The History of Heritage Months

Heritage Months are periods within the year when people take time to celebrate and honor various minority groups. Currently, the United States Courts recognize six official heritage months: Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Native American History Month. However, U.S. presidents have recognized over 50 different months of observance, so there is no official number of heritage months. Each month is celebrated with parades, events, concerts, and more, some attracting up to millions of participants around the world. Most heritage months are exclusively celebrated in the U.S..

In 1976, Black History Month was expanded from previously one week in February, to the entire month of February. The month spans over both Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas’ birthdays, as they were two pivotal figures in the abolition of slavery. Black History Month is likely the most well-known and celebrated heritage month. Millions of people across the U.S. take time in February to celebrate the legacy and culture of Black History. This year in the Bay Area, people celebrated by visiting newly opened museums, attending concerts, enjoying movies, and going to dance parties. According to the Collage Group over three-quarters of African Americans celebrate Black History Month, and about one-quarter of other ethnic group members partake in celebrations as well. Participation will likely continue to trend upwards, as more ways to celebrate are made.

Twenty-three years after Black History Month was made official, LGBTQ+ Pride Month was created. Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall uprising in Manhattan. The uprising happened when police raided a gay bar, and the patrons fought back. The event is a major date in the gay liberation movement. Unlike most other heritage months, Pride Month is widely celebrated outside of the U.S. as well. Countries in Europe and Oceania all hold their own celebrations. Each year, cities in the Bay Area and across America block off roads to hold their annual pride parade. Each parade has thousands of participants there to support. Pride month has become very widespread and popular in the past few years, and is also one of the most celebrated heritage months.

Throughout the year, minorities are not very well represented in our society, so heritage months are a great way to emphasize the history and culture of certain minorities. These months are chances for the greater population to recognize and appreciate the impact and contribution each minority group has on the country, in the past and present. It is important to be educated on how minorities are oppressed in the U.S., but also what you can do to help change that problem. Heritage months are for celebration, recognition, and education of people who have historically been oppressed in this country and world.