On behalf of the GSWNY Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, every month we’re highlighting different holidays and events that are celebrated by people around the world. DEI Celebrations in July include Rochester Pride, Canada Day, Independence Day, and Eid al-Adha.

Rochester Pride

While June is celebrated as Pride Month to honor the Stonewall Riots on June 28, 1969, Rochester continues to celebrate Pride during July. This allows for visitors from across New York state, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont and Canada to attend Rochester Pride.  Besides Rochester Pride Week during July 10-18, additional events include Rochester Red Wings Pride Night Baseball Game, an event at the Seneca Zoo, a senior citizen picnic, dance parties, and more.

Canada Day

Canada Day is the national holiday of Canada, often compared with the Fourth of July in the United States. Calling it Canada’s birthday, however, is too simplistic for what the day represents. Formerly known as Dominion Day, July 1 represents when the British North America Act was approved in 1867 which divided Upper and Lower Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Read More >>>

See how Canada was celebrated in 2021

Independence Day

Held on July 4, Independence Day in the United States represents the signing of our Declaration of Independence in 1776. Commonly called the Fourth of July, this is seen as America’s birthday when the 13 colonies officially separated from British control. The Revolutionary War, which began in 1775, continued until 1783 when England was defeated. Today this holiday is commonly celebrated with fireworks, parades, picnics, carnivals, and more.

Note: While this is seen as the day Americans declared their freedom, we know it was not representative of everyone living in the country. Because of this, we also celebrate Juneteenth when all in the United States were granted freedom with the end of slavery.

Eid al-Adha

Islam features to major celebration festivals, known as Eid’s. Earlier in the year, we discussed Eid al-Fitr, which represents the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The greater Eid begins known as Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the completion of the annual Hajj Pilgrimage. Click here to read more about the significance of this celebration.

The Celebrations Subcommittee of GSWNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee strives to include as many cultural and religious holidays as possible every month. If we’re missing something, or misrepresenting a holiday, please let us know by emailing communications@gswny.org.