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.
By acknowledging heritage months, awareness days, and remembrance observances, this calendar encourages the campus community to deepen understanding, foster belonging, and support historically and presently marginalized communities. Engagement with these observances helps strengthen our shared commitment to respect, visibility, accessibility, and social responsibility throughout the year.
Cultural Awareness Observances
|
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 2 |
World Autism Acceptance Day |
|
April |
Arab American Heritage Month |
|
May |
Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) 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 14 |
International Non‑Binary People’s Day |
|
August 9 |
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples |
|
September 15 – October 15 |
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month |
|
October 12 |
Indigenous Peoples’ Day |
|
October |
Filipino American History Month |
|
October |
LGBTQ+ History Month |
|
November |
Native American / Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month |
|
November 11 |
Veterans Day / Remembrance Day |
|
November 20 |
Transgender Day of Remembrance |
|
December 26 – January 1 |
Kwanzaa |
See an observance missing? Contact: isantos-rivera@ucmerced.edu
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.
