring practices, using inclusive language, and creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups. The book makes a distinction between ally-ship and savior-dom, explaining that efforts to protect marginalized identities can be patronizing and counter-productive.
Notable Quote: “Gatekeeping feedback is common, and often slips out unconsciously. If you’re in a position to give someone constructive comments, you may think you’re doing so based solely on their performance or role, but your choice of words may betray unconscious bias.”
Dr. Shelley Murphy rescheduled The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter SAR presents “Patriots of Color in the Revolutionary War” with Dr. Shelley Murphy
The Carver Center – 9432 N. James Madison Hwy Culpeper, VA. Saturday Apr. 25, 2026 at 11am
The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter will recognize African American and Native American History in the Revolutionary War as we approach the 250th Anniversary of this Nation. We will also talk about the 20 known Patriots of Color, both free and enslaved, from the Culpeper area, who also served to create this nation. The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter SAR wishes to thank the Museum of Culpeper History for its research and Culpeper County for its support. With the VASSAR ColorGuard.
Culpeper County Parks & Recreation registration is open for summer classes:
-Learn How to Sign American Sign Language at– 3 sessions available.
-Nagano Ryu Jujutsu & Wilderness Program – 4 sessions available
-Tai Chi – 8 sessions available
NAACP
Scholarship applications are due Monday April 13th.
General Membership meeting will be held on Thursday April 16th at 7:00pm in the Boardroom of the Culpeper Business Center, 14115 Lovers Lane, Culpeper.
Please contact admin@naacpculpeper.org if you would like a Zoom link for online attendance. Members will receive the agenda and zoom link via email on April 14th.
Germanna Community College hosted Around the World Festival & Field Day on April 2nd 3-6pm at the Fredericksburg Campus. Celebrate cultures from around the world with food, music, and cultural displays from students and campus groups.
Culpeper Literacy Council Continues to host Citizenship programs, English as a Second Language, English conversation classes and Spanish Classes.
The SEE Recovery Center will be hosting free developmental screenings for children between the ages of birth to 3 years old on the 4th Tuesday of every month 9am-4pm. They also host peer-led groups for people living with mental health issues that focuses on self-esteem, developing copings skills, and both giving and receiving invaluable social support from others who understand and have similar lived/living experience navigating mental health challenges.
On Tuesday March 10, 2026, The Florida House has approved a bill that bans local governments from funding, promoting, or taking any official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The legislation, known as SB 1134, passed with a vote of 77-37 on Tuesday, and it will now be sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for his consideration.
The bill also says that counties and municipalities are prohibited from funding or promoting DEI initiatives and states that any local ordinances, resolutions, or policies related to DEI will be considered void. This means local governments would also be barred from establishing DEI offices or hiring inclusion officers.
“If diversity is a source of wonder, its opposite – the ubiquitous condensation to some blandly amorphous and singularly generic modern culture that takes for granted an impoverished environment – is a source of dismay. There is, indeed, a fire burning over the earth, taking with it plants and animals, cultures, languages, ancient skills and visionary wisdom. Quelling this flame, and re-inventing the poetry of diversity is perhaps the most important challenge of our times.”
― Wade Davis, The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World
Culpeper County Library is excited to host our 2nd Cultural Fair on Saturday, May 30 from 10 AM – 1 PM to celebrate the many cultures that make up our community. The event will take place during our Summer Reading Kick-off, when many families visit the library to celebrate the start of summer reading.
We would love to invite individuals and organizations to participate by hosting a booth that represents their heritage. Participants are welcome to share cultural traditions, clothing, crafts, music, artifacts, or other displays with visitors.
The library will provide tables and chairs to make booth setup simple and easy.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity, connect with the community, and share cultural traditions with families and children.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/zryVKHzwoVihqxEF9
We hope you will consider joining us for this special community celebration!
Governor Spanberger Issues Proclamation Honoring Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today issued a proclamation recognizing March 26, 2026 as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day to honor the accomplishments, service, and lasting impact of the more than 16,000 brave men and women of the Tuskegee Airmen.
“Today, we honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of the Tuskegee Airmen — the first African American military aviators in the United States. During World War II, the men and women of the Tuskegee Airmen flew and supported more than 15,000 missions over North Africa and Europe, accomplishing extraordinary achievements as America turned the tide of the war.
“Through their determination, Tuskegee Airmen paved a path for the desegregation of the U.S. military and helped guarantee that all Americans who answer the call receive the same dignity and respect. From pilots, navigators, maintenance crews, and beyond, hundreds of these servicemembers and their families had roots in Virginia.
“I join our entire Commonwealth in celebrating the achievements of these incredible leaders. We honor their service to our nation not just today, but every day.
Read below or click here for the full text of the proclamation.
Generations Central Adult Day Center is hosting “A Day in our World” Open House on Thursday April 23rd 4-6pm.
Virginia Hispanic Chamber
The 25th Annual ¿Qué Pasa? Festival returns on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 at the brand-new CarMax Park in Richmond, VA . As one of the largest celebrations of Hispanic and Latin American culture in the Commonwealth, the festival brings together thousands of attendees for a vibrant day of live music, authentic food, cultural performances, artisan vendors, and community celebration.
The Carver Center will host the Virginia State University Choir for a concert on Sunday May 3rd 4-6pm at Culpeper Baptist Church.
