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Welcome to our March Resource page! This month we highlight Women's History Month, Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday, International Day for the Elimination of Racism, International Transgender Day of Visibility, the Spring Equinox, and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We also honor the life and legacy of social justice leader, Cesar Chavez Day. There is a lot going on this month, explore the resources to learn more!
Women's History Month
"Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8th, which is International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year."
Learn More About Women's History Month below!
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) works together with its partners to create a social media campaign that highlights the ways in which people with disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities with those without disabilities.
Learn more on the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world—mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations—on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. In 2025, Mardi Gras culminates on the night of March 4th.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is officially recognized as the "Day of Ashes," signifying the practice of rubbing ashes on one's forehead in the sign of a cross. This year, this important Christian day is observed on Wednesday, March 5th. Ash Wednesday is officially recognized as the "Day of Ashes," signifying the practice of rubbing ashes on one's forehead in the sign of a cross. Learn more by following the link below.
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
March 15th is the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. On this date, the U.S. observes National Muslim Advocacy Day. The theme for 2025 is "Defending Rights, Shaping Policy". It is meant to inspire American Muslims and all Americans, to advocate for justice, human rights, and democratic values. Learn more about these two important days here.
Spring Equinox
The March equinox, aka the vernal equinox, marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. No matter where you are on Earth, the equinox brings us a number of seasonal effects, noticeable to nature lovers around the globe. This year, the Spring Equinox falls on March 20th! Follow the link below to learn more!
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21st, "the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. Since then, the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled. Racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries, and we have built an international framework for fighting racism, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination."
Still, in all regions, there is much work to do! Learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination here.
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade
Content Warning: This page contains mentions of racial trauma, slavery, and violence against Black and Brown bodies that can be disturbing or triggering.
March 25th is International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade. This day is an opportunity to remember and honor those who suffered and died at the hands of this brutal system. It is also a time to raise awareness about the dangers of racism, prejudice, and slavery that happen and have happened all over the world.
Learn more on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade here.
International Transgender Day of Visibility
Trans Day of Visibility, on March 31st, is an annual awareness day celebrated around the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice."
Click on the button below to access the resources!
Cesar Chavez Day
Cesar Chavez Day is March 31st! This federal holiday was proclaimed by President Barack Obama in 2014 and celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil and labor rights activist Cesar Chavez. This iconic leader left behind an influence so great that streets, schools, libraries and parks have been named after him. Explore the link below for more information and resources about Cesar Chavez!
World Down Syndrome Day
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