Illuminate America Yellow: A Nationwide Effort to Light Up Landmarks for Awareness

Every May, a powerful visual message shines across the country as landmarks glow yellow to raise awareness for a vital cause. What began a few years ago as a lighting project in Seattle has grown into a nationwide movement called Illuminate America Yellow. This year, the initiative returns with new partners and a broader reach, lighting up landmarks coast to coast to mark May as the official awareness month.

From Seattle to a Nationwide Movement

The original project lit the Seattle skyline yellow to kick off May, drawing attention to an important cause. Its success inspired collaboration with Environmental Health of Manitoba and a group coordinating landmark lighting across Canada under the banner Illuminate Canada Yellow. Building on this momentum, the project expanded into the United States, adopting the new name Illuminate America Yellow.

This year, the effort will light up iconic landmarks across the country, creating a unified display of support and awareness. The nationwide scope means cities large and small will participate, turning the night sky yellow to symbolize hope and action.

What the Yellow Lighting Represents

The yellow illumination serves as a beacon for awareness, signaling the start of a month dedicated to education, advocacy, and community engagement. The color yellow was chosen for its visibility and positive associations with hope, energy, and clarity.

By lighting landmarks, the project aims to:

• Draw public attention to the cause

• Encourage conversations and education

• Unite communities across the country

• Support advocacy efforts at local and national levels

  
  

How Communities Can Get Involved

Communities interested in joining the initiative can participate in several ways:

• Nominate local landmarks to be lit yellow during May

• Host events or educational programs aligned with the awareness month

• Share stories and photos of illuminated landmarks on social media to spread the message

• Partner with local organizations to amplify impact

  
  

The project’s new dedicated webpage offers detailed information on how to get involved, nominate landmarks, and access resources for community events.

Examples of Participating Landmarks

Last year, several landmarks joined the movement, including:

• The Space Needle in Seattle

• The CN Tower in Toronto (Canada)

• The Gateway Arch in St. Louis

• The Empire State Building in New York City

  
  

This year, more landmarks across the United States will join the list, creating a coast-to-coast network of yellow lights visible from miles away.

Why This Matters

Lighting landmarks yellow is more than a visual spectacle. It creates a shared experience that connects people across regions and backgrounds. The glowing landmarks serve as reminders of the ongoing work needed to address the cause and inspire individuals to take part.

By expanding the project nationwide, Illuminate America Yellow strengthens the message and builds momentum for change. It encourages everyone to look up, notice the light, and learn more about how they can contribute.