Cultural Heritage months

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th - October 15th

traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino/a/x Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the approval of . 

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period. 

Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through sharing the histories, cultures, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. These often are held in collaboration with the Hispanic or Latine Association (HOLA), other student organizations, and various academic departments. 

Native American Heritage Month

November

America is a vast land of many cultures dating back thousands of years to the original inhabitants. History, heritage, or culture of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are part of every national park and community across the country today. 

Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Cattaraugus Seneca and director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, NY, was one of the first recorded advocates for an “American Indian Day”, with the first “American Indian Day” observed on the second Saturday of May 1916. Parker also served as the first president of the Society for American Archaeology in 1935 and 1936. 

Progression of Observances in the United States:
*Source: Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior

• 1976: October 10-16 – “Native American Awareness Week”
• 1983: May 13 – “American Indian Day”
• 1986-1987: Nov. 23-30, Nov. 22-28, respectively – “American Indian Week”
• 1988-1989: Sep. 23-30, Dec. 3-9, respectively – “National American Indian Heritage Week”
• 1990: November is designated “National American Indian Heritage Month” following a Congressional Joint Resolution, creating the current annual federal observance.

Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) celebrates Native American Heritage Month by hosting various events, often in collaboration with Native American faculty and staff and local organizations, to educate, expose, and celebrate Native American people and experiences. 

Black History Month

February

The origins of Black History Month stem from “Negro History Week”, created by historian Carter G. Woodson, and his organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, to raise awareness of African-American’s contributions to civilization. Negro History Week was first celebrated in 1926 during the second week of February recognizing the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass on February 12 and 14, respectively. 

In 1969, Black educators and students at Kent State University proposed the idea of “Black History Month”, launching the inaugural celebration a year later to which other campuses and cities echoed. Finally, in 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in conjunction with the United States Bicentennial.

Social Change and Intercultural Engagement recognizes Black History Month through events to educate and highlight Black Achievement and life. This February, SCIE is hosting multiple events that we invite you to participate in. 

Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

The concept of federally recognizing contributions of Asian and Pacific people federally stem back as early as 1977 when resolutions were introduced in Congress. After resolutions failed the first time, they were reintroduced and passed in 1978, marking the first ten days of May 1979 as "Asian/Pacific Heritage Week.” Over the course of the next decade, presidents would annually pass a proclamation to recognize the week. In 1990, Congress passed , extending a week to a month, and in 1992, Congress passed establishing permanence every May.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate two specific dates: 

• May 7, 1843: The immigration of the first Japanese to the United States
• May 10, 1869: The anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, that of which’s tracks were mostly laid by Chinese immigrants. 

Social Change and Intercultural Engagement hosts Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programming in April to provide a full month of observation prior to classes ending in early May.