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Heritage Month Celebrations and Cultural Observances

Last updated on Aug 21, 2024

Here at CCA, we firmly believe in honoring and celebrating the vibrant histories and remarkable contributions of historically marginalized identities. Throughout the year, we dedicate time to commemorate heritage months and acknowledge diverse identities, offering an invaluable opportunity for our community members to deepen their understanding of traditions, people and history.

These heritage months and identity acknowledgments represent our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging. By recognizing and celebrating the unique voices and experiences of diverse communities, we strive to create an environment that encourages dialogue, embraces differences, and nurtures creativity.

During each designated heritage month, we curate a thought-provoking array of activities, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and lectures that delve into the distinct achievements and cultures of the featured community. These events serve as catalysts for engagement and connection, providing opportunities for meaningful conversations, artistic expressions, and personal growth.

Our aim is to cultivate a space where all members of our campus community, as well as the broader public, can come together to learn, share, and be inspired by the transformative power of solidarity and unity.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the diversity of our campus and the world around us. Through these heritage months and identity acknowledgements, we aim to build bridges of understanding and empathy, amplifying voices that have often been silenced, and nurturing a more inclusive and equitable society.

Together, let's embrace the power of heritage, culture, and identity to inspire positive change and create a brighter future for all.


February

Black History Month

Black History Month serves as a vital cultural commemoration, recognizing the enduring legacy, diverse traditions, and societal contributions of the Black community, fostering understanding, and celebrating the richness of Black culture and heritage.

March

Women's History Month

In March, we celebrate and recognize women who have contributed to all and many forms of storytelling, those who have utilized their strengths and talents to produce art, to pursue one’s truth, or to seek justice. Many women have been monumental in shaping the fabric of our culture, society, and our stories at CCA and beyond.

April

Arab History Month

During this significant period, we proudly celebrate Arab Americans both in the past and present, acknowledging their immeasurable contributions to the nation. It is an opportunity to honor their achievements while actively working to combat Anti-Arab bigotry, challenging harmful stereotypes, and overcoming prejudices.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month plays a vital role at CCA by cultivating a safe and supportive campus environment, promoting education on consent and prevention, and offering support for survivors of sexual assault to nurture a culture of consent and respect.

May

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

AAPI Heritage Month serves to recognize and celebrate the contributions, activism, and achievements of AAPI individuals and community. Today, as we look to honor the multiple identities within the AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) umbrella–encompassing all cultures from the entire Asian continent– we must acknowledge and bring visibility to their unique stories, histories, experiences, and heritage.

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM)

JAHM highlights the diverse contributions and lived experiences of Jewish Americans throughout history. As we dive deeper into the contemporary issues within the diaspora, it is important to recognize the global origins of Jewish ancestry, and that there is no one way to “be” or represent Jewish identity.

June

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

The significance of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month lies in its commemoration of the LGBTQIA+ community's struggles, achievements, and ongoing fight for equal rights and acceptance, while promoting visibility, inclusivity, and cultivating a sense of pride, solidarity, and belonging among LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies globally.

July

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is essential to recognize and honor the diverse abilities and talents of individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, advocating for equal rights and accessibility, and creating a society that embraces and values the contributions and experiences of people with disabilities.

August

Transgender History Month

Celebrated throughout the month of August in San Francisco, Transgender History Month is legally recognized by Mayoral Proclamation. It is a month in which Transgender San Franciscans honor the rich history and contributions of transgender history makers, pioneers, trailblazers and affirms the ongoing presence of transgender people in San Francisco and around the world.

September

Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month

This month provides a dedicated space and time to honor the rich cultural legacies, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic/Latinx communities. The celebration originates from the independence of certain Latin American countries (Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras). It provides cultural pride and reclamation, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and amplifies the voices and stories of Hispanic/Latinx individuals.

October

Filipino American History Month

In 2009, October was officially designated as Filipino American History Month by the US Congress, marking a month-long celebration and recognition of the rich Filipino experience woven throughout American history, dating back as early as 1547. It serves as a time to commemorate and appreciate the contributions, heritage, and enduring presence of the Filipino community in the United States.

LGBTQIA+ History Month

LGBTQIA+ History Month, founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, is a significant annual observance that celebrates the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, along with the milestones achieved by the gay rights and related civil rights movements. Serving as a platform for role models, community building, and a civil rights statement, the month highlights the valuable contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community and promotes inclusivity and acceptance.

November

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native communities. It also provides an opportunity to educate the public about tribes, raise awareness about the challenges Native people have faced historically and presently, and highlight their resilience in overcoming these obstacles.