The Cultural Awareness Observances calendar highlights key dates that recognize and honor the diverse identities, cultures, histories, and lived experiences that shape our communities. These observances provide opportunities for learning, reflection, dialogue, and collective action that advance equity, justice, and inclusion.
| Date(s) | Observance |
|---|---|
| Third Monday of January | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| February | Black History Month |
| February 16–22 | Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week |
| March | Women's History Month |
| March | Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month |
| March | Irish American Heritage Month |
| April | Arab American Heritage Month |
| April 2 | World Autism Acceptance Day |
| May | Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month |
| May | Jewish American Heritage Month |
| May | Haitian American Heritage Month |
| May 5 | National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls |
| May 16 | Armed Forces Day |
| May 17 | International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia |
| May 21 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day |
| June | LGBTQ+ Pride Month |
| June | Caribbean American Heritage Month |
| June 19 | Juneteenth |
| July 4 | Independence Day |
| July 14 | International Non-Binary People's Day |
| July 25 | National Schizophrenia Awareness Day |
| August 9 | International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples |
| August 26 | Women's Equality Day |
| August 27 | Marsha P. Johnson Day |
| September 15 – October 15 | Hispanic Heritage Month |
| September 25 | Native American Day (California & Nevada) |
| October | Filipino American History Month |
| October | Italian American Heritage Month |
| October | Polish American Heritage Month |
| October | LGBTQ+ History Month |
| October | National Disability Employment Awareness Month |
| October | Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
| October | Global Diversity Awareness Month |
| October 1 | International Day of Older Persons |
| October 5 | World Teachers' Day |
| October 10 | World Mental Health Day |
| October 11 | National Coming Out Day |
| October 12 | Indigenous Peoples' Day / Native Americans' Day (Various States) |
| October 14 | Global Diversity Awareness Day |
| October 26 | Intersex Awareness Day |
| November | Native American / Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month |
| November 11 | Veterans Day / Remembrance Day |
| November 20 | Transgender Day of Remembrance |
| November 27 | Native American Heritage Day |
| December 26 – January 1 | Kwanzaa |
See an observance missing?
Contact isantos-rivera@ucmerced.edu to suggest an addition to the calendar.
In accordance with applicable federal and state law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate or grant preference on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or other protected categories. All EJIE programs, events, and resources are open to individuals of all identities.
