Welcome to the Cultural/Diversity page.

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for information on upcoming events in the Kansas City area.  Please find the form attached for credit on attending events. 

September

Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each September 15- October 15 in the United States of America to recognize the contributions made by people of Hispanic descent and to celebrate Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 because it is the anniversary of 5 Latin American countries' Independence Day: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Scottish American Heritage Month

September is Scottish American Heritage Month. Frequently, Scottish culture is celebrated through festivals known as Highland games. Various events include Whisky tastings, eating Haggis, Caber toss, Hammer throws, and traditional Scottish dances. In the past, Auburn has held a Highland Heritage celebration which featured a football tailgate of traditionally Scottish food and drinks along with a bagpipe player in addition to lectures on Highland Heritage and a Scottish Celidh.

October 

National Italian Heritage Month

Set in October to coincide with Columbus Day, Italian Heritage Month celebrates the many achievements and successes of not only Americans of Italian descent, but also Italians living in America. Currently Italians and Italian Americans are the fifth largest ethnic group in the United States and America was even named after an Italian (Amerigo Vespucci). It is also important to note that language plays a very large part of this celebration as it is thought of as an intrinsic part of Italian culture.

Polish American Heritage Month

Polish American Heritage month is celebrated each year in October to commemorate the contributions to American society made by those of Polish descent. In 2006 it celebrates its 25th anniversary, which originates in Philadelphia. 2006 also marks the 398th anniversary of the first Poles' arrival in Jamestown, VA. This year's theme will be "Heroes of Freedom".

German American Heritage Month

Beginning on October 6, 1987 as German American Day, we now celebrate the culture and achievement of Americans of German descent during a month long period between September 15 and October 15. Established in 1995, German American Heritage Month spans these dates so as to encompass festivals like Oktoberfest and Stueben parades.

November

Native American Indian Heritage Month

Initially celebrated in 1916 by the state of New York, it was not until 1990 that then President George H.W. Bush established it as a month long festival. Not only does Native American Indian Heritage Month showcase the rich culture of the native people of this land, but also honors those American Indians that have suffered injustices. Therefore, we celebrate all Native Americans during the month of November. One of the largest events held by the Multicultural Center is that Native American Festival. The festival is a weekend long event that features Native American drumming, dancing, crafts and history and is free to the public

January

Dr. Martin Luther King Day Holiday

On the third Monday of January each year, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Dr. Martin Luther King Day is the only national holiday commemorating the actions of an African-American. Originally petitioned to honor King's dedication to trade unions, it would be established on November 2, 1983 by Ronald Reagan.

February

African-American History Month

Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is celebrated each February in the United States. Because of the timing of the birthdays of 2 very important individuals in the fight to end slavery, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, Black History Week was originally slated for the second week in February in 1926. In 1976 it was expanded to encompass the entire month of February to recognize the significant achievements made by the African-American community in all aspects of American society. In Britain, Black History Month is celebrated in October. The Multicultural Center sponsors events acknowledging the contributions of African-American men and women from the arts, politics, science and the academy. Lectures, forums and extravaganzas are often a part of this month long celebration.

March

Irish American History Month

Every March, we honor the achievements made by Irish-Americans during Irish American History Month. For many generations those of Irish heritage have contributed to our society. It is for this reason that we take pride in celebrating Irish culture.

Women's History Month

Annually celebrated in March, Women's History Month acknowledges the many contributions women have made in America's rich past. From its beginnings as International Women's Day on March 8, 1911, it has been expanded twice by the United States Congress first as a weeklong celebration in 1981 and to its current month-long celebration in 1987. Each year, the Multicultural Center hosts lectures to educate the Auburn family about women's issues.

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day, March 17, is a feast day that celebrates the patron saint of Ireland and is a National holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Montserrat, and the Canadian providence of Newfoundland and Labrador. Often seen as a celebration of Irish culture by Irish and non-Irish alike, it is often participated in by wearing green, eating Irish food and drinking Irish beverages (sometimes dyed green). The Multicultural Center showcases St. Patrick's Day with food, dancing, and music at its annual Tea and promotes it with pins to wear throughout the day.

May

Asian & Pacific Islander Month

In May, we recognize the contributions of those of Asian and Pacific Islander decent. Asian Pacific American Heritage month began in 1978 as Asian American Heritage Week celebrated the first week of every May, chosen because the first immigrants from Japan arrived on May 7, 1843. It has since been expanded to encompass the entire month of May. Since the semester break typically occurs in May, the Auburn Asian Association hosts events such as concerts, open mic nights and lectures in late April to celebrate their heritage.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Seeking a place to practice their beliefs without fear of prosecution, Jewish settlers first came to America. It is in May that we honor that trek and celebrate the faith and culture of the Jewish people. Through their faith and commitment, America has become a more soulful nation and it is with this in mind that we honor them.

Cinco De Mayo

Widely celebrated in the United States, Cinco de Mayo ("Fifth of May") is a National holiday in Mexico. Commonly misconceived as Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza over the French occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla on 05 May 1862.

June

Caribbean American Heritage Month

During the month of June we celebrate the vibrant culture of Caribbean Americans. We also honor the Caribbean nations from which they descend. We celebrate new friendships and a unique blend of Caribbean and American cultures that is bright and colorful. Some events on Auburn University's campus that focus on Caribbean heritage include Reggae Night and the Caribbean Fete held each year by the African Caribbean Student Association in conjunction with the Multicultural Center.

 Russian Heritage Festival

The month-long celebration of the arts and culture of area's vast and vibrant Russian-speaking community will take place throughout the month of June in New York City. The Russian Heritage Festival®, the only event of its kind in the U.S., which annually attracts over 100,000 people to enjoy contemporary and folk music, dance performances, art exhibitions, public festivals, health and sports fairs, business expos, and other thrilling events. 

July

Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776 the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain. It is an iconic day to Americans celebrating not only their freedom by the ancestors for fought for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Through generations it has morphed from an anti-British-rule celebration to a celebration of what makes us US (a).

https://fp.auburn.edu/diversity/multiculturalCelebrations.aspx