Multicultural Events
January
- None to date
February
African American Heritage Month - Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all African American people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
https://blackhistorymonth.gov/
March
Women’s Heritage Month- Women's History Month is a time to reflect on the courage of women in past generations and to celebrate how their efforts and bravery afforded women the opportunities and freedoms they have today. http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month
April
Arab American Heritage Month- During the month of April, Arab America formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and Arab Americans will engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society. During a time of heightened hate crimes, bigotry, and misunderstanding towards the Arab American community, it is more imperative than ever to use education and information sharing to embrace our culture, dispel stereotypes, and empower the next generation of Arab American trailblazers. https://www.thoughtco.com/celebrating-arab-american-heritage-month-2834493
May
Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (as of 2009, officially changed from Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month) is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The first Asians documented in the Americas arrived in 1587, when Filipinos landed in California; from 1898 to 1946, the Philippines was an American possession. The next group of Asians documented in what would be the United States were Indians in Jamestown, recorded as early as 1635. https://asianpacificheritage.gov/about/
May
Jewish American Heritage Month- In 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. This was a result of a concerted effort by American Jewish leaders to introduce resolutions in both the U.S. Senate and the House urging the President to proclaim a month specifically recognizing Jews in America and their contributions to the United States.
https://www.jewishheritagemonth.gov/about/
June
LGBTQ+ Pride Month- Pride month was initially inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ+ Americans. The purpose of the month is to recognize the impact the LGBTQ+ individuals have had on society locally, nationally, and internationally. PRIDE is an acronym for Personal Rights in Defense and education. The rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer pride and the LGBTQ+ social movements. Since the initial start of the LGBTQ+ social movement there has been additions to the movement to include more diverse social groups and identities. Also known as the gay pride flag or LGBTQ+ pride flag the colors reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender.
https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/
July
None to Date
August
None to Date
September
Hispanic Heritage Month - We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic-American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. Discover documents, exhibits, films, blog posts, and more from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries that highlight Hispanic culture.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hispanic-heritage-month-b_b_5848568
October
LGBTQ+ Heritage Month- The month of October is dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and diverse identities/sexualities history as well as the history of LGBTQ+ rights. During this time, revolutionary icons, events, and contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community are recognized and celebrated. https://www.hrc.org/resources/national-coming-out-day
November
Native American Heritage Month- As early as 1916, when New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day,” efforts have been underway to acknowledge the many contributions and achievements of Native peoples. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial commemoration, S.J. Res. 209 authorized President Gerald Ford to proclaim October 10-16, 1976, as “Native American Awareness Week.” In 1986 Congress passed S.J. Res. 390, requesting that the president designate November 23–30, 1986, as “American Indian Week.” Congress continued this practice in subsequent years, declaring one week during the autumn months as “Native American Indian Heritage Week”. In 1990 Congress passed and President George H. W. Bush signed into law a joint resolution designating the month of November as the first National American Indian Heritage Month (also known as Native American Indian Month). https://www.ncai.org/initiatives/native-american-heritage-month
December
None to Date