A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer - September 2022
A meaningful commitment to diversity and belonging is one of our most essential priorities here at LifeBridge Health. With these monthly Diversity Messages, we aim to celebrate the unique cultures and rich diversity represented by our team members across the network, honoring our differences and reflecting on our common purpose - to care for our communities together.
On Monday, September 5, Labor Day will be celebrated in the United States in recognition of the accomplishments and contributions of the labor movement and the American worker. We offer our gratitude to our many team members working hard every day to embody LifeBridge Health's CARE BRAVELY values and wish a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend to all!
For followers of Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is a 16-lunar-day period, beginning this year on September 10, during which Hindus offer prayers and offerings of food to their deceased ancestors. Pitru Paksha is considered a mourning period and is observed with ceremonies, rituals and charitable activities. Later in September, beginning on the 26 and continuing through October 4, is the Hindu festival of Navaratri, observed in honor of the Mother Goddess Durga. Celebrating the triumph of good over evil, Navaratri is a time when Hindus perform puja - the Hindu act of worship - honoring the different aspects of the goddess Durga.
Patriot Day is observed in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. On this day, flags will be flown at half-staff, and many will observe a moment of silence at 8:46 am, the exact minute when the first plane flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. With over 3,000 people killed and 6,000 injured in these attacks, many will spend the day remembering and reflecting on those whose lives were lost or forever changed by these events.
Observed from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic American Heritage Month is dedicated to the many American citizens whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. These communities have helped to shape the United States, contributing greatly to its history and culture. September 15 holds great significance in marking the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile's independence days are also celebrated on September 16 and 18 respectively.
To help us gain insight into the significance of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, we spoke with Andy Medina-Vargas, chair of LifeBridge Health's Hispanic-Latino Employee Resource Group:
"National Hispanic American Heritage Month allows us to celebrate everything that makes us unique; during this time, we are able to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American & Latino champions who have inspired others to achieve success. Additionally, National Hispanic American Heritage Month encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics & Latinos have made in the past and will continue to make in the future."
For Shia Muslims, Arba'een is an observance of great significance occurring on the fortieth day after the Day of Ashura, which this year falls on September 17. Arba'een commemorates the martyrdom of Al-Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad. Arba'een is the world's largest annual pilgrimage, in which up to 40 million people journey to the Iraqi city of Karbala.
This year, the Pagan holiday Mabon, or the Autumnal Equinox, falls on September 22. On this day, the number of daylight and nighttime are equal (both are 12 hours) and after this day, the sun begins to rise later and nightfall comes sooner. For modern Pagans, the day represents a time of thanksgiving and preparation for winter and is the second of the three Pagan harvest festivals, after Lammas and before Samhain.
Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our LifeBridge Health values.