Virtual Backgrounds

On July 2, we recognize the anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the most significant civil rights laws in United States history.

Signed into law on July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin in several areas of public life, including employment, education and public accommodations. The law marked a major milestone in the ongoing effort to expand equal opportunity, strengthen protections against discrimination and ensure greater access and participation for all.

The progress made through the Civil Rights Act reflects the generations of individuals, communities, advocates, and public servants who worked to advance fairness, dignity, and equality. It also reminds us that protecting civil rights requires continued commitment, awareness, and action.

California has a long history of advancing civil rights and strengthening protections that support the rights and dignity of all communities. Today, the California Civil Rights Department continues this work by enforcing state civil rights laws and providing resources to address discrimination, harassment and hate.

As we recognize this anniversary, we honor the progress made while reaffirming our shared responsibility to foster workplaces and communities where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to participate and thrive.

Resources:

• Library of Congress: Civil Rights Act of 1964
• California Civil Rights Department: California Continues to Lead in the Fight Against Hate
• CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and the founding ideals of equality, freedom, and the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In 2026, the United States will recognize the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, providing an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, progress and continued pursuit of those ideals.

Throughout history, generations of Americans — including service members, civil rights leaders, advocates and communities across the country — have worked to expand opportunity, strengthen democracy and help ensure that the promises outlined at our nation’s founding become a reality for more people.

As Governor Newsom shared in his 2025 Independence Day proclamation, “Today and every day, California reaffirms our commitment to fully realizing our nation’s founding ideals, that all are created equal, with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

As we recognize this historic milestone, we honor those who have contributed to advancing liberty and equality while reaffirming our shared responsibility to create inclusive communities where all Californians can participate, contribute and thrive.

Resources:

• Governor Newsom’s 2025 Independence Day Proclamation
• America 250: Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States

Each July, California joins communities across the nation in recognizing Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, leadership, and experiences of people with disabilities and recognize disability as an important part of human diversity. This year’s theme is “The World Works Better with Us.”

Disability Pride Month coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA represents a major civil rights milestone that expanded protections for people with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination and advancing accessibility in employment, transportation, public services and other areas of community life.

Disability includes a wide range of experiences, including visible and non-apparent disabilities; mobility, cognitive, vision, hearing, learning and sensory disabilities; and disabilities that may be developmental or acquired throughout a person’s life.

As shared in California’s 2025 Disability Pride Month proclamation, this month provides an opportunity to “reflect on the essential contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, our state, and our nation.”

As public servants, we each play a role in building accessible and inclusive environments by identifying and removing barriers, promoting equal opportunity and ensuring people with disabilities are valued and supported in fully participating and contributing.

Resources:

• California Disability Pride Month Proclamation (2025) | Governor of California
• Disability Pride Month | Department of Natural Resources
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information and Resources

Each July, we recognize Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also referred to as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, to raise awareness of the unique mental health experiences, strengths and challenges within Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

This observance honors the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, an award-winning author, journalist, mental health advocate and co-founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Urban Los Angeles. Campbell dedicated her advocacy to reducing stigma, increasing awareness and expanding conversations about mental health and support within historically underserved communities.

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in recognition of Campbell’s work and commitment to addressing mental health needs across communities nationwide.

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Culture, community, identity, and lived experiences can influence how individuals understand mental health, seek support and access care. Recognizing these experiences helps increase awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen supportive environments.

California state employees and their eligible dependents have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offered at no cost as part of the State’s commitment to promoting employee health and well-being. EAP provides confidential assessment, short-term counseling, referral services and resources to assist employees and their families with everyday concerns, life transitions and challenging times.

Resources:

• CalHR Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mental Health Awareness Resources | California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
• Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• U.S. Congress: Recognizing Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (H.Con.Res. 134, 110th Congress)