Diversity Program - Calendar of National Cultural Recognition Events

Month	Event / Purpose / Related Activities
January	Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (usually celebrated on Monday closest to the 15th) - Honors the birthday of the civil rights leader to promote equal opportunity. (National Holiday)
February	Black History Month - Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month." The celebration of Black History Month came about through the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as a way to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.
March	Women’s History Month - Women's history in America was first celebrated as "Women's History Week" in 1978 in Sonoma County, California. The week was chosen to coincide with International Women's Day, which was first celebrated March 8, 1911, in Europe.
May	Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month - Nationally observed to recognize the contributions made to America by people of Asian/Pacific heritage, May was designated to acknowledge the first Japanese immigrants to the United States who arrived May 7, 1843; to promote greater awareness of the richly diverse cultures (Chinese, Japanese, Indian, etc.) of Asian/Pacific Americans.
August 26	Women’s Equality Day - Observes the passage on August 26, 1920, of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
September 15 - October 15	Hispanic Heritage Month - Nationally observed to coincide with the September dates when six Central American countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) received their independence from Spain; to acknowledge the contributions, heritage, and cultures of the various Hispanic peoples in the United States.
October	National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month - Nationally observed to stress the abilities of qualified people with disabilities and to promote their employment.
November	Native American Heritage Month - Recognizes the contributions and culture of Native Americans.
November 11	Veterans Day - Set aside as a day for national recognition of the contributions of our military veterans.
November 11	Women Veterans Recognition Week (2nd week of November) - Established by Congress to enhance awareness and appreciation of the role women have played in our nation’s military defense.

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