National DEI Day, observed annually on September 17, is a new holiday that celebrates our nation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It shares its date with U.S. Constitution Day and U.S. Citizenship Day, holidays officially recognized by the U.S. government (see National Archives and U.S. Department of Education), and which honor the principles of democracy, citizenship, and belonging. DEI builds on these values by ensuring fairness, opportunity, and human dignity for all. On this day, communities nationwide wear blue—the color of unity and freedom—and come together to celebrate equity in action.
National DEI Day is proudly established by Carpe Acqua DEI, a mission-driven water brand launched on Juneteenth 2025 at the historic site of Fort Negley in Nashville, Tennessee. The brand embodies resilience, dignity, and the courage to stand for what is right, making it the perfect innovator and home for this observance.
History of National DEI Day
National DEI Day was established to align with September 17, a date already rich in national significance. On this day in 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed. In 2004, Congress designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which are officially recognized by the U.S. government. These observances remind us of our shared responsibilities as citizens, and National DEI Day extends this reflection to the ongoing work of ensuring democracy is equitable and inclusive for all.
The holiday’s roots run deep in Nashville, Tennessee. At Fort Negley, thousands of formerly enslaved people helped build the stronghold and later donned the Union blue to fight for freedom and preserve the nation. This history inspires the color blue as the holiday’s unifying symbol. Blue symbolizes trust, justice, and freedom, and is deeply rooted in our national identity as one of the three colors of the American flag. It also inspired the founding of Carpe Acqua DEI, the mission-driven water brand that launched on Juneteenth 2025 at Fort Negley.
Carpe Acqua DEI, meaning “Embrace the Water of DEI,” and “DEI” meaning “God” in Latin, is more than a beverage—it is a movement. Born where freedom fighters once stood, it reclaims DEI as the source of life, strength, dignity, and as our creator. National DEI Day affirms that diversity strengthens democracy, equity ensures fairness, and inclusion fosters unity. It calls on us to wear blue, to stand together, and to recognize that DEI is not dead, it is alive and flowing like water.
National DEI Day timeline
Thirty-nine delegates representing 12 states sign the Constitution on September 17 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Formerly enslaved people enlist in the Union Army, including at Fort Negley.
Tennessee becomes the 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote.
Congress designates September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Carpe Acqua DEI launches at Fort Negley on Juneteenth and National DEI Day is first celebrated on September 17.
National DEI Day FAQs
Why is National DEI Day on September 17?
The date was chosen to align with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
What does the color blue represent?
Blue is part of the American identity—from the flag’s Red, White, and Blue to Union uniforms. It signifies trust, justice, and freedom, and links to our spacious American skies of blue.
Who created National DEI Day?
It is brought to you by Carpe Acqua DEI, a mission-driven water brand launched on Juneteenth 2025 at Fort Negley.
How can I participate?
Wear blue, drink Carpe Acqua DEI, and join the conversation at NationalDEIDay.org.
What makes this holiday unique?
It is the first U.S. holiday to explicitly celebrate DEI. So celebrate your Day, your Diversity, our God (DEI), and embrace the power and the love of yourself, your community, and your country. It’s a show of respect for everyone in America and a celebration of our country, our U.S. Constitution, and our new U.S. Citizens.
How to Observe National DEI Day
Wear blue
On September 17, wear and display blue. This will serve as a visible expression of solidarity with the principles of our U.S. Constitution, with new U.S. citizens, and with our core American values of equality and inclusion.
Drink with purpose
Support Carpe Acqua DEI, a brand rooted in the values of freedom, resilience, and dignity. Each purchase contributes to their movement that champions equity and inclusion for all.
Join the movement
Share stories and photos at NationalDEIDay.org. Use the hashtags #NationalDEIDay and #CarpeAcquaDEI to expand your reach.
5 Facts About National DEI Day
The shared date
National DEI Day aligns with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
The color of unity
Blue represents freedom, justice, trust, and the American flag—the Red, White, and Blue.
A historic site
The holiday’s founder, Carpe Acqua DEI, launched at Fort Negley in Nashville, TN, on Juneteenth 2025.
Water with a purpose
Carpe Acqua DEI is both a beverage and a movement.
The first of its kind
National DEI Day is the first holiday to explicitly celebrate DEI, bringing us all together under one color, one purpose, and one America.
Why National DEI Day is Important
It strengthens democracy
DEI ensures the promises of the Constitution are meaningful for all by working to correct past inequalities and leveling the playing field so that everyone has a chance to succeed.
It honors the shared history
From Union blue soldiers to women’s suffrage, America’s story is one of expanding freedom. National DEI Day is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs that shaped our nation. It’s a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come while reflecting on the work that still lies ahead.
It builds unity
Wearing blue connects us across differences, creating a visible symbol of inclusion. It reminds us that, together, we are stronger and can create a community where everyone belongs.
National DEI Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 17 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | September 17 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 17 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 17 | Sunday |
| 2029 | September 17 | Monday |
