A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - May 2021

At LifeBridge Health, we embrace diversity, and these monthly Diversity messages are meant to recognize and celebrate the richness of our team members' cultures and that of our country. We celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same-our shared purpose of caring for communities together.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time when we recognize the significant accomplishments and contributions of the Jewish community to America. Jewish Americans have influenced our culture in a variety of ways through art, music, politics, science, business and more. The month first began as a week-long tribute to Jewish Americans. Then in 2006, President George W. Bush issued the first presidential proclamation designating the entire month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

May is also Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a tribute to the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. The Asian Pacific encompasses the continent of Asia and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. May was officially designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 1990. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843 and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was constructed using the labor of Chinese immigrants.

On May 1 (or about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice), the Celtic festival of Beltane, takes place. Observed by many neopagans and Wiccans around the world, Beltane celebrates the onset of summer. It also focuses on fertility, a time for life to reemerge or be born. During this festival, observers may light bonfires, feast, dance and perform rituals. With the warmer weather, more people will also begin planting flowers and vegetables.

Cinco de Mayo takes place on May 5. Commonly referred to as El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla in Mexico, this annual celebration of Mexican heritage commemorates the unlikely victory of the Mexican Army over the French in the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. In 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, a small Mexican army defeated a larger French contingent in the town of Puebla. May 5 is a day of ethnic pride celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States. In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is typically celebrated as a way to embrace Mexican or Mexican-American heritage with many enjoying Mexican food, culture and traditions. At LifeBridge Health, the Hispanic/Latino Heritage Employee Resource Group is focused on providing support and raising awareness of the social issues facing employees of Latin/Hispanic descent.

Eid al-Fitr, also referred to as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, begins at sundown on May 12. The religious Muslim holiday lasts one to three days (depending on the country) and marks the end of Ramadan, an Islamic holiday that includes a month of fasting. Traditionally, celebrations on Eid al-Fitr include people decorating their homes, enjoying special foods and exchanging gifts.

The unofficial start of summer kicks off on May 31 with Memorial Day. While many enjoy thoughts of summer, it's also a time to remember the men and women who have died in the U.S. military for the rights and freedoms we enjoy. To commemorate this day, many will visit cemeteries or safely hold family gatherings.

Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our LifeBridge Health values.