July Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News
French-American Month: This month, celebrate the history between France and the United States. Celebrate the contributions of French Americans to society. It is celebrated every July which also hosts Bastille Day on July 14 (Fête nationale française or le 14 juillet), a French Revolution event that united the French people.
BIPOC Mental Health Month: Originally called “National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month,” this month aims to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic groups that have been oppressed or disenfranchised.
Disability Pride Month: Raise awareness about the capabilities and achievements of people living with a disability. This month-long observance aims to challenge stigma and promote a more inclusive workplace and world.
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: This month, rally to help better understand the mental health struggles felt in minority communities nationwide. This is a month for education, support, and most importantly solidarity.
July 4 – US: Independence Day
Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
July 10 – Baha’i: Martyrdom of the Báb*
Commemorates the execution of the Báb in 1850.
July 14 – LGBTQ+: International Non-Binary People’s Day
Raises awareness of non-binary identities worldwide.
July 18 – UN: Nelson Mandela International Day
Honors Nelson Mandela’s legacy and encourages community service.
July 24 – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Pioneer Day
Commemorates the arrival of the first Latter-day Saint pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley.
DEI Dictionary, An Introductory List of DEI Terms
Welcome to the DEI Dictionary, an introductory list of key terms and definitions found in Diversity conversations in the workplace, education, and everyday life. Whether you’re a student, teacher, business leader, or simply someone interested in learning more, this tool is for anyone seeking to create more inclusive environments.
DEI Dictionary | Learning Resources
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Book of the Month:
Subtle Acts of Exclusion By Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran
Subtle Acts of Exclusion examines microaggressions, or subtle phrases or actions that cause marginalized individuals discomfort or distress. This book is important because many folks think of racism as intentional, but innocuous behaviors can be just as harmful. Subtle Acts of Exclusion demonstrates how to avoid alienating group members, and presents a formula for building trust and rapport between team members of all backgrounds.
Notable Quote: “One of the most critical aspects of inclusion is that it must happen actively. When we just passively think of ourselves as good people but don’t do anything to actively include others, that creates passive exclusion.”
Historical News:
July 19-20, 1848 – Seneca Falls Convention
Focusing on the social, civil and religious rights of women, the Seneca Falls Convention was the first formal women’s rights convention in the United States. The convention called for equality in suffrage, property ownership, education and employment, and launched the organized women’s rights movement.
July 2, 1862 – Morrill Land-Grant Acts
The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant colleges, increasing the number of public universities and expanding education opportunities to working classes. The Morrill Act of 1890 required states to admit students of color to existing land-grant institutions or establish colleges for Black students, leading to the creation of many historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
July 26, 1948 – Desegregating the Military
Executive Order 9981 mandated the desegregation of the U.S. military. It abolished discrimination in the armed services and ensured equality of treatment and opportunity for all without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. The order was a major milestone in the fight for civil rights for African Americans and other marginalized communities.
July 2, 1964 – Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. It addressed issues of inequality in employment, education, public accommodations and voter registration. This act marked a significant turning point in the fight for civil rights and a cornerstone of DEI policies.
July 26, 1990 – Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations and telecommunications. The ADA has been a transformative piece of legislation in promoting inclusion for people with disabilities, mandating accessibility and equal opportunities.
Local News:
Thank you to the Culpeper Filipino-American Committee for the amazing performances at CulpeperFest!
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.
NAACP Culpeper #7058 will host their regularly scheduled monthly General Membership meeting. You do not have to be a member to attend. All are welcome! We meet in the first floor board room at the Culpeper Business Center – 14115 Lovers Lane, Culpeper. There is plenty of on-site parking. Thursday July 16th at 7pm.
Save the Date – the NAACP Culpeper Branch will host their 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday October 3rd at Noon. Details posted soon!
Congratulations to Culpeper’s own Maliq Brown, selected 44th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in last night’s NBA Draft! Maliq, a Culpeper County native, wrapped up his college career at Duke where he earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season — and now he’s taking his elite effort, defensive instincts, and winning attitude to the NBA.
The Piedmont Persisters and Zann Nelson of Right the Record hosted a walking tour of the Black Business District of Culpeper for Juneteenth.
NAACP Culpeper Awards Three Scholarships: The Culpeper Branch of the NAACP, which also serves Madison and Rappahannock counties, has awarded three $1,000 scholarships to area high school students. Jayzmin Smith of Culpeper was awarded the Annie Laura Payne Lovell Memorial Scholarship, named for an educator who taught in the Culpeper County Schools for more than 40 years. Smith is a 2026 graduate of Eastern View High School. She plans to attend Union Commonwealth University in Kentucky and then pursue a law degree. In awarding the scholarship to Smith, the scholarship committee emphasized her academic achievements and interest in the law profession, along with her commitment to social justice. Samarion Turner of Madison was awarded the branch’s Sadie Ward Crowder Memorial Scholarship. Crowder taught in Madison County for 47 years, beginning in a one-room schoolhouse and ultimately becoming one of the first Black educators to teach in the county’s integrated elementary school. Turner is a 2026 graduate of Madison County High School and plans to attend Liberty University. The scholarship committee stated that they were impressed with Turner’s academic achievements and his talents in artistic expression and graphic design. “We regard his goals as an excellent field for accomplishment in the pursuit of social justice.” Shawne Christian of Amissville, a 2026 graduate of Rappahannock High School, is the recipient of the Austin Green-Williams Memorial Scholarship, named for three prominent Black educators in Rappahannock County. Christian plans to attend Laurel Ridge Community College followed by George Mason University.
More information on NAACP Culpeper scholarships, including profiles of the educators the scholarships honor, can be found at https://naacpculpeper.org/for-students/.
The Culpeper County Library will host ASL Chats on July 7th & 21st 6-7:45pm.
Culpeper County Parks & Recreation has July & August American Sign Language Classes as well as Nagano Ryu Jujutsu Program, Tai Chi as well as Fit & Well classes for older adults.
On the evening of June 4, our hearts shattered. New Beginnings Outreach Center’s beloved “Crisis Car”—the literal lifeline of our day center and our unsheltered neighbors—was involved in a serious accident. The loss of this vehicle is a true emergency for their day center and programs. They are urgently raising funds to purchase a reliable, pre-owned replacement so they can get back on the road and back to serving this community.
Brynmor Early Education & Preschool is excited to announce childcare scholarships for Culpeper-area families, made possible through a partnership with Culpeper Baptist Church and funding from the PATH Foundation.
Families with a total household income between $69,000 and $120,000 per year—those who may not qualify for DSS subsidies but still face the high cost of childcare.
High-quality childcare is a major investment. These scholarships are designed to help more families access excellent early education while easing monthly financial strain.
UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center hosts Senior Dinners and Bingo every Thursday from 4-6pm.
The Culpeper Senior Center at 710 US Ave provides nutritious meals and fellowship for eligible adults 60 and above. Participants enjoy lunch and the opportunity to socialize, meet new friends, and potential supporters, experience educational opportunities, participate in wellness initiatives, and enjoy interesting and fun activities.Door-to-door transportation can be provided in most cases upon request, with a suggestion to donate to assist with the cost of meals. Centers conduct fundraising opportunities throughout the year for a wide variety of social and recreational activities.
Encompass Community Supports hosts a Local Human Rights Committee Meeting quarterly. The next meeting is July 17th 1:30-3:30pm
National News:
By a 6-3 vote, the US Supreme Court upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejects Trump’s order | AP News
A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration from immediately firing 19 intelligence officers who had been assigned to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI) programs, delivering a significant ruling that could reshape federal employment law and executive authority. Appeals Court Blocks DEI Intelligence Officer Firings
State News:
HB612 (2026 Regular Session) is a Virginia bill that would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot for the November 3, 2026, general election, asking voters whether to repeal the current definition of marriage in the Virginia Constitution and require equal treatment under the law for any lawful marriage between two adult persons, regardless of sex, gender, or race. HB612 – 2026 Regular Session | LIS
150 people from 50 countries became U.S. citizens during a special ceremony at Mount Vernon on the 4th of July. 74 people were sworn in as US Citizens at Monticello’s Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. And many more throughout the Country!
Explore the lives of the enslaved people at Mount Vernon with our new exhibit, included with admission. Within the quarters of the historic area, learn about the 317 enslaved people who lived and worked at George Washington’s five farms, gristmill, and distillery. Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit | George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Virginia’s Farm Market Fresh program (also called Senior & WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program [S/FMNP]) helps eligible seniors get fresh, tasty, and nutritious locally grown fruit, vegetables, and cut herbs. The program also supports local farmers and farmers’ markets in Virginia.
Please select the link below to review the Eligibility Criteria and fill out the form to apply for the Farm Market Fresh program.
Virginia Farm Market Fresh Senior Application
