National Observances by Kailani Tibayan
  • September: Hispanic Heritage Month

    September: Hispanic Heritage Month

    Each year, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th, by celebrating the rich history, cultures, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latin American champions past and present.

    Originally began 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. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

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  • October: LGBTQIA+ History Month

    October: LGBTQIA+ History Month

    "LGBTQIA+ History Month is a month-long celebration of the history of the diverse and beautiful lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and the importance of civil rights movements in progressing gay rights. The observance was created by Rodney Wilson, a history teacher at a Missouri high school, in 1994. Then in 1995, LGBTQ+ History Month was added to the list of commemorative months in a resolution forwarded by the General Assembly of the National Education Association. The month, October was chosen because of National Coming Out Day and the anniversary of the first march for gay rights in Washington in October of 1979." -National Today

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  • October: Filipino American Heritage Month

    October: Filipino American Heritage Month

    "Filipino American History Month or FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the U.S. on October 18, 1587.

    Following years of campaigning and advocacy by both the civil society and organizations, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992. In 2009, Congress recognized the month of October officially as Filipino American History Month in the U.S." -National Today

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  • November: Trans Awareness Month

    November: Trans Awareness Month

    November is Transgender Awareness Month, a time to honor, celebrate, and advocate for our transgender and gender diverse community. Transgender Awareness Month culminates with the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).
    Each year on November 20, LGBTQIA+ people everywhere pause to remember and mourn the lives we’ve lost to transphobic violence. This tradition began here in Boston in 1998 in response to the murder of beloved community member Rita Hester in Allston. This is a great time to review our responsibilities to youth who are transgender, and to seek expert advice about fulfilling these responsibilities. For greater explanation, please see OSPI’s Gender-Inclusive Schools: Resources for School Districts webpage.

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  • November: Native American & Alaska Native Heritage Month

    November: Native American & Alaska Native Heritage Month

    Each year, in November we observe National Native American Heritage Month and on November 26th we celebrate Native American Heritage Day. This month is also referred to as National American Indian Heritage Month and American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This monthly observance and day is an opportunity to educate our students, staff, and community about the rich culture, traditions, contributions, and history of Indigenous Peoples. As well as an opportunity to raise general awareness about the unique challenges of tribal citizens throughout history past and present and in the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to persevere.

    Click the image to the left and explore the different resources!

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