Heritage and Identity Recognition

Throughout the year, certain identities and backgrounds are amplified and celebrated. We recognize that celebrating entire groups of people on a single day, week, or month may feel like an oversimplification. People with systemically marginalized identities live and thrive every single day. We offer this list to amplify the KU community's understanding of the intersectional nature of cultures, histories, scholarship, and people.
Suggest a Cultural Observance
Religious Observances

September 2024 

Latine & Hispanic Heritage Month raises awareness of and celebrates the diverse history, experiences, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine people. 

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October 2024

Latine & Hispanic Heritage Month raises awareness of and celebrates the diverse history, experiences, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine people. 

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LGBTQ+ History Month was created in the 1990s by a gay high school teacher and compliments well-known pride celebrations that take place in April and June. LGBTQ+ History Month is a way for us all to understand the role of queer and trans people in creating social, legal, and political change in the United States. This month can be a commemoration and call to action. There are also several related identity days during October. 

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In alignment with the July 1990 passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disability month is celebrated every year in July. This observance aims to promote visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by those within the disability community. - AmeriDisability

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors  Native American peoples, and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October. Since 2019, the University of Kanas has celebrated the week before and the week of Indigenous Peoples' Day. 

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Since 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) has led this internationally recognized day (with related events) to provide education about mental health and support those who may be suffering.  

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National Coming Out Day was first observed on October 11, 1988, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. - Human Rights Campaign 

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November 2024

November is Native American Heritage Month. The publication Indian Country Today says that "for Indigenous people across the country, it’s a chance to share the unique ancestry, traditions, and contributions their communities make today and have made throughout history." 

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KU celebrates the "National Non-Traditional Student Week" in early November each year. The Student Involvement and Leadership Center partners with other campus partners to provide programming and resources catered to non-traditional students throughout the year. 

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According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, "FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities." 

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Transgender Liberation (or Awareness) Week takes place each year from November 13 - 19 in advance of Transgender Day of Resilience/Remembrance (November 20). The week is a time for folks to learn about the experience of trans people - the joys and challenges. 

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GLAAD writes that "Transgender Day of Resilience/Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence." 

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December 2024

According to the United Nations, on "World AIDS Day...people around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS." They note that December 1 is also an opportunity to "celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services." (United Nations, World AIDS Day Background) 

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In 1992, the United Nations proclaimed December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The day "aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life." (United Nations, IDPD History) 

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