May Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News

May 8, 2026 | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

May Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News

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.

May 16 – Veterans: Armed Forces Day
US observance on the third Saturday in May, honoring those currently serving in the military.

May 17 – LGBTQ+: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
Highlights violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people worldwide.

May 21 – Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Held on the third Thursday in May, focusing on digital access and inclusion.

May Awareness Months 2026

Better Hearing & Speech Month
During this month, we learn about different communication disorders and the importance of detecting them early with intervention. The community hopes to better educate the general public about how to support those with communication challenges best.

Mental Health Awareness Month
This campaign aims to educate the public about various mental health disorders and promote the importance of mental health care and support. It encourages open conversations, reduces stigma, and advocates for accessible mental health services for all.

National Military Appreciation Month
Throughout May, we honor and remember those who have served our nation. Celebrate their dedication and sacrifice by donating to nonprofit organizations that provide essential support to military families, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.

May Heritage Months 2026

Jewish Heritage Month
This month, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Jewish Americans and Canadians. Learn about their significant contributions to the cultural and social development of both countries and appreciate the diverse heritage that has shaped our societies.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In May, take time to recognize and celebrate the profound impact that Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures have had on the social fabric of America. This month highlights their contributions, achievements, and the rich cultural diversity they bring to our communities.

Haitian Heritage Month

Enjoy the vibrant art, cuisine, and music of the Haitian community while acknowledging the historical challenges they have faced. This month provides an opportunity to celebrate Haitian culture, recognize their resilience, and appreciate their contributions to our shared heritage.

May Book of the Month – Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams by Stefanie K. Johnson

Inclusify is a leadership guidebook for creating diverse yet cohesive teams. While many organizations make efforts to recruit unique perspectives, these companies often fail to harmonize differing voices. Stefanie Johnson offers team building tips for creating unique yet united teams. Inclusify presents practical teamwork and management strategies that empower individuals while rallying the group around a shared sense of purpose. This book is a recipe for high-performing, inventive teams whose members stand out but still feel like a part of the whole.

Notable Quote: “These types of interactions are often meaningless to the person doing the excluding, but across research studies, subtle and often unintentional jabs like mistaking someone as being in a lower status position or calling them by another person of color’s name (often called microaggressions) have the same effects as, if not worse effects than, blatant discrimination on outcomes such as job performance, turnover, and mental health.”

Governor Spanberger Issues Proclamation for 75th Anniversary of the Moton High School Walkout

 

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today issued a proclamation recognizing April 23, 2026, as the 75th Anniversary of the 1951 Moton High School Walkout.
The proclamation honors Barbara Rose Johns and the students of Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia — whose courage helped spark the legal case that became part of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that declared segregated public schools unconstitutional.
“Barbara Johns and her fellow students showed all Virginians that history doesn’t necessarily belong to the people already in power — it belongs to anyone willing to stand up for what’s right, no matter how young, no matter the odds,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “These students from Farmville helped change what was possible for every child who came after them. Three-quarters of a century later, their example still calls us forward. I join all Virginians in honoring these students on this 75th anniversary of the Moton High School Walkout. Their example endures even today.”
75th Anniversary of the 1951 Moton High School Walkout Day

WHEREAS, on April 23, 1951, the students of Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia—led by the determination and vision of 16-year-old Barbara Rose Johns—organized a historic walkout to protest the unequal and unjust conditions imposed by segregated schooling; and

WHEREAS, these students, refusing to accept overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and systemic neglect, demonstrated extraordinary courage by demanding the quality education they were denied; and

WHEREAS, their bold action sparked the legal case Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, which became one of the five cases consolidated into Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that declared segregated public schools unconstitutional; and

WHEREAS, the Moton Walkout stands as one of the earliest and most influential acts of student led civil rights activism in the United States, proving that young people possess the power to challenge injustice and reshape the nation’s moral landscape; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of the Moton students continues to inspire movements for educational equity, civic engagement, and social justice across generations; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 23, 2026, as the 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1951 MOTON HIGH SCHOOL WALKOUT DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

George Lincoln Rockwell, founder of the American Nazi Party, Controversial Burial attempt at Culpeper National Cemetery – George Lincoln Rockwell Founder of the American Nazi Party Burial

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.

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!

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.

NAACP Culpeper #7058 will host its General Membership Meeting on Thursday May 21st 7-8:30pm at the Culpeper Business Center.
The NAACP Virginia State Conference, in collaboration with Virginia Housing, will host its 2026 Housing Justice Conference on Thursday, May 21, 2026, bringing together advocates, community leaders, policymakers, and partners from across the Commonwealth for a full‑day exploration of how housing instability shapes every aspect of community life. The conference will take place from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Virginia Housing Conference Center, located at 4224 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA.
This year’s theme, “The Intersection of Housing Instability: Community Health, Crime & Education,” underscores the urgent need to address how housing inequities reverberate across every major system in the Commonwealth. As highlighted in the conference materials, “when families lack stable housing, entire systems absorb the impact.” The event will convene advocates, community leaders, policymakers, and partners to explore solutions that advance the NAACP’s mission of political, educational, social, and economic equality.

Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassass will  host: Somersal Productions presents the Somers Voice premiere of Raisin—The Musical. The Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s American classic novel, “A Raisin in the Sun,” is the story of a working-class Black family (The Youngers) living on the South Side of Chicago as they fight for dignity and the American dream. As the Youngers await their recently deceased patriarch’s life insurance check, they allow themselves to imagine a bigger and better life; however, along the way, they clash over competing dreams. Three generations of the Younger family discover another side of racial discrimination, the true meaning of unity, love, courage and honor. Moving songs like, “He Come Down This Morning” and “A Whole Lotta Sunlight” will have you rocking in your seats. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Saturday May 16 & 23rd 2pm and 7pm and Sunday May 17th and 24th at 3pm.

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for the grand opening of Culpeper Latino Market!

Culpeper Rotary Club Flags for Heroes will be on Tuesday May 19 th at 5pm to honor veterans, first responders, educators, healthcare workers, and loved ones. Each flag tells a story of service, sacrifice, and dedication of the person(s) you choose to honor.