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DEIA Newsletter 
Intro
Pursuant to the Mile High Chapter’s commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, the MHC’s DEIA Committee offers a look at the February 2025 Diversity Calendar
Mile High Diversity Statement
WE ARE MILE HIGH STRONG.
And, Mile High ALA facilitates with its members a strong climate of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in law firm culture by staying on point with relevant educational content, awareness of current events, and relationship-building opportunities that promote an inclusive working environment. We listen, engage, and work for a better world by fostering and celebrating a respectful professional network where members have freedom to grow, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability status, experience, background, viewpoint, or any other characteristics which make our members unique.
Anti-Racist Statement
We denounce any form of hate, intolerance, or racism. We are proud to partner with the Center for Legal Inclusiveness. We invest time, energy, and resources to move our association and our industry toward better inclusiveness. It’s the right thing to do.
National Awareness
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed annually in March to raise awareness about developmental disabilities, celebrate the achievements of individuals with these disabilities, and advocate for their inclusion and support. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan announced the recognition to increase public awareness and to provide the encouragement and opportunities needed by those experiencing these disabilities to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define disabilities as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas, and include Autism spectrum disorders, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, learning or intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, vision impairment, and other developmental delays.
National Awareness
March is Greek American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the core components of Greek culture and ideals. Also known as Hellenic History Month, the celebration coincides with National Greek Independence Day on March 25. In the late 1800s, a large number of Greeks immigrated to the United States, and now over 2.5 million Americans are of Greek origin. Hellenism is a concept that refers to Greek culture, values, and beliefs. It embodies ideas of Religion, Culture and Philosophy, dating back to ancient times. Examples of Hellenism include the geometry invented by Euclid and the Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt.
National Awareness
Irish American Heritage Month is timed during the month of March when St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday traditionally celebrated by many Irish Americans, also takes place. The first Irish American Heritage Month happened in 1991 and continued to be established through Congressional laws and presidential proclamations. The month honors the contributions made by Irish Americans to the United States. The first recorded celebration of Irish Americans in the U.S. dates back to 1762 with the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. The parade became an annual event, first organized by military units. After the War of 1812, Irish fraternal societies took over the parade’s organization.
National Awareness
Women’s History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It began in February 1980, when President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987, when Congress passed Public Law 100-9 designating March as Women’s History Month. Between 1988 and 1997, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, each President has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as such.
Essential Days to Note
3/1: Ramadan begins (Muslim)
Ramadan, in Islam, is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. In 2025 it begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon during the night of Feb. 28. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10-12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle. It is a time to remember the Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation of the Quran, and to renew faith and seek forgiveness.
3/4: Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday (Christian)
Mardi Gras, which means Fat Tuesday, is a Christian holiday that takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Known as Shrove Tuesday in Anglican countries, the main focus of the event is to enjoy rich foods before the 40 days of Lenten fasting begins. Several countries celebrate Mardi Gras, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and different regions of the United States. Customs and duration of the celebration vary by country.
3/5: Ash Wednesday/Lent begins (Christian)
Ash Wednesday, in Western Christianity, is the first day of Lent. It occurs six and a half weeks before Easter. It is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God, and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with the distribution of ashes and with fasting. The ashes are applied in the shape of a cross on the forehead of each worshipper. Ash Wednesday is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence.
3/8: International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. It is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, advocate for reproductive healthcare and freedom, call for equal pay for equal work, and fundraise for female-focused charities.
3/13: Purim (Jewish)
Purim is a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century bce, were marked for death by their Persian rulers. The story is related in the biblical Book of Esther. It is a day engaged with much joy and celebration at the miraculous rescue from death of the Jewish people. It is common for the temple to host a carnival, with some dressing up in colorful costumes. There can be singing and plays and sharing of excerpts from the story of Purim.
3/14: Holi (Hindu)
Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. It commemorates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. People across India and the diaspora often celebrate by throwing colored water and powders on one another in joyous fashion. The festival marks the commemoration of love and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation; a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy.
3/14: Pi Day
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14) to commemorate the mathematical constant π (pi). It’s a day to celebrate math and its role in the world. Interesting fact: Albert Einstein was born on Pi Day, and Stephen Hawking died on Pi Day. The holiday is often celebrated by serving and eating pie.
3/17: St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a religious and cultural holiday held on March 17, the traditionally acknowledged death date of Saint Patrick, who was the foremost patron saint of Ireland. In the United States, the day generally serves to celebrate Irish American culture by parades and parties, wearing of the color green, and eating traditional Irish food. It is often said that on Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish.
3/19 - 3/20: Naw Ruz (Baha’i)
Naw Ruz, which translates as New Day, is the Baha’i and Iranian new year. It occurs on the vernal equinox, on or near March 21. In 2025 it occurs on Wednesday, March 19 beginning at sunset, and ends at sunset on Thursday, March 20. It is the celebration of a “spiritual springtime” that symbolizes both individual renewal and mankind’s revitalization.
3/20 – Ostara (Wicca/Paganism)
Ostara is a Pagan holiday that celebrates the spring equinox, the rebirth of nature, and the awakening of the earth. It is celebrated with themes of balance, renewal, and rebirth. Also knows as the Spring Equinox, it occurs annually between March 19 – 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025 it falls on Thursday, March 20, which marks the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing balance and the turning point toward longer days.
3/21 – World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The 21st day of the month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. It is not yet known why this syndrome occurs, but Down Syndrome has always been a part of the human condition and exists in all regions across the globe. It commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics, and health.
3/25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
In 2007, the United Nations designated March 25 as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This annual observance offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system.
3/29 - 3/30 – Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims. The translation of “Eid al-Fitr” from Arabic sums up the holiday as it means “festival of breaking the fast.” The exact date of Eid al-Fitr is based on the sighting of the moon, and in many Muslim countries the celebrations can last up to three days.
3/31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility to raise awareness about transgender. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces. The theme for this year’s Day of Visibility is a celebration of the resilience and accomplishments of transgender people and communities.
Center for Legal Inclusiveness
MHC-ALA is proud to partner with the Colorado-based, Center for Legal Inclusiveness.
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