5.02.22 – May Recognitions

Monday, May 2, 2022

May Recognitions

Coming to work and hearing each flight attendant’s story is the highlight of our job. Every flight attendant has a story to tell and a different perspective, which adds depth and understanding to our own life and work. Our work has its challenges, so with May being a month of renewal and Mental Health Awareness Month, please remember to take the time to take care of yourself and reach out to others who might be struggling.

The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, honoring a people who make up over seven percent of our population. We acknowledge the culture of Asian and Pacific Islanders and all the culture and contributions they bring to the United States.

May is also Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating the history of Jewish contributions to American culture and recognizing the achievements and culture of American Jews.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor Frankl

May 1st is International Worker’s Day, also called May Day, to shine a light worldwide on the improvements and achievements of workers. The day commemorates the American Federation of Labor’s continuation of a campaign for the eight-hour workday in the United States. The Haymarket Riot erupted in 1886 in Chicago, where workers went on strike for an eight-hour workday.

May 2nd-3^rd, Eid Al-Fitr, is an Islamic “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast”, which marks the end of Ramadan. The weekend’s crescent Moon will tell the exact dates for the end of Ramadan and the holy month of fasting from dawn until dusk.

May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day, bringing awareness to the importance of freedom of the press and the right to freedom of expression. Each year there is a conference with a different country hosting. This year it will be hosted by Uruguay.

May 5th is Cinco De Mayo, celebrating winning the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican armies fought the French against their attempt to take Mexico to become French territory.

May 8th is Mother’s Day to celebrate mothers and those who mother others. In our job, compassion is always a part of all we do, and it can also be a day of sadness and loss that can be hard for some. We understand and acknowledge this day is different for everyone.

May 18-19 is Lag BaOmer, beginning on May 18 at sunset and ending on May 19 at sunrise, acknowledging the end of a plague and Roman occupation during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime. In Israel, families celebrate Jewish perseverance and spirit by having bonfires with the wood collected since Passover.

May 21st, World Day of Cultural Diversity, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday that recognizes cultural diversity as a gift and our obligation for peace, equity, and mutual respect.

May 24th is the Declaration of the Bab, commemorating the Bahá’í Faith, May 23, 1844, when Sayyid `Alí Muhammad told of a new messenger of God who brings peace and justice, then took the name of Bab, meaning “Gate” in Arabic.

May 15 is Visakha Puja, or Vesak in the Buddhist faith, which celebrates the Buddha and offers appreciation for His wisdom and compassion for all living beings and celebrates his birth, spiritual awakening, and death.

May 30 is Memorial Day, set aside for remembering the people who died while serving in our country’s armed forces. The American flag hangs at half-staff until noon and then is raised to the top. Everyone is encouraged to pause at 3 pm local time for a National Moment of Remembrance.

We all have something that makes us all unique, and it is to be recognized. The goal is to share our diversity through you. We all gain so much from hearing other views and experiences. Please continue to reach out to us and share your own life experiences and perspectives to help us all grow in understanding.

In Solidarity,

Chaddrian, Charlotte, and Rhonda
APFA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
[email protected]