Cultural Events
Black History Month
Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as “Negro
History Week” and later at “Black History Month.” We owe the celebration of
Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of Black History, to Dr.
Carter G. Woodson. We celebrate Black History Month in February of each year as
an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of Black people
throughout American history.
Women's History Month
The public celebration of women’s history month in this country began in 1978
as “Women’s History Week” in Sonoma County, California. In 1987, Congress
declared March as Women’s History Month. The women’s movement of the 60s caused
women to question their invisibility in traditional American history tests, thus
the emergence of women’s history.
Asian Pacific/American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage month - a celebration of Asians and
Pacific Islanders in the United States. On October 5, 1978, President Jimmy
Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the first ten (10) days of May as Asian
Pacific/American Heritage Month. In May 1990, President George H. W. Bush
designated the entire month of May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage
Month.
Hispanic/Latino Month
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th, the anniversary of
independence for five (5) Latin American countries: Costa Rica; El Salvador;
Guatemala; Honduras; and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its
independence on September 16th, and Chile declared their independence on September 18th.
Native American Heritage Month
What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of
recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the
establishment and growth of the United States, has resulted in a whole month
being designated for that purpose. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved
a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage
Month”.