History and Heritage Months
Working in close collaboration with faculty, staff, and student partners, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion provides opportunities for the Miami community to continue our learning and engage in meaningful programming that recognizes, examines, and values historical legacies of a diverse array of identities. Heritage Month programming supports Miami’s inclusive excellence and DEI mission and connects to, among other areas, DEI Task Force Recommendation, Pillar 2: Cultural Consciousness, which encourages the Miami University community to enhance our awareness, knowledge, and skills to enrich and renew our intercultural competence.
The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion will organize campus-wide programming, and collaborate, coordinate, and support events across campus through a coordinated calendar for each month; promotion of events; and, when available, limited funding support for proposed events with campus-wide appeal.
MU Libraries is partnering with OIDI to feature online resources, including films, books and articles, and class offerings, during each Heritage Month. We invite you to explore these and other educational resources and links on each webpage. We will be adding resources as they become available.
To discuss the possibility of limited funding support for an event with campus-wide appeal, please contact vpdiversity@MiamiOH.edu with details. Please note that there is limited funding available and that only programming with appeal across units can be considered. Collaboration among units is strongly encouraged.
To complete our Event Feedback Form for an event you have attended, please click here.
To assist us with scheduling and planning, please use the suggested deadlines for submitting events for specific heritage months.
To include an event your area is organizing on the OIDI calendar and in communications about Heritage Months, please complete our proposal.
Submit Heritage Month Proposal
January
Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration
Miami University honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we begin the new year, this is a time to reflect on his message of peace, justice, and equality. As we celebrate Dr. King, we are called to engage with one another and with our communities to speak out in ways that improve lives and recognize that there is still much work ahead. At Miami, we stand in solidarity with all who advocate for transformative change and justice and we declare unequivocally that Black Lives Matter. We are committed to continuously advancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
February
African American/Black History Month
During Black History Month, Miami University reflects on more than 400 years of Black history and heritage in our country. Black history is American history, and during this month we foreground conversations about Black representation, identity, and diversity in our nation, and state’s and campus’s history. We honor the history and achievements of African Americans past and present. This heritage month is also an opportunity for the Miami community to assess the work we have accomplished and still have to do. At Miami, we stand in solidarity with all who advocate for transformative change and justice and we declare unequivocally that Black Lives Matter, this and every month. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship with our campus community organizations such as BSAA, ABFAS, ASU, BWE, NPHC, NABA, NSBE, NBLSA.
March
National Deaf History Month
National Deaf History Month is celebrated from March 13th through April 15th. Deaf History Month is celebrated at this time of year because of three main events in the history of deaf education. On April 15, 1817, America’s first public school for the deaf was opened. On April 8, 1864, Gallaudet University (the first institution of higher education for the deaf and hard of hearing) was officially founded. On March 13, 1988, Gallaudet University hired its first deaf president. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) first introduced National Deaf History Month in 1997 and, in 2006, the American Library Association partnered with NAD in supporting and spreading awareness of this celebration. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship, including through campus and community organizations such as SDAC and the Miller Center for Student Disability Services.
University Libraries Resources
Women’s History Month
During the month of March, Miami University commemorates and encourages the studying, observing and celebrating of the vital role of women in the U.S. and across the globe. This month foregrounds both the accomplishments and struggles for women and girls in the past and in contemporary societies. In the U.S., Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981. In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.”
April
Arab American Heritage Month
National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse populations of Arab Americans. In 2019, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) issued a congressional resolution for NAAHM to be recognized on a national scale. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship with our campus community organizations such as the Middle Eastern Student Association.
View University Libraries Arab American Heritage Month Lib Guide.
César Chavez Day
César Chavez Day is celebrated on his birthday, March 31st. President Barack Obama declared César Chavez Day a national holiday in 2014. Chavez was a Mexican-American union and civil rights activist who fought for the rights of America’s poorest migrant farm workers and had a lifelong commitment to social justice and dignity for all human beings.
May
Jewish American History Month (Holocaust/Genocide Awareness Week)
During the month of May, Miami University celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month. This month recognizes the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The origins of the month date back to 1980 with the establishment of Jewish American Week. The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia leads the nationwide celebration with a series of virtual and in-person events. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship with our campus community organizations such as Hillel at Miami, Hillel: Association of Jewish Students, Chabad at Miami, and Chabad Jewish Student Group
View Events for Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Week
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
During the month of May, Miami University recognizes and celebrates the experiences and contributions of Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans through Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. A record 23 million Asian Americans trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, each with unique histories, cultures, languages and other characteristics. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month originated with Congress, as a way to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese individual to the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship with our campus community organizations such as AAA-FSA, AAA, KASA, ISA, BSA, SSA.
June
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
At Miami University we recognize the experiences and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrate the great diversity of Miamians, and support the right of every individual to live authentically. Pride month is a time to acknowledge the systemic oppression the LGBTQIA+ community has experienced and celebrate the triumphs of trailblazing individuals and groups who have bravely fought and continue to fight for full equality. During Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. In 2000 President Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. In 2011 President Obama expanded the observance to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship, including through campus and community organizations such as Spectrum, Miami University Pride, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Graduate Student Pride Association, Queer & Trans* Faculty/Staff Association, Oxford Area PFLAG, and 1809 LGBTQ+ Alumni.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the end to slavery in the United States. Although enslaved people were technically freed, the long and difficult journey for freedom, civil rights, and equality for African Americans continued long after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. In past observances of the holiday, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion has hosted a Juneteenth “Teach In,” featuring Professor Rodney Coates. Juneteenth is a celebration of perseverance, courage, and the empowerment to transform lives and society during uncertain times. We encourage everyone to join in this important conversation and learn more about the history that we all share. We also encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship with our campus community organizations such as BSAA, ABFAS, ASU, BWE, NPHC, NABA, NSBE, NBLSA.
September
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
Each year, the U.S. observes National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by recognizing and celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of those in our communities and beyond whose ancestors come from over twenty countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently, 18% of the U.S. population is of Hispanic/Latinx descent. Miami University and OIDI will be holding Hispanic Heritage month/Latinx Heritage Month events throughout September and October. At Miami, the UniDiversity Festival is a collaborative initiative to promote diversity and inclusion in our community, and it is also a chance to learn more about the valuable contributions of Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean peoples and cultures. Every year the UniDiversity festival is the kick-off to a month of activities at Miami and in Oxford. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship, including through campus and community organizations such as UNIDOS and ALFAS.
October
LGBTQIA+ History Month
LGBTQIA+ History Month was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson. October was selected to coincide with National Coming Out Day. LGBTQIA+ History Month recognizes the history and ongoing struggles of the gay rights and related civil rights movements and the experiences and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. At Miami, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically and support the right of every individual to live authentically. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship, including through campus and community organizations such as Spectrum, Miami University Pride, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Graduate Student Pride Association, Queer & Trans* Faculty/Staff Association, Oxford Area PFLAG, and 1809 LGBTQ+ Alumni.
Disability Identity & Culture Month
At Miami University we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month. NDEAM 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. NDEAM is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces, including higher education, and the economy. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship, including through campus and community organizations such as SDAC and the Miller Center for Student Disability Services.
November
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. Miami University derives its namesake and land from the Miami Tribe that once inhabited the Miami Valley region. This month, we will spotlight events that showcase Native American cultures, identities, and experiences.
This heritage month is a time to recognize and celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native peoples. We aim to educate the general public and raise awareness about these identities, experiences, and contributions.
Trans Awareness Week (November 13-19)
Miami University honors and celebrates the achievements and resiliency of transgender individuals and communities. President Joe Biden signed a historic proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility recognizing the struggle, activism, and courage of trans*, transgender, and gender non-binary people in the United States and around the world to live openly and authentically. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship with our campus community organizations such as Spectrum, Miami University Pride, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Graduate Student Pride Association, Queer and Trans* Faculty Staff Association, Oxford Area PFLAG , and the 1809 LGBTQ+ Alumni Committee. We invite all to learn more about Transgender Day of Visibility.
Miami University is excited to be hosting the inaugural QT-Con (Queer/Trans Conference) from Monday, Nov. 14 through Wednesday, Nov. 16 in Shriver Center, Dolibois Room ABC. Keynote speaker, Geo Neptune, will be kicking off the conference on Monday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.
Heroes Week
At Miami University we are proud to be in the top 15 percent of national colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's military service members, veterans and dependents as students. Members of the military make tremendous sacrifices for our country. Miami Regionals will be celebrating Heroes Week with a number of events honoring all our veteran during the month of November. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship, including through campus and community organizations such as the Center for Veterans Services, Student Veterans Association and to visit the Alumni Veterans Memorial. We are proud of all of our community members who have completed Green Zone Training.