About Signature Heritage/History Months at Georgia State

Learn more about Georgia State's Signature Heritage/History Months from Cultures, Communities & Inclusion below, with links to each month's page further down on this page.

What Are Heritage/History Months?

Heritage/History Months celebrate the customs, values, and traditions of different cultures, examining the issues and struggles of different communities as well as affirming their contributions to society. Heritage months are important in providing intentional space for teaching, learning and reflection. Each month, we celebrate the identities and histories of members of Georgia State’s global communities through vibrant performances, lectures, and activities that celebrate our rich cultural diversity and help us understand our shared history.

Latinx Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15

Latinx Heritage Month, also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month, is nationally celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

LGBTQ+ History Month: October 1-31

LGBTQ History Month is a month-long celebration that occurs in October to observe the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning communities. LGBTQ History Month was first celebrated in the United States in 1994.

Native American/American Indian Heritage Month: November 1- 30

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate, recognize, and inform the public about the culture, traditions, histories, art, and contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives. In 1990, President Bush approved the designation of November as National American Indian Heritage Month.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration: (Last two weeks in January)

Each year Georgia State University honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy with numerous activities in January. Campus events feature lectures, discussions, celebration, and community service opportunities that reflect his dream and vision for civil rights and social justice.

Black History Month: February 1 – 28

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is observed annually in February to celebrate the achievements by Black Americans and recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.

Womxn's HERstory Month: March 1 – 31

Annually celebrated in March, Women's History Month acknowledges the many contributions women have made in America’s history.

Asian-Pacific Islander-Desi/American Heritage Month: April 1 – 30

Nationally observed in May, but celebrated in April at Georgia State University, Asian Pacific Islander & Desi American Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States that encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

How can I get involved?

• ATTEND: Attend heritage month Kickoff events and programs. Events are listed in https://pin.gsu/edu.
• ENGAGE: Get involved with registered student organizations. RSO’s are listed in https://pin.gsu.edu.
• LEARN: Access resources and recommended readings from the Multicultural Center library   and/or DEI Database.
• HIGHLIGHT: We are looking to celebrate the rich diversity across Georgia State by acknowledging student leadership, scholarship, and involvement. Nominate (hyperlink to a form) yourself, a peer, or a student organization.
• FOR THE CULTURE: What does this heritage month mean to you? Submit your art, affirmations, photos, reflections, and/or tell us about cultural events that are occurring in the community to multiculturalcenter@gsu.edu. Submissions may be selected to be featured in our newsletter and on social media platforms.
• LEAD: All students, faculty and staff are invited to volunteer on a heritage month planning committee(s) and participate in monthly activities. Activities range from and include:
  • Art exhibits and literature events
  • Guest speakers and panel discussions
  • Live entertainment and performances
  • Film screenings and workshops
  • Co-curricular Lecture Series events
  • Pop Talk

 Planning Committees

Each Heritage Month is planned by a different committee, comprised of students, faculty, staff volunteers. Students are an integral part of our heritage month planning committees, which meet to organize events for the equity, education, empowerment, and engagement of the campus community, in an effort to increase cultural humility, community connections, and retention.

Events can be submitted through Panther Involvement Network (PIN) or through a contribution form at dei.gsu.edu.