This Month in Compassion

Recognizing what matters, even when others will not.

At the Humane Herald, each month is an opportunity to remember what our society chooses to honor – and what it chooses to ignore.

This July, we continue to recognize dates and observances that have been removed from federal calendars or overlooked by those in power. The Trump administration has taken deliberate steps to eliminate or downplay events that center civil rights, environmental responsibility, and marginalized communities. These omissions are not accidental.

We continue to mark:

• Independence Day as a reminder that true freedom includes the pursuit of justice for all, not just the celebration of a founding moment.
• World Population Day (July 11), which encourages reflection on sustainability, human rights, and ethical responsibility toward future generations.
• International Non-Binary People’s Day (July 14), uplifting the dignity and rights of people whose identities are routinely erased from policy and discourse.
• Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18), honoring a global legacy of nonviolence, democracy, and reconciliation.
• Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary (July 26), reaffirming our commitment to accessibility, equity, and the fight against ableism—principles threatened by ongoing deregulation efforts.

We also recognize several critical month-long observances:

• Disability Pride Month, a call to celebrate the strength and diversity of the disability community.
• BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlights racial disparities in mental healthcare and the need for culturally grounded solutions.
• Plastic-Free July, a global initiative that brings attention to consumer responsibility, corporate accountability, and the urgent need to protect ecosystems and nonhuman life from plastic pollution.

These days and themes matter. They connect across struggles – human and nonhuman, past and present. While federal acknowledgment may be withdrawn, the importance of these dates has not changed. Our mission includes preserving memory, advancing ethical awareness, and supporting those working for lasting change.

We will continue to mark the milestones that matter – not just to history, but to humanity.