Annual Heritage and History Months Observances
Sharing Our Stories
A variety of cultural events at the Health Center organized
by the Historical Recognition Committee have given us
opportunities to learn about the vast array of exciting
differences among our employees and students. During the most
recent event, which occurred on May 30th in honor of Asian
Pacific American Heritage Month, two of our employees shared
their cultural experiences from Cambodia and India. Some
comments from people who attended this event: “It opened my mind
to a different way of thinking;” “I really respect and
appreciate the fact that our employees shared very relevant
personal experiences;” “this was an opportunity to learn through
other’s experiences – what a wonderful way to spend an hour!”
And finally we heard over and over “Thank you for organizing
that event.”
The Historical Recognition Committee, which is sponsored by
the Office of Diversity and Equity, is a group of employees who
recognize the value of promoting cultural awareness and
communication in a community known for its compassion, empathy
and sincerity.
If this mission resonates with you, please contact us to
offer suggestions or volunteer to share your story. You can
reach us at:
| Location
16 Munson Road
3rd Floor
Mail Code 5310
|
Phone 860-679-3563
|
Email diversity@uchc.edu |
We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance for
your interest.
Carolyn Lyle
Executive Director
Office of Diversity and Equity
The Historical Recognition Committee sponsored by the Office
of Diversity and Equity will be celebrating the following events
throughout the year. Please check the upcoming events for more
information.
Month |
Occasion and Description |
|
February |
Black History Month
To recognize the contributions of African Americans and foster a better
understanding of the African American experience. Carter G. Woodson, who in
1926 spearheaded Negro History Week, started the observation. It was
expanded to a month in 1976. February was chosen because of the birthdays of
Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, two people who had a dramatic affect
on the lives of African Americans. |
|
March |
National Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month started as Women’s History Week in 1978. In 1987,
Congress was petitioned to expand the week to an entire month. The month
recognizes the important contributions made by women through programs in
school, workplaces and communities. |
|
May |
Asian/Pacific American Heritage & Older Americans
Asian/Pacific American Heritage observation originally began as
Asian/Pacific Heritage week on July 10, 1978. In 1992, President Bush signed
legislation designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The
term Asian/Pacific American includes many ethnic groups with diverse
cultures. The month celebrates the collective achievements of the many
different communities.
Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month was established by presidential proclamation to honor
the contributions of older Americans to society. Begun in 1962, Older
Americans Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the unique
contributions of older Americans in our society.
|
|
June |
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
Gay and lesbian Americans have made important and lasting contributions to
our nation in every field of endeavor. In June of 2000, William J. Clinton,
President of the United States of America proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian
Pride Month. All Americans are encouraged to observe this month with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that celebrate our
diversity and recognize the gay and lesbian Americans who have contributed
and enriched our national life.
Caribbean American Heritage Month
On June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation making June
officially Caribbean American Heritage Month. This month has been
established to recognize the historic relationship between the people of the
Caribbean and the people of the United States as well as to recognize the
many contributions Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have made to
the well-being of America.
|
|
September/October |
Hispanic Heritage Month
The first Hispanic Heritage Week was approved on September 15, 1968. The
month gives people the opportunity to plan and participate in ceremonies and
activities that recognize the contributions of the many diverse cultures
within the Hispanic community. In 1988, the celebration was expanded to a
month and goes from September 15 to October 15. |
|
October |
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In 2003, previously known as National Employ the Handicapped Week, President
George W. Bush proclaimed October as National Disability Employment
Awareness Month. During this month, we recognize the many contributions
citizens with disabilities make to our society, and we reaffirm our
commitment to helping them achieve their full inclusion in our workforce. |
|
November |
National American Indian Heritage Month
National American Indian (or Native American) Month was enacted with a
presidential proclamation in 1990. During the month, all Americans are
encouraged to participate in programs ceremonies and activities that
celebrate American Indian and Alaskan Native peoples’ important contribution
to the United States. |
|
|
