All - Leep Calendar

The British aren't usually the people who pop into your mind when you say "coffee;" however, the English love a good cup of Joe. UK Coffee Week is an annual fundraiser that celebrates coffee and raises funds to help coffee-growing communities worldwide.

Africa

Oct

Columbus Day (US)(1492): October 13

06:20 AM | -

Columbus Day is also called Indigenous Peoples Day in the United States. Columbus Day was an official holiday in the United States, created by a joint Congressional/Presidential resolution on April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 USC 107). It was always the second Monday of October. The day commemorates the events of October 11-15, 1492, when Christopher Columbus and his crew first sighted land. Landfall occurred on October 12, 1492; he thought he had found a way to India. He found the Bahamas. It would take time for him to realize he had found an entirely new continent. Columbus Day, on October 12, is a national holiday in Belize. The Bahamas refer to it as Discovery Day. In Spain, it is called Día de la Hispanidad. In the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, it is called Friendship Day. Mexico refers to the anniversary as Día de la Raza, or Day of Race. The United States also marks the anniversary with Native American Day and the state of Hawaii with Discovers' Day. FIRST EUROPEANS Most Americans believe that Columbus was the first European to discover America. No. He's the first to find the islands of the Caribbean, but not mainland North America. The first European to land on American soil was Leif Eriksson, a Viking, on October 9, 1000 AD. He called the new land Helluland (Stone Slab Land). Eriksson spotted it a year before when his ship was blown off course leaving Iceland but did not land. The following year, he returned sailing south and eventually set up camp in what we refer to as present-day Newfoundland, which he called Vinland since it was bursting with good wine grapes. Archeologists in the 1960s uncovered the original camp in modern L'Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO world heritage site today. In 1964 President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed October 9 as Leif Eriksson Day. On October 9, 1825, the first group of immigrants from Norway arrived in the United States. Eriksson wasn't the first European to see America. That honor falls to another Viking, Bjarni Herjolfsson. Herjolfsson saw a land covered in trees in 986 AD. He was trying to get to Greenland with his father, Erik the Red. He missed it. However, Herjolfsson did not set foot on American soil; that would have to wait another 13 years. CONTROVERSY OVER COLUMBUS Columbus Day has become controversial in the United States because his discovery also led to the genocide of Native Americans, who lost 90% of their people over the next 400 years due to illness, enforced poverty, land theft, discrimination, and wars. That Columbus initiated colonialism, which led to slavery and the disenfranchisement of Native Americans, is another reason several groups do not want the day remembered. However, Columbus Day is significant to Italian Americans, who view the explorer with great pride. An Italian, he sailed to America under the patronage of the Spanish King and Queen. The Black Lives Matter movement, Native American organizations, and other social justice movements continue to call into question Columbus' legacy and advocate for the abolition of the holiday. As near as I can tell, the state of Alabama was the first state to change its name to honor America's indigenous people. In 2021, after a rise of activism to recognize indigenous people in the United States rather than their colonizers, President Biden proclaimed the first-ever National Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day.

Africa

Oct

Data Week, Intl. (AU-QLD): October 13-16

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INTERNATIONAL DATA WEEK International Data Week (IDW) is a significant event in the global data community, organized collaboratively by the Research Data Alliance (RDA), the Committee on Data of the International Science Council (CODATA), and the World Data System (WDS). These organizations work together to promote data sharing, access, and stewardship in scientific research and address the challenges and opportunities in the data landscape. PURPOSE The primary purpose of International Data Week is to bring together data professionals, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and data enthusiasts from around the world to discuss and advance the role of data in society. The conference aims to: —Promote Data Sharing and Collaboration: Encourage the open sharing of data across disciplines and borders. —Enhance Data Management Practices: Improve data stewardship, curation, and preservation practices. —Address Data Challenges: Tackle data access, interoperability, and reuse challenges. —Showcase Innovations: Highlight technological advancements and innovative uses of data. —Policy and Governance: Discuss policies and governance frameworks for data management and sharing. WHAT IS DATA? Data refers to facts, figures, measurements, and observations collected and used for analysis and decision-making. In scientific research, data can include experimental results, observational records, survey responses, and more, all of which can be quantitative (numerical) or qualitative (descriptive). The first International Data Week was held in Denver, Colorado, in September 2016. Since then, the event has grown in scope and influence, with subsequent editions in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2018 and Seoul, South Korea, in 2021. The conference has become a cornerstone for fostering a global dialogue on data-driven innovation and research. WHO PARTICIPATES? International Data Week attracts a diverse range of participants, including: —Researchers and Scientists: People from various disciplines rely on data. —Data Professionals: Data managers, librarians, and curators who handle data stewardship. —Industry Leaders: From sectors that heavily use data, such as technology, healthcare, and finance. —Policymakers and Government Officials Who develop regulations and policies related to data. —Academics and Educators: Who teach and research data-related topics. —Students and Early Career Professionals: Interested in pursuing careers in data science and related fields. —NGOs and Civil Society Representatives Who use data for advocacy and social good. International Data Week is a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration, fostering a community dedicated to advancing data practices and policies worldwide.

Africa

Oct

Disaster Reduction Day, Intl.: October 13

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International Disaster Reduction Day celebrates people and communities worldwide that work tirelessly to reduce human exposure to natural disasters, including preventing human casualties. It seeks to raise awareness of the tools and treatments available to people who have become victims of natural disasters. In 2009, International Disaster Reduction Day moved to its permanent date of October 13. The event first ran in 1989.

Africa

Oct

English Language Day, Intl.: October 13*

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The English Project promotes awareness and understanding of the English language's past, present, and future. With knowledge of English, people enrich their lives and expand their opportunities. Today, 25% of the world's population speaks English as a first or second language.

Africa

Oct

Failure Day, Ntl. (FI): October 13*

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Finns are known for their dislike and aversion to failure. Still, with the Great Recession heavily impacting the Scandinavian country, many of its people found themselves in an unfavorable state: dependent upon a social welfare system and unable to find a job. For this reason, the first Failure Day occurred in Finland in 2010. Its purpose is to encourage young entrepreneurs to take risks and not be afraid to fail. National Failure Day is an initiative of the Aalto Entrepreneurship Society, a non-profit targeting young businessmen, and Boardman Tulenkantajat, an organization of entrepreneurs. It quickly gained the support of the Finnish government, media, and celebrities, including the creator of Angry Birds and the Chairmen of Nokia and Shell. The movement spread across the country, celebrated on the streets, cafes, and university campuses. Each year events expand throughout the nation, often featuring speeches by prominent entrepreneurs who share their failure stories that formed the stepping stones of their success.

Africa

Oct

Felabration (NG): October 13-19 (est)

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Felabration is an annual music and arts festival held in Lagos, Nigeria, created in memory of Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and human rights activist who was a significant figure in African music and the creator of Afrobeat. Fela Kuti (October 15, 1938 - August 2, 1997) was a successful musician and a political activist, famously outspoken against the Nigerian government and other political authorities. Fela's music was a powerful voice for social justice, and his Afrobeat sound, which fused traditional Yoruba music with jazz, highlife, and funk, has significantly influenced global music. After Kuti's death, his eldest child Yeni Kuti came up with the idea to celebrate his life and his contributions to Nigerian and African society with a music festival. Felabration was born and held annually (except in 2020-2022 due to COVID-19) at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, a venue built to replace the original Shrine nightclub that was a hub for Fela's performances. Felabration occurs annually during the week of Fela Kuti's birthday in mid-October. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to celebrate Fela's legacy. The festival includes performances by top Nigerian artists and international musicians. The performances are mostly Afrobeat, in homage to Fela, but you'll also hear other genres like hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. But Felabration is more than just a music festival. It also includes street parades, symposia on social and cultural issues, debates, and art exhibitions promoting Fela's cultural, political, and musical ideals centered around African unity and government accountability. Over the years, Felabration has grown in size and importance and now includes a Felabration Afrobics Dance Competition and a secondary school debate that stimulates intellectual discourse amongst the youth. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Oct

Foot Health Week (AU): October 13-19 (est)

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There are few things worse than foot aches, whether from standing too long, walking, or wearing the wrong shoes. Your foot health affects everything in your body, from posture to your hips, legs, and knees. National Foot Health Week in Australia is an awareness campaign designed to educate the public about foot-related issues and the treatments and practices available to help you live your best life pain-free.

Africa

Oct

Good Samaritan Day (2011): October 13*

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Today is one of two Good Samaritan Days each year. Good Samaritan Day is named after the Parable of the Good Samaritan from the New Testament of the Bible, Luke 10:25-37. The first God Samaritan Day was declared in 1964 in New York City after Catherine "Kitty" Genovese was viciously stabbed and murdered. Why does a murder of a single woman deserve a day of remembrance? Nearly 40 people witnessed it and allegedly stood and watched as Catherine was screaming for help and dying. They saw yet did nothing. The day reminds us of the importance of being a good and selfless person and the terror of what happens when we are not. People forgot about the New York murder of Catherine Genovese. Decades later, the same thing happened on Foshan Market Street in Guangdong, China. A young girl named Wang Yue was run over by two vehicles as people stood and watched on October 13, 2011. So many watched, yet none did anything until an older woman named Chen Xianmei came to her aid. This Good Samaritan Day was created by Richard Lutz, appalled by the indifference of the onlookers, as a tribute to Yue's life. It falls on the anniversary of her deadly attack.

Africa

Oct

Goth Girl Appreciation Day: October 13

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Goth Girl Appreciation Day, or Goth Chick Appreciation Day as most people in goth culture call it, was declared in 2011 by Ill Will Press and is celebrated by goth chicks everywhere!

Africa

Oct

Herpes Awareness Day, Ntl.: October 13

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National Herpes Awareness Day is an initiative of the brand FemiClear. There are two types of genital herpes, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Condoms are the only proven form to mitigate catching genital herpes for the sexually active. Avoiding kissing people with cold sores will lessen the chance of catching versions found outside the genital areas. From the CDC: "Genital herpes is a chronic, lifelong viral infection. Two types of HSV can cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most cases of recurrent genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, and 11.9% of persons aged 14–49 years are estimated to be infected in the United States (436). However, an increasing proportion of anogenital herpetic infections have been attributed to HSV-1, which is especially prominent among young women and MSM (186,437,438). The majority of persons infected with HSV-2 have not had the condition diagnosed, many of whom have mild or unrecognized infections but shed the virus intermittently in the anogenital area. Consequently, most genital herpes infections are transmitted by persons unaware that they have the infection or who are asymptomatic when transmission occurs. Management of genital HSV should address the chronic nature of the infection rather than focusing solely on treating acute episodes of genital lesions." As one in six people worldwide suffers from this medical condition, we figured it was best to let the CDC explain it. You can access the complete information on their website here: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/herpes.htm Header Image: George W. Beran, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Herpes Virus under magnification.

Africa

Oct

Independence Day Holiday, (FJ)(1970): October 13

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Independence Day in Fiji marks the anniversary of October 10, 1970, the official day of independence from Britain. Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated on the 2nd Monday in October.

Africa

Oct

Indigenous Peoples' Day, Ntl., (1492): October 13

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In 2021, after a rise of activism to recognize indigenous people in the United States rather than their colonizers, President Biden proclaimed the first-ever National Indigenous Peoples' Day. The following is his proclamation. Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples' Day, 2021 OCTOBER 08, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS Since time immemorial, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have built vibrant and diverse cultures — safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations. On Indigenous Peoples' Day, our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government's trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations. Our country was conceived on a promise of equality and opportunity for all people — a promise that, despite the extraordinary progress we have made through the years, we have never fully lived up to. That is especially true when it comes to upholding the rights and dignity of the Indigenous people who were here long before colonization of the Americas began. For generations, Federal policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures. Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples' resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society. We also recommit to supporting a new, brighter future of promise and equity for Tribal Nations — a future grounded in Tribal sovereignty and respect for the human rights of Indigenous people in the Americas and around the world. In the first week of my Administration, I issued a memorandum reaffirming our Nation's solemn trust and treaty obligations to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and directed the heads of executive departments and agencies to engage in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal officials. It is a priority of my Administration to make respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance the cornerstone of Federal Indian policy. History demonstrates that Native American people — and our Nation as a whole — are best served when Tribal governments are empowered to lead their communities and when Federal officials listen to and work together with Tribal leaders when formulating Federal policy that affects Tribal Nations. The contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history — in public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship, the arts, and countless other fields — are integral to our Nation, our culture, and our society. Indigenous peoples have served, and continue to serve, in the United States Armed Forces with distinction and honor — at one of the highest rates of any group — defending our security every day. And Native Americans have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working essential jobs and carrying us through our gravest moments. Further, in recognition that the pandemic has harmed Indigenous peoples at an alarming and disproportionate rate, Native communities have led the way in connecting people with vaccination, boasting some of the highest rates of any racial or ethnic group. The Federal Government has a solemn obligation to lift up and invest in the future of Indigenous people and empower Tribal Nations to govern their own communities and make their own decisions. We must never forget the centuries-long campaign of violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror wrought upon Native communities and Tribal Nations throughout our country. Today, we acknowledge the significant sacrifices made by Native peoples to this country — and recognize their many ongoing contributions to our Nation. On Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor America's first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today. I encourage everyone to celebrate and recognize the many Indigenous communities and cultures that make up our great country. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2021, as Indigenous Peoples' Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Africa

Oct

Kick Butt Day: October 13

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Procrastinators, your time is up. Kick Butt Day is precisely that; a calendar kick in the tush to get you moving on whatever it is you've been putting off. Whether it's getting something done at home, around the house, finally breaking off a bad relationship, or getting into shape, today is your day for action.

Africa

Oct

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day: October 13

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The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network promotes metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The day educates people about the dangers of breast cancer, empowering victims and advocating for better care and prevention.

Africa