Celebrating Diversity

MLK Day of Service
CHOP employees volunteer for various projects across Philadelphia to celebrate Martin Luther King Day in January.

Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is important to many Asian cultures. Decorations include red-colored paper cutouts to promote good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. CHOP celebrates by providing special children’s activities and story time.

Black History Month
During February, CHOP celebrates Black History Month. This annual observance began in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and serves as a remembrance of important Black individuals and events in history.

Women's History Month
Since 1911, efforts have been made to dedicate the month of March to teaching about inspirational, groundbreaking women. CHOP celebrates Women's History Month by recognizing women who will shape CHOP's future.

Celebrate Diversity Month
During the month of April, we honor Celebrate Diversity Month by commending the diversity here at CHOP. The purpose is to celebrate our differences and similarities to facilitate a deeper understanding of each other.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month
In May, we honor the heritage of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians. The first Japanese immigration to the United States occurred on May 7, 1843, and May 10, 1869 marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

LGBTQ Pride Month
LGBTQ Pride Month is celebrated each June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots in 1969, a turning point in the gay rights movement and the fight to advance equality for LGBTQ-identifying Americans.

Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, dating to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries. Continuing into October, we celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month
We celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October by acknowledging the contributions of workers with disabilities and building awareness about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.

Dwali
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is India’s biggest, most important holiday. CHOP celebrates every autumn by displaying traditional decorations like diyas and enjoying traditional Indian dishes.

Three Kings Day
Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, is a Christian feast day typically observed on January 6 to celebrate when the Magi arrived bearing gifts for Jesus Christ. CHOP honors the day with a prayer service in the Schlimm Center for Prayer and Reflection and a children’s activity table.

World Religions Day
World Religions Day is held on the third Sunday in January and promotes interfaith understanding and harmony. Here at CHOP, patients, families, and staff can learn more with a trivia and information table in the Main Atrium.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a season of fasting and prayer for many Christians, and it takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is observed at CHOP through prayer services with distribution of ashes.

Jewish High Holy Days at CHOP
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot are celebrated at CHOP. The Shofar is sounded at the chapel and in patient rooms. Traditional holiday foods are delivered to families and available throughout the celebrations in the Kosher pantry.

Ramadan Observance
This time of spiritual and physical purification commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an to the prophet Muhammad. Fasting during this month is one of five Pillars of Muslim faith. CHOP invites our community to gather for Iftar.

Schlimm Center for Prayer and Meditation
The Schlimm Center features multiple prayer and meditation rooms for families, patients, and staff. Cultural aspects are addressed in these spaces, which are easy to find and labeled with international signage.