Heritage, as defined by Oxford, is, “valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions, unspoiled countryside, and historic buildings that have been passed down from previous generations.”
Heritage Months are important because they show a variety of different cultures and recognition from all over the world. For example, February is Black History Month. During this month we learn more about black history, culture, and even famous African Americans.
In March we focus on Women’s History Month. This month isn’t a very popular month socially. According to the New York Times, “Women’s History Month has long drawn mixed reactions, with celebration and criticism given in somewhat equal measure.”
There have been so many amazing inventions made by women. Wifi. Society uses Wifi everyday, either for your tv, phone, computer, ect. Hedy Lamarr created the layout for creating Wifi; however, she isn’t talked about.
How about when you’re in a horrible rainstorm and can’t see, so you use your windshield wipers. You can thank Mary Anderson who was the inventor of the windshield wipers in 1903. Or when you didn’t know your way around, you had to use maps, but not anymore. Gladys West created the GPS, and those are just a few examples.
In April we focus on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Arab American Heritage Month. Sexual assault awareness is a sensitive topic to a wide variety of people; however, that isn’t the purpose of it. The key word is awareness. To help spread recognition, they give out teal ribbons. As stated by DLA, “… teal ribbon as a symbol for sexual assault awareness and it has since become nationally recognized.”
Arab American Heritage Month “ formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans.” The main purpose of Arab American Heritage Month is this: “Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society,” both quotes by National Arab American Foundation.
In May we focus on Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Asian American & Pacific Islander have a variety of different festivals, concerts, events, and more at different National places.
Mental Health Awareness importance. As attested by NAMI, “Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.” There is a lot of stigma on mental health. People tend to make mental health a very negative thing, or make them feel indifferent to others. The awareness allows others to learn about what it is and the importance of taking care of your brain and understanding one another.
Jewish American Heritage Month is very important to me. As a Jewish American it is important for people to learn about our history. Learning about the holocaust and how horrible it was to the current war that is happening. Also learning to separate Jewish religion/culture from the country of Israel’s government; we aren’t the same.
In June we focus on LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The LGBTQ+ community has been around forever. There have always been people of the community; however, they weren’t recognized or they were shamed. There is a stigma with the LGBTQ+ community and different religions, yet that doesn’t stop people from holding a variety of events: New York, São Paulo, Madrid, Buenos Aires, San Francisco. Toronto, Cologne, London, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Mexico City, Brighton, Sydney, Tel Aviv, and so many more. Having a month to celebrate love and understanding of oneself is so important to me. Seeing people be comfortable in their own skin and being able to love who they want to love is just so special.
In July we focus on Disability Pride Month. This month holds a special place in my heart because I know many disabled people. Some people in society like to make fun of them; which isn’t fair. The report from American Bar states, “Disability Pride Month celebrates disabled persons embracing their disabilities as integral parts of who they are, reclaiming visibility in public and interacting fully with their disabilities out in the open, and rejecting shame and internalized ableism.”
In September we focus on Latinx Heritage Month. According to the HHM, “Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.”
In October we focus on LGBTQ+ History Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Indigenous People’s Day. LGBTQ+ history is important because it helps us understand the significance of Pride Month. Stated by ODEP, “Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.”
In November we focus on Native American Heritage Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance from those who have been killed in hatred. Native American Heritage Month allows Native American to express and teach others about their culture. There are many events, discussions, performances, gallery walks/talks, and many personal events.
I bet the majority of people reading this will not know the majority of these months. Some individuals I know personally didn’t even know what a heritage month was.
Heritage Months are so incredibly important to society. Everyone has their own religions and cultures. These months help each “issue” have their own spotlight; they teach us.
