DEIAA History, Heritage and Awareness Calendar

Click on each title to find out more about the holiday or cause.

January

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

A time to raise awareness about human trafficking and educate the public on how to identify and prevent this form of exploitation. It also honors the efforts of survivors, advocates, and organizations working to end trafficking and support those affected.

Martin Luther King Jr Day (Third Monday in January)

Honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his leadership in the American civil rights movement. It serves as a day of reflection, education, and community service, promoting equality, justice, and nonviolence.

February

Black History Month

Honors the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout U.S. history and beyond. It serves as a time for reflection, education, and action toward racial justice, while celebrating Black culture, history, and leadership.

Lunar New Year (Changes Each Year) 

Also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by many Asian cultures with family gatherings, traditional foods, and festive rituals. It symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead.

March

Women’s History Month

Recognizes the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women throughout history and in contemporary society. It also raises awareness about gender equity and honors the ongoing struggles for women’s rights around the world.

Irish American Heritage Month

Celebrates the cultural heritage, history, and significant contributions of Irish Americans to the United States. It also honors the resilience and achievements of Irish immigrants and their descendants throughout American history.

3/31 International Transgender Day of Visibility

Celebrates the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people around the world. It also raises awareness of the discrimination they face and calls for greater equity, dignity, and inclusion.

3/31 César Chávez Day

Honors the life and legacy of civil rights and labor leader César Chávez, who advocated for the rights and dignity of farmworkers. Observed in several U.S. states, the day promotes service, justice, and nonviolent activism in pursuit of social change.

April

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 

Aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. It supports survivors, promotes consent and safety, and advocates for systemic change to end sexual assault.

Arab American Heritage Month 

Recognizes the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans to the United States. It also serves to combat stereotypes and foster greater understanding and appreciation of Arab American identity and experiences.

National Deaf History Month

Honors the contributions and achievements of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in American society. It also raises awareness about Deaf culture, history, and the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

Autism Awareness Month

Promotes understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. It highlights neurodiversity, advocates for inclusion, and amplifies the voices of autistic individuals and their families.

Fair Chance Month

Promotes the importance of providing individuals with criminal records, especially those reentering society after incarceration, with equitable opportunities in employment, education, and housing. It aims to reduce stigma, advance second chances, and support reintegration through inclusive policies and practices.

Black Student Success Week 

A California community college initiative focused on advancing equity and success for Black students through dialogue, research, and action. It features daily webinars and events that address systemic barriers and highlight strategies for institutional change.

May

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

Honors the history, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities in the United States. It also recognizes the diversity within these communities and raises awareness about their ongoing struggles and achievements.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Celebrates the rich cultural heritage, history, and contributions of Jewish Americans to U.S. society. It also promotes understanding and combats antisemitism through education and recognition.

Military Appreciation Month

Honors the service and sacrifices of current and former members of the United States Armed Forces. It includes several commemorative days that recognize military families, veterans, and those who gave their lives in service to the country.

June

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Honors the resilience, history, and contributions of LGBTQ+ communities while affirming their right to live openly and authentically. It also commemorates the ongoing struggle for equal rights and recognizes the importance of visibility, inclusion, and advocacy.

Immigrant Heritage Month

Celebrates the diverse stories and contributions of immigrants throughout U.S. history. It promotes understanding, inclusion, and appreciation for the role immigrants play in shaping the nation’s culture and progress.

Carribean American Heritage Month 

Recognizes the rich culture, history, and contributions of Caribbean Americans to the United States. It also highlights the deep and enduring ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean region.

6/19 Juneteenth 

Commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a powerful celebration of Black freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice in the United States.

6/20 World Refugee Day

Observed on June 20, honors the strength, courage, and resilience of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. It raises awareness about the global refugee crisis and calls for protection, support, and solutions for displaced populations.

July

Disability Pride Month

Honors the rich identities, culture, achievements, and resilience of the disability community while celebrating disability as a natural and integral part of human diversity. It also serves to challenge ableism, dismantle stigma, amplify disabled voices, and advocate for greater inclusion, accessibility, and rights for people with disabilities worldwide.

August

8/9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Recognizes the cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous communities around the globe. It also raises awareness of the challenges they face and supports efforts to protect their rights, lands, and traditions.

8/26 Women’s Equality Day 

Commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equity and women’s full participation in all areas of society.

September

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Aims to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote resources for those affected by suicide. It encourages open dialogue, early intervention, and community support to help save lives.

Asian American & Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week

Celebrates the vital role of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) — a federal designation created by Congress on September 27, 2007. These institutions are committed to expanding access to higher education and improving outcomes for low-income, first-generation Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.

Deaf Awareness Month 

Recognizes the culture, history, and achievements of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It also promotes inclusion, language accessibility, and respect for Deaf identity and American Sign Language (ASL).

9/15-10/15 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. It begins on September 15 to honor the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries and highlights the diversity and richness of the Latinx experience.

Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Week 

Highlights the work of colleges and universities designated as Hispanic Serving Institutions in advancing access, equity, and success for Latinx students. It celebrates the role HSIs play in transforming education and uplifting historically underserved communities.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week

Celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities for their vital role in educating and empowering Black students and fostering academic excellence, leadership, and cultural pride. It also raises awareness about the legacy, impact, and continued importance of HBCUs in advancing equity and opportunity in higher education.

9/11 Remembrance Day 

Honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and pays tribute to the courage of first responders and survivors. It serves as a solemn day of reflection, unity, and national resilience.

California Native American Day (Fourth Friday of September)

Recognizes and celebrates the cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Native American tribes across California. It also honors Indigenous stewardship of the land and affirms the state’s commitment to acknowledging historical injustices and supporting tribal sovereignty.

October

LGBTQ+ History Month 

Celebrates the history, achievements, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. It also honors the ongoing struggles for equality and fosters education, inclusion, and acceptance.

Italian American Heritage Month

Recognizes the contributions of Italian Americans to U.S. history, culture, and society. It also honors the rich traditions, values, and influence of the Italian American community across generations.

Filipino American History Month 

Commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States in 1587 and celebrates their cultural and historical contributions. It highlights the resilience, activism, and identity of Filipino Americans throughout U.S. history.

Disability Employment Awareness Month 

Recognizes the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce. It promotes employment equity, accessibility, and the elimination of barriers to meaningful work.

Undocumented Student Action Week

Observed in October by California’s community colleges, advocates for equitable policies and support services for undocumented students. It brings attention to their challenges and promotes access to education, resources, and opportunity regardless of immigration status.

10/11 National Coming Out Day 

Celebrates the courage of LGBTQ+ individuals who choose to come out and live openly. It promotes visibility, acceptance, and the importance of creating safe, affirming spaces for all identities.

Indigenous People’s Day (Second Monday in October)

Honors the history, cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous communities while acknowledging the injustices they have faced. It challenges colonial narratives and calls for recognition, respect, and reconciliation.

10/25: Larry Itliong Day

Honors the Filipino American labor leader who played a pivotal role in the farm labor movement and co-founded the United Farm Workers. It recognizes his leadership in the Delano Grape Strike and his lifelong advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice.

November

Native American Heritage Month

Honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples. It also raises awareness of their ongoing struggles for sovereignty, equity, and recognition.

11/8 National First Generation College Celebration 

Recognizes the accomplishments and resilience of students who are the first in their families to attend college. It highlights their journeys, uplifts their stories, and promotes support for first-gen student success.

11/11 Veterans Day 

Honors all U.S. military veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the nation. It is a time to reflect on the contributions of service members past and present across all branches of the Armed Forces.

11/20 Transgender Day of Remembrance

Memorializes the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals lost to acts of anti-transgender violence. It also serves as a call to action to end transphobia and promote dignity, safety, and justice for all transgender people.

December

12/3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 

Promotes the rights, well-being, and inclusion of people with disabilities around the world. It highlights societal and architectural accessibility, advocates for equity, and seeks to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in all aspects of life.

Calendar Purpose

  • Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of historically marginalized groups,  
  • Raise awareness about issues, histories, and traditions that have not been acknowledged widely in curricula and culture, and  
  • Provide the Palomar community college district with a unified calendar for event and outreach planning.  

The Chief Diversity Officer invites you to share other widely recognized cultural and awareness observances for consideration. Your ideas and input help raise awareness and provide opportunities for cross cultural learning and connection at Palomar College.