In the U.S., heritage months are a result of the broad range of social justice movements to achieve civil rights advancement for historically marginalized groups of people. Affirming representation is an important part of creating change. Each heritage month has been established thanks to the collective organizing, persistence and vision of individuals who spent years challenging harmful stereotypes, advocating for positive recognition and fostering inclusive environments. Humanizing narratives and complex depictions of diverse groups have the power to shift mindsets and even influence social structures. In the Center for Equity and Inclusion, we see these months as special moments to appreciate diversity as our strength and to educate about all the ways multiculturalism matters to the vitality of our campus. And while we each honor our different backgrounds, cultural traditions and lived experiences every day of the year, making time to share our stories, including those of struggle as well as triumph, lifts up community during these dedicated national moments. In this way, we ensure that everyone has an opportunity to reflect upon what it means to live and work together as global citizens. We invite you to join us in the celebration! 

Latiné Heritage Month

We celebrate the rich history and innovations brought by the Latiné community, both past and present. These celebrations begin September 15th to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries and includes Mexico's Independence day on September 16th. El Día de los Muertos also known in English as Day of the Dead. It is celebrated in Latin American communities on November 1st and 2. Día de los Muertos is a powerful, symbolic way to honor relatives and friends who have passed. For more, read our Chancellor's annual message to see what's happening in Pierce County and for more resources see UW Seattle's History Department.