BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Awareness Days - ECPv6.17.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.awarenessdays.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Awareness Days
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20280312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20281105T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270901
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20271001
DTSTAMP:20260908T072613Z
CREATED:20260908T072612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T072613Z
UID:10022814-1819756800-1822348799@www.awarenessdays.com
SUMMARY:International Month of Black Women in the Arts
DESCRIPTION:International Month of Black Women in the Arts is an annual observance held in September that recognises the creative achievements of Black women across visual art\, literature\, music\, dance\, theatre\, film\, and the healing and culinary arts. It celebrates the contribution Black women have made to culture while drawing attention to the under-representation and lack of recognition they have long faced in artistic life. In 2026 it runs throughout September\, from Tuesday 1 September to Wednesday 30 September. \nThe Story Behind the Month\nThe roots of this observance lie in the grassroots arts movement built by and for Black women. For decades\, galleries\, publishing houses\, concert halls\, and museums overlooked the work of Black women\, even as those women produced some of the most original art of their generations. The month grew out of a determination to change that\, gathering momentum through community festivals\, independent collectives\, and word-of-mouth campaigns rather than top-down institutional decree. \nA key thread in its history runs through the Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF)\, founded by the Philadelphia multimedia artist and producer Cassendre Xavier. Held in September\, the festival brought together self-identified Black women to share music\, spoken word and poetry\, dance\, film\, theatre\, visual art\, healing arts\, and lectures in a single celebratory programme. The festival helped anchor September as a focal point for honouring Black women artists\, and the wider idea of a dedicated month spread from there into awareness calendars around the world. \nBecause the observance grew organically rather than being declared by a government or a single founding body\, you will sometimes see it linked to February as well\, the month in which a related International Week of Black Women in the Arts is marked. The September timing\, tied to the festival tradition\, is the version most widely catalogued today. What unites every version is the purpose: to ensure that the work of Black women is seen\, named\, collected\, performed\, read\, and remembered. \nWhen and Where is It Celebrated?\nInternational Month of Black Women in the Arts is observed throughout September. In 2026 that means the whole of the month\, beginning on Tuesday 1 September and ending on Wednesday 30 September. As an international observance it is marked wherever Black women create and audiences gather\, with particularly strong activity in the United States\, the United Kingdom\, the Caribbean\, and across the African continent and its diaspora. Celebrations range from large city festivals and gallery exhibitions to small reading groups\, school projects\, and online tributes shared across the world. \nTraditions and Customs\nThe month has no single fixed ritual. Instead\, it is marked through a range of cultural activities that put Black women artists at the centre of attention. \n\nFestivals and showcases – Multidisciplinary events bring together performers\, poets\, painters\, and filmmakers in one programme\, echoing the festival tradition the month grew from.\nGallery exhibitions – Museums and independent galleries curate shows dedicated to Black women artists\, often pairing established names with emerging talent.\nReadings and book clubs – Communities gather to read and discuss novels\, poetry\, and essays by Black women writers\, from canonical figures to debut authors.\nPerformances and concerts – Dance companies\, musicians\, and theatre groups stage work by Black women composers\, choreographers\, and playwrights.\nWorkshops and mentoring – Artists run skill-sharing sessions and mentoring schemes to support the next generation of creators.\nOnline tributes – Supporters share artwork\, recommend reading lists\, and spotlight individual artists across social media throughout the month.\n\nWays to Celebrate the Month\nAnyone can take part\, whether you are an artist\, a collector\, an educator\, or simply someone who loves culture. \n\nBuy directly from Black women artists – Purchasing prints\, books\, music\, or original work puts support where it counts and helps address long-standing pay disparities in creative fields.\nVisit an exhibition or show – Seek out a gallery\, festival\, or performance featuring Black women this September and bring friends along.\nRead widely – Build a reading list of novels\, poetry\, and non-fiction by Black women authors and share your favourites.\nAmplify online – Use your platform to recommend artists\, share their work with proper credit\, and link to where people can buy or book.\nSupport arts education – Donate to programmes that give Black girls and young women access to instruments\, materials\, studios\, and mentorship.\nLearn the history – Take time to understand the artists who came before\, from the nineteenth century to the present\, and the barriers they overcame.\n\nNotable Black Women Artists to Celebrate\nThe month is a chance to learn about\, and revisit\, the women whose work shaped culture across centuries and disciplines. \n\nEdmonia Lewis – The first Black and Native American sculptor to win international acclaim\, best known for the marble work The Death of Cleopatra (1876).\nMeta Warrick Fuller – A sculptor whose career was established in the early twentieth century and who received a notable federal art commission in 1914.\nAlma Woodsey Thomas – An abstract painter who\, in 1972\, became the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.\nToni Morrison – The novelist whose books\, including Beloved\, earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.\nFaith Ringgold – A painter and author celebrated for her narrative story quilts and children’s books.\nMaya Angelou – Poet and memoirist whose I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings remains widely read across the world.\n\nIf you enjoy celebrating literature and the written word\, you might also mark National Poetry Month\, another observance that puts creative voices in the spotlight. \nFacts and Figures\n\nEdmonia Lewis carved The Death of Cleopatra in 1876\, a work that was later lost for nearly a century before being rediscovered and restored.\nAlma Woodsey Thomas was 80 years old when she held her landmark solo show at the Whitney in 1972.\nToni Morrison was the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature\, awarded in 1993.\nThe Black Women’s Arts Festival\, held in September in Philadelphia\, was founded and directed by artist Cassendre Xavier.\nThe observance spans the full breadth of the arts\, including fine arts\, performing arts\, literature\, and the healing and culinary arts.\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhat is International Month of Black Women in the Arts?\nIt is an annual observance that recognises and celebrates the creative achievements of Black women across the arts\, from painting and sculpture to writing\, music\, dance\, theatre\, and film. It also raises awareness of the under-representation Black women have faced in cultural life. \nWhen is International Month of Black Women in the Arts in 2026?\nIt is observed throughout September 2026\, running from Tuesday 1 September to Wednesday 30 September. \nWhy is the month sometimes linked to February?\nBecause the observance grew from grassroots community efforts rather than a single official declaration\, you will see it associated with both September and February\, the latter tied to a related International Week of Black Women in the Arts. The September version\, rooted in the festival tradition\, is the most widely catalogued today. \nSpread the Word\nShare the month with your community using #BlackWomenInTheArts and #BlackWomenInTheArts2026. Whether you mark the occasion by buying a print\, booking a show\, or recommending a favourite book\, every bit of visibility helps make sure the work of Black women is seen and celebrated. \nRelated Awareness Days\n\nInternational Day of Women and Girls of African Descent – A day recognising the contributions and rights of women and girls of African descent worldwide.\nNational Black Business Month – A month dedicated to supporting Black-owned enterprises\, including many in the creative industries.\nBlack Girl Day Off – A day encouraging Black women and girls to rest\, recharge\, and prioritise their wellbeing.\n\nLinks\n\nRead more about International Month of Black Women in the Arts\nExplore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com\n\nFeatured image: Photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash.
URL:https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/international-month-of-black-women-in-the-arts/
LOCATION:International
CATEGORIES:Arts, Culture & Heritage,International,September Awareness Days
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.awarenessdays.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/unsplash-J1jYLLlRpA4.jpg
GEO:37.09024;-95.712891
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270906
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270911
DTSTAMP:20260914T074154Z
CREATED:20260914T074153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T074154Z
UID:10019348-1820188800-1820620799@www.awarenessdays.com
SUMMARY:National Payroll Week 2027
DESCRIPTION:National Payroll Week is an annual celebration that recognizes the important role payroll professionals play in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Organized by the American Payroll Association (APA)\, this week-long event highlights the efforts of payroll professionals across the country and emphasizes the vital connection between employees\, their paychecks\, and the broader economy. National Payroll Week also serves as an opportunity to educate workers about their paychecks\, tax withholding\, and the payroll system in general. \nWhat is National Payroll Week?\nNational Payroll Week is an initiative designed to celebrate payroll professionals and to raise awareness about the critical role they play in the workplace. The campaign acknowledges the hard work that goes into processing payroll\, which ensures that employees receive their earnings correctly and on time. Additionally\, National Payroll Week seeks to educate the public about how the payroll process supports the U.S. economy by contributing to tax collection\, social security\, and employee benefits. \nWhen is National Payroll Week?\nNational Payroll Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of September. In 2027\, it will take place from September 6th to September 10th\, 2027. This week offers an opportunity for payroll professionals to be recognized for their contributions and for employees to learn more about their paychecks and the payroll process. \nHow to Get Involved\nThere are several ways to participate in National Payroll Week and show your appreciation for payroll professionals: \n\nRecognize Payroll Professionals: Take time to acknowledge the payroll team in your organization. A simple thank you\, a small gift\, or a public recognition can go a long way in showing appreciation.\nLearn About Your Paycheck: Use this week to better understand your paycheck\, including how taxes and deductions are calculated. This knowledge can help you manage your finances more effectively.\nParticipate in Educational Programs: The APA offers various webinars and resources during National Payroll Week to help employees and employers alike understand the payroll process better.\nShare on Social Media: Use social media platforms to highlight the importance of payroll professionals and share information about National Payroll Week with your network.\nAdvocate for Payroll Best Practices: If you’re in a position to influence payroll practices\, consider using this week to promote best practices in payroll processing\, compliance\, and employee education.\n\nHistory of the Event\nNational Payroll Week was established in 1996 by the American Payroll Association to celebrate the efforts of payroll professionals and to educate the public about the payroll system. The week coincides with the week of Labor Day\, symbolizing the link between the labor force and the payroll professionals who ensure workers are compensated. Since its inception\, National Payroll Week has grown to include various events\, educational opportunities\, and public awareness campaigns\, making it a significant time for both payroll professionals and the general workforce. \nRelevant Hashtags\nJoin the conversation and help spread awareness using these hashtags: \n\n#NationalPayrollWeek\n#PayrollProfessionals\n#PaycheckEducation\n#PayrollMatters\n#PayrollAppreciation\n\nRelevant Links\nFor more information on National Payroll Week and how to get involved\, visit the following links: \n\nNational Payroll Week – Official Website\nAmerican Payroll Association\nInternal Revenue Service (IRS)
URL:https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-payroll-week/
LOCATION:United Kingdom\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:September Awareness Days,United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.awarenessdays.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iStock-826978484-1-1.jpg
GEO:55.378051;-3.435973
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270910
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270911
DTSTAMP:20260913T071915Z
CREATED:20260913T071915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T071915Z
UID:10019868-1820534400-1820620799@www.awarenessdays.com
SUMMARY:World Suicide Prevention Day 2027
DESCRIPTION:World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 is Wednesday 10 September 2026. It is observed every year on 10 September\, a fixed date set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). \n\nWorld Suicide Prevention Day dates\n\n\nYear\nDate\nDay\n\n\n\n\n2026\n10 September\nWednesday\n\n\n2027\n10 September\nThursday\n\n\n2028\n10 September\nSunday\n\n\n\nWorld Suicide Prevention Day 2026 Theme: Changing the Narrative on Suicide\nThe theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”\, with the call to action: “Start the Conversation.” This is the third and final year of the 2024-2026 three-year theme set by the IASP. \nThe campaign encourages open\, honest conversations about suicide and suicidal behaviour\, while highlighting the importance of connection\, collaboration\, and collective action. IASP chair Jane Pirkis stated: “Suicide is preventable\, and changing the narrative – from one of shame and silence to one of hope and support – is key to prevention.” The campaign emphasises that talking about suicide does not increase risk; rather\, it opens the door to help. \nWhy World Suicide Prevention Day matters\n\nGlobally\, close to 800\,000 lives are lost to suicide each year – roughly one death every 40 seconds – yet the majority are preventable.\nFor every death by suicide\, an estimated 20 people make a suicide attempt\, and many more experience suicidal thoughts.\nSuicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 in many countries\, including the UK.\nIn England\, the Samaritans report that men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide.\n\nWhat is World Suicide Prevention Day?\nFounded in 2003 by the IASP in partnership with the WHO\, World Suicide Prevention Day aims to mobilise global action around the message that suicide is preventable. Each year\, organisations\, healthcare professionals\, governments\, and communities coordinate events\, memorial ceremonies\, and campaigns to foster awareness and hope. \nA key visual tradition is the “streaming of lights” – lighting a candle near a window at 8pm on 10 September\, creating a symbolic wave of light in memory of those lost and in hope for those still living. \nHow to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026\n\nStart a conversation – check in with someone you know who may be struggling. A direct\, caring question is not harmful; it shows you care.\nLight a candle at 8pm on 10 September in memory and in hope.\nWear a yellow or orange ribbon\, the official awareness colours for suicide prevention.\nShare resources – post Samaritans or Papyrus helpline numbers on your social media or in your workplace.\nAttend or organise a local awareness event\, walk\, or remembrance service.\nGet training – organisations like Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) offer evidence-based programmes in the UK and globally.\n\nUK support and resources\n\nSamaritans: Call 116 123\, free\, 24/7. samaritans.org\nPapyrus (under 35s): Call 0800 068 41 41. papyrus-uk.org\nCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58. thecalmzone.net\nIASP (international): iasp.info/wspd\n\nRelated dates\n\nWorld Mental Health Day – 10 October\nTime to Talk Day – first Thursday of February\nMovember – November (men’s mental health)\n\nLast reviewed: 2026-09-08. Added 2026 theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and call to action “Start the Conversation” from IASP. Added date table\, UK helplines section\, and sources. Removed generic hashtag listing; restructured to lead with date and theme.
URL:https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-suicide-prevention-day/
LOCATION:International
CATEGORIES:Health & Wellbeing Awareness,September Awareness Days
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.awarenessdays.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/iStock-1168853477-1.jpg
GEO:37.09024;-95.712891
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR