Heritage Months

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: September 15 to October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th through October 15th. It is a national endeavor which celebrates and recognizes the rich cultural influence of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. This event was initiated by Congress in 1968 as National Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to a month in 1989. The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept.18, respectively. During this month America celebrates Hispanic cultures, achievements, and heritage by commemorating a number of historical events.

Culturas de las Razas Unidas
http://msucru.com/

Chicano/Latino Studies Program
https://www.msu.edu/~cls/

Latino Studies Program
http://www.jsri.msu.edu/latinospec/

LESBIAN & GAY HISTORY MONTH: October

The month of October was chosen to celebrate gay and lesbian history in order to commemorate the anniversaries of the first two gay and lesbian marches on Washington. The first march was in October, 1979, and drew over 200,000, and the second in October 1987, which drew over 500,000. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Human Rights Campaign, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and other national organizations all endorse this historical month.

The Alliance
https://www.msu.edu/~alliance/

Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender LBGT Resource Center
http://lbgtrc.msu.edu/index.htm

AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH: November

National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the intertribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art, and traditions of the American Indian and Alaska Native people. In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994.

NAISO: North American Indigenous Student Organization
http://www.msu.edu/%7Enaiso/

American Indian Studies Program
http://aisp.msu.edu/

Native American Institute
https://www.msu.edu/unit/nai/

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: February

Black History Month was implemented in 1976 as a month long celebration for Americans to recognize the diversity and richness of African American history and achievement. It first began in 1926 as Negro History Week. Carter G. Woodson created this historical month and it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

Black Student Alliance
https://www.msu.edu/~bsaemail/main.htm

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: March

Women’s History Month began in 1987 when the National Women's History Project petitioned Congress to declare a month in which women are remembered and recognized for their accomplishments. This month is a time for schools, workplaces, and communities to obtain more detailed information and offer programs recognizing women's history. For more information, contact the Women's Resource Center.

Women’s Resource Center
http://wrc.msu.edu/

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: April 

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is typically celebrated in May. However, MSU celebrates this heritage with different activities during April. During this month many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories, languages, and cultures celebrate and attempt to recognize cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity while celebrating common historical experiences in Asian Pacific American history. In addition, the Annual Asian Pacific American Studies Conference is held in April.

Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO)
https://www.msu.edu/~apaso/

Asian Pacific American Studies Program
https://www.msu.edu/~apaspec/