Sept 15-Oct 15: Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month
Latin American & Hispanic Heritage Month (LAHHM) is the official celebration honoring the history, cultural diversity, and unique contributions of individuals and communities whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. September 15th coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed shortly thereafter by Mexico (Sept. 16) and Chile (Sept. 18). Día de la Raza and Indigenous Peoples Day, recognized on the second Monday of October, also fall within this 30-day period.
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LAHHM Events
Fall 2024 Meet and GreetVanderbilt International Researchers Alliance (VIRAL) and Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) bring to you this year's Fall Meet and Greet celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
Date: Friday, September 13
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Community Event Space
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Latin American Hispanic Heritage Month KickoffJoin the Student Center for Social Justice & Identity as we kick-start our Heritage Month events!
Date: Tuesday, September 17
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Multicultural Lounge, Sarratt 335
Taller de Decoración de Artesanía en BarroMexican American Student Association (MASA) is teaming up with the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies (CLACX) for a Taller de Decoración de Artesanía en Barro—a hands-on workshop where you can paint and decorate your very own cochinito (clay piggy bank) with expert guidance from professors straight from Guadalajara! This is a unique opportunity to dive into traditional Mexican art and bring your own colorful cochinito to life.
Date: Thursday, September 19
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Community 108 MPRWelcome Event-Hispanic Heritage Month Series
Join the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Vanderbilt Latino Medical Student Organization for a relaxed and welcoming evening at Fannie Mae Dees Park, where you can meet fellow LMSA members and other students while enjoying delicious food from Cafe Mofongo! Whether you're a new or returning student, this is a great opportunity to connect, unwind, and kick off the year. We can't wait to see you there!
Date: Friday, October 4
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Fannie Mae Dees Park
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Viviendo Tu Verdad: The Intersection of being Latine and QueerCome join SCSJI and the KCPC for LAHHM and LGBTQIA+ History Month for this informative panel exploring the intersection of the Latine identity and queerness through the lenses of panelists' professional experience, personal experience, and research! Panelists include both community and campus departments. Come for an enriching learning opportunity!
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Multicultural Community Space
Anchor LinkTrivia Lunch-Hispanic Heritage Month Series
Test your knowledge and enjoy lunch with friends at our Latino Trivia Lunch! This fun and interactive event hosted by the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Vanderbilt Latino Medical Student Organization will challenge you on all things Latinx culture, history, and traditions. Come for the trivia, stay for the community, and enjoy some great food along the way.
Date: Monday, October 14
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Eskind Biomedical Library
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October: Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
While Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDAHM) is officially celebrated in the month of May, Vanderbilt celebrates APIDAHM in the fall semester from October to early November. It is the official celebration that honors the history, cultural diversity, and unique contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Desi Americans (APIDA).
A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific/Desi encompasses all of the Asian continent, India, and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
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APIDA Events
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDAHM)Join the Student Center for Social Justice & Identity Center as we kickstart APIDA Heritage Month!
Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Multicultural Lounge (Sarratt 335)
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Cultural Immersion with Celebrate NashvilleJoin SCSJI for an immersive cultural experience exploring live performances, vibrational music, and great company with Celebration Nashville! There will be local food vendors and we will provide lunch for those who RSVP!
(Spots are limited to 30 people. Please meet at the MCL at 10 am to travel to Centennial Park together!)
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Multicultural Community Space (meeting location)
Anchor LinkAASA APIDAM Night Market
Join the Asian American Student Association (AASA) and other cultural organizations on campus for this year's Night Market, celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Month (APIDAM).
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Commons Lawn South Patio
Anchor LinkCooking with SCSJI: APIDA Edition!
Join SCSJI as we cook and celebrate APIDA Heritage Month (APIDAHM)! Learn how to make Taiwanese dumplings by Mama Yang & Daughter and enjoy the treat you made yourself! Be sure to RSVP for community, fun, and food!
Date: Wednesday, October 16
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Multicultural Community Space
Anchor LinkFables & Florals
Join AASA and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of storytelling and floral artistry. Discover the tales and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Date: Saturday, October 19
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Multicultural Community Space 101Taste of Asia
Join AASA to embark on a culinary journey through Asia. Savor a diverse array of flavors that represent the heart and soul of our community.
Date: Saturday, October 26
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: SLC Ballroom
October: LGBTQI+ History Month
LGBTQI+ History Month was first established in the United States in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher, to honor and celebrate the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other identities in the LGBTQI+ community. Observed annually in October, the month was chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and to commemorate the first and second Marches on Washington for LGBTQI+ Rights in 1979 and 1987. It serves as a time to reflect on the progress made toward equality, recognize key figures in LGBTQI+ history, and raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
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LGBTQI+ History Events
Vintage Queer NightCome join LGBTQI Life, The Paq, Nashville Queer History, and a chosen group of LGBTQIA+ elders from the general Nashville area, to break bread, talk and learn about each other and our history.
Date: Wednesday, October 2
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Alumni Hall, Room 202, Memorial Hall
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Out&Out18+ fun night out with drag comedian Lady Bushra and Musician Chloe Star at Ruby! Mocktails and drinks (21+). All proceeds and donations will go to We Are One Recovery.
Date: Thursday, October 3
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Ruby (2411 Blakemore Ave)
Anchor LinkSurvivors Remorse: A Conversation about Black Male Sexual Abuse
Join the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, Black Cultural Center, Project Safe, and REVAMP for a panel discussion raising awareness of the experiences of black male sexual abuse survivors.
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: BCC Auditorium
Viviendo Tu Verdad: The Intersection of being Latine & QueerCome join SCSJI and the KCPC for LAHHM and LGBTQIA+ History Month for this informative panel exploring the intersection of the Latine identity and queerness through the lenses of panelists' professional experience, personal experience, and research! Panelists include both community and campus departments. Come for an enriching learning opportunity!
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Multicultural Community Space
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It’s a Femininomenon: Queer Women and Femmes Alumni Career PanelAlumni Career Panel celebrating queer women and femmes at Vandy and beyond.
Date: Tuesday, October 15
Time: 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: Sarratt Student Center 325/327
Anchor LinkWednesday Worship Celebrating LGBTQI+ History Month
Join the Divinity School for a special worship service celebrating LGBTQI+ History Month.
Date: Wednesday, October 16
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Divinity SchoolComing Out Day Carnival
Join the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life for fun, games, and treats!
Date: Wednesday, October 16
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Alumni LawnPoetry Night with Andrea Gibson
Join the K.C. Potter Center and Divinity School for a night of poetry with special guest and world-renowned poet, Andrea Gibson.
Date: Wednesday, October 16
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Black Box TheaterKCPC Monthly Dinner
Join K.C. Potter Center for dinner!
Date: Thursday, October 17
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: K.C. Potter CenterCuninggim Lecture: Sonya Renee Taylor
Join the Women's Center for the annual Cuninggim Lecture. Author of The Body Is Not an Apology, and seven other books, Sonya Renee Taylor is a world-renowned activist and thought leader on racial justice, body liberation, and transformational change. Join us for a conversation about radical self-love! The talk will be followed by a reception, which will include light refreshments and a book signing.
Date: Tuesday, October 22
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Community Room, Central Library
Anchor LinkThe HTVN Faith Initiative: The Role of Faith Communities in the Quest for an HIV Vaccine
Hosted by the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life
Date: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: BCC AuditoriumKCPC Student Open Forum
This event is for LGBTQIA+ students to come voice their concerns and be in a space where the director of the center, and a partner from the UCC will be present to hear, facilitate conversation and build a better understanding about what the LGBTQIA+ students are going through at Vanderbilt.
The space is a kind, constructive space where we can raise ideas for programing and belongingness. Together we can build what comes next at the center and with partners on campus!
Date: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: K.C. Potter Center
Anchor LinkIntersex Awareness Day Speaker Series
Hosted by LAMBDA, Divinity School and KCPC
Date: Thursday, October 24
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Community Event Space'Dores in Dialogue: Black & Queer Intersectional Alumni Panel
Hosted by LAVA, Black Cultural Center and the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni
Date: Thursday, October 24
Time: 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: BCC Auditorium
November: Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month
The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.
Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month is a time to intentionally celebrate the unique, rich, and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples while acknowledging the important contributions of Native and Indigenous people. NAIHM is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to overcome these challenges.
February: Black History Month
Black History Month originated in 1926 as “Negro History Week,” created by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). Woodson chose the second week of February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, key figures in Black history. The week-long observance evolved into Black History Month in 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial, when it was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford. Celebrated every February in the U.S., and later in Canada and the U.K., Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans, while also acknowledging the ongoing struggle for racial equality. It serves as a time for reflection, education, and the celebration of Black culture and history.
March: Women's History Month
Women’s History Month was first observed in March to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. In 1987, after growing support and advocacy from the National Women’s History Project, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of March. Women’s History Month is now an annual celebration of women’s achievements, highlighting their roles in shaping history and advancing gender equality, while also raising awareness of the ongoing struggles women face around the world. It is widely celebrated in schools, institutions, and communities throughout the U.S. and beyond.
March: International Student Month
International Student Month (ISM) is the official celebration honoring and appreciating the history, cultural diversity, and unique contributions of international students at Vanderbilt. Throughout the month of March, the Student Center for Social Justice & Identity (SCSJI), the International Students & Scholar Services (ISSS), University Counseling Center (UCC), Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies, the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC), International Student Council (ISC), the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), the Vanderbilt Nepali Student Association (VNSA), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) curate intentional programs designed to foster and build community within the international student community, educate the non-international community about the lived experiences of international students, and celebrate the various cultures that make up the international student community at Vanderbilt.
June: Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the LGBTQI+ community and commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQI+ rights. The Stonewall riots began as a response to police raids targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and sparked a nationwide movement for equality and liberation. The first official Pride marches took place in June 1970, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall protests. Over the years, June became recognized as Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQI+ identities, raise awareness about issues affecting the community, and advocate for equal rights. Today, Pride Month is marked by parades, events, and activism worldwide, reflecting both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight for LGBTQI+ justice and inclusion.