Google has decided to remove certain celebratory holidays from its national calendar. These months include Black History Month, Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Month. Although this information has become a recent subject since the start of February, Google says it made the changes in mid-2024. Mrs. Parr, an art teacher at Sylvan Hills High School, says, “I think it’s terrible, and I’m mad about it.”
Sophomore Nash Nelson said, “We are constantly growing as a country… I feel like while yes, they (cultural months) are still important, it doesn’t matter for Google to remove these months.” Nelson goes on to say that while the months are important to us as a culture, we will still celebrate the culture of the months, regardless of what Google removes from their calendar.
This change to the Google Calendar is controversial due to the cultural significance of these months and dates. “Maintaining hundreds of moments manually and consistently globally wasn’t scalable or sustainable,” Google said in a statement sent to the Associated Press. “So in mid-2024, we returned to showing only public holidays and national observances from timeanddate.com global while allowing users to manually add other important moments.” A lot of people may not like this change due to their history being linked to these months. This may feel like a big slap in the face to the people who have been celebrating these months.
Black History Month is an important observance dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout the entirety of U.S. history. Starting in February, it serves as a platform to educate people about the rich heritage and struggles faced by Black communities from the 17th century onward. Notable figures such as Harriet Tubman, who played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, and civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., emphasize the significance of resilience and advocacy in the fight for equality and justice. This month encourages reflection on historical milestones, the ongoing struggles against systemic racism, and the immense cultural contributions of Black Americans across various fields, including art, science, politics, and more.
Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a vibrant and essential time for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to acknowledge and embrace their identities. The month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Throughout the month, parades, festivals, and educational events take place, emphasizing solidarity and acceptance. Pride Month not only highlights the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community but also celebrates their rich diversity and their immense contributions to culture, activism, and society as a whole. It’s a time for people to express love, pride, and the importance of equality for all.
National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, is a month-long celebration dedicated to recognizing the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors hail from Spanish-speaking countries. This month highlights the diverse cultures that make up the Hispanic community in the U.S. and their substantial impact on American society. Events during this month include cultural festivals, educational programs, and community gatherings that foster understanding and appreciation for the Hispanic heritage. By spotlighting the achievements of influential figures and historical events, National Hispanic Heritage Month encourages a deeper appreciation of the richness of Hispanic culture and the ongoing contributions of Hispanic Americans today. It serves as an opportunity for individuals to come together to celebrate and embrace their heritage and history.
