A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer – November 2024
Thank you to all our team members for everything you do every day on all our campuses to make LifeBridge Health a safe and welcoming place for all. We are a diverse team that celebrates our individual uniqueness while working collaboratively to care for patients, community and each other. Continue reading to learn about some of the observances taking place this month.
National Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month. This month of awareness pays tribute to the expansive histories and cultures of the peoples indigenous to the United States. This celebration of Native American history and culture also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness for the challenges many native people still face in the United States.
All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (11/1-2)
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, observed on November 1 and 2 respectively, are two meaningful and solemn occasions in the Christian calendar that commemorate the lives of departed loved ones. These days offer an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and prayer for the souls of the departed.
All Saints’ Day is a day to honor the saints and martyrs who have devoted their lives to faith and righteousness, serving as inspirational examples to us all. It’s a time to celebrate their contributions and the light they brought into the world.
Veterans Day (11/11)
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is a commemoration of U.S. military veterans. On this federal holiday, many Americans express gratitude to members of the armed forces for their service, and awareness is also raised for the issues commonly faced by veterans after their service.
Diwali (10/31-11/1)
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.”
Dutch American Heritage Day (11/16)
Dutch American Heritage Day, also celebrated on November 16, is a time to honor and celebrate the enduring contributions of Dutch immigrants to the United States. It’s a day to embrace and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Dutch in America and to acknowledge the lasting impact of their contributions to our nation’s history and progress.
Thanksgiving (11/28)
Thanksgiving falls this year on November 28. In the spirit of Thanksgiving gratitude, we express our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of our LifeBridge Health team members for all that they do to CARE BRAVELY for our communities day in and day out. We further extend this gratitude to our patients and their loved ones, whose trust in our care propels us to compassionately improve lives and promote health in all we do. We wish a safe and happy Thanksgiving to all!
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead (11/1-2)
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and deeply meaningful Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of departed loved ones. Observed from November 1 – 2, this colorful and lively festival is a fusion of indigenous and Catholic beliefs that honors the journey of the deceased. During Dia De Los Muertos, families create elaborate ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, candles, mementos and the favorite foods of those who have passed away. Far from a somber occasion, Dia De Los Muertos is a joyful and spirited celebration of life and death, where the border between the living and the dead blurs.
Tihar, the Festival of Lights (10/30-11/3)
Tihar, the Festival of Lights, is a captivating and vibrant celebration deeply rooted in the culture of Nepal. Also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, Tihar is a five-day festival (October 30 – November 3) that honors various animals and celestial beings. Each day is dedicated to a different form of life, starting with crows and concluding with the celebration of brothers on Bhai Tika. It’s a time for families to come together, exchange blessings and express gratitude to the creatures that share our world.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (11/17-23)
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 17 – 23, is a national campaign to raise awareness and support for those who are unhoused and/or hungry. The campaign’s official site reports that 37.3 million Americans live below the poverty level, and that 580,000 Americans are homelessness on any given night. During this awareness week, many will participate in local efforts to raise funds and provide support for those who need it.
International Day for Tolerance (11/16)
International Day for Tolerance, observed on November 16, is a global celebration of one of humanity’s most fundamental values – tolerance. It’s a day to reflect on the importance of acceptance, understanding, and respect for diverse cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. By embracing tolerance, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual is valued and respected for who they are. Join us in honoring the International Day for Tolerance and be a part of the global movement towards a more understanding and compassionate world.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (11/20)
Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed on November 20, is a solemn occasion to honor the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives to hate crimes and discrimination. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and injustices faced by the transgender community, and it calls upon us to stand in solidarity against prejudice and violence.
The Day of the Covenant (11/24-25)
The Day of the Covenant is a special and significant observance in the Baha’i Faith, dedicated to the concept of unity and the pivotal role of the Covenant in Baha’i beliefs. Celebrated on November 24 – 25, this day is an opportunity for Baha’is and those interested in the faith to come together and reflect on the enduring covenant that binds the Baha’i community. The Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha, observed on
November 28, is a sacred and significant day in the Baha’i Faith. It commemorates the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the appointed successor and beloved son of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith.
Twin Holy Birthdays (11/02-11/03)
The Festival of the Twin Birthdays or the Twin Holy Birthdays refers to two successive Holy Days in the Bahá’í calendar that celebrate the births of both the Báb (2 November) and Bahá’u’lláh (3 November), the two prophets associated with the Bahá’í revelation. These double Holy Days hold enormous joy and meaning for Bahá’ís all over the world. The notion of “twin Manifestations of God” is a concept fundamental to Bahá’í belief, describing the relationship between the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Both are considered Manifestations of God in their own right, having each founded separate religions (Bábism and the Bahá’í Faith) and revealed their own holy scriptures. To Bahá’ís, however, the missions of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are inextricably linked: The Báb’s mission was to prepare the way for the coming of “Him whom God shall make manifest”, who eventually appeared in the person of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Day of the Covenant (11/25)
The Day of the Covenant is a special and significant observance in the Bahá’í Faith, dedicated to the concept of unity and the pivotal role of the Covenant. Celebrated on November 25, this day is an opportunity for Bahá’ís and those interested in the faith to come together and reflect on the enduring Covenant that binds the Bahá’í community.
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (11/27)
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, observed on November 27, is a sacred and significant day in the Bahá’í Faith. It commemorates the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the appointed successor and beloved son of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
Calls to Action
REFLECT: Do I understand what allyship is? Do I see myself as an ally to any particular community?
RECOGNIZE: Using my voice to support those who may not feel safe or empowered to use theirs is a strong demonstration of allyship.
RESPOND: I will look for places and spaces where I can use my influence, position or comfort to speak out when I notice others may not feel safe to do so.