Happy New Year! As we step into January, we’re excited to present our unique belonging-themed crossword puzzle, designed to both challenge and educate. This month’s theme celebrates the diverse cultures, perspectives and ideas that enrich our world. Whether you’re a crossword aficionado or a curious beginner, this puzzle is for you. It’s a chance to test your knowledge, expand your understanding and engage with the important themes of belonging that define our times. So grab a pen and let’s dive into this month’s exciting challenge!

Tip: You can easily print this crossword by pressing on CTRL + P on Windows keyboard or Command + P on Mac.

Across Clues
1. Observed on the third Monday of January to honor a prominent civil rights leader
6. The act of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds
8. A practice of ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people
9. A respectful understanding and learning about cultures different from our own
11. This term refers to the qualities that make people different from each other
13. A principle focusing on the acknowledgment and appreciation of differences
14. First month of the year, symbolizing new beginnings
15. This term means a mixture or variety, often used to describe cultural or ethnic variety
16. A feeling of trust and mutual understanding between people from different backgrounds
17. A concept of fairness and justice within the allocation of resources and opportunities

Down Clues
2. A holiday celebrated by African Americans to honor their heritage and culture
3. A type of training aimed at increasing participants’ cultural awareness, knowledge and skills
4. Inclusion of people with disabilities in everyday activities
5. Term for equal rights and opportunities in the workplace, regardless of gender, race, or religion
7. This international day of remembrance on January 27th commemorates the victims of a tragic and significant historical event during World War II
10. Acronym for ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer’
12. A day celebrating love and affection, observed in February

To add an extra layer of fun and engagement, we’ve made the answers to our crossword puzzle “invisible.” They are below, but in white text. So, as you figure out each answer, simply highlight the space next to the clue number to reveal the word. Happy solving!

Across Answers
1. MLK Day 6. Integration 8. Inclusivity 9. Cultural 11. Diversity 13. Tolerance 14. January 15. Diversity 16. Empathy 17. Justice

Down Answers
2. Kwanzaa 3. Sensitivity 4. Accessibility 5. Equality 7. Holocaust 10. LGBTQ 12. Valentine