Heritage/History/Prevention Messages

Heritage/history/prevention months/weeks at UC Berkeley serve as platforms to honor and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and identities within our community. These initiatives are guided by a framework anchored in equity and inclusion, ensuring alignment with campus values and goals. Through CalMessages, webpages, and newsletters, the campus disseminates information, fosters dialogue, and promotes engagement. By acknowledging and celebrating diverse heritage and history, UC Berkeley cultivates an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and represented.

Wishing you a meaningful recognition of all holidays, celebrations, and remembrances that are occurring this year.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts, ideas, and any concerns you may have. Your input is essential to ensuring these celebrations resonate with our campus community and contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Commemorating and Celebrating Black History Month

February 2, 2021

Dear E&I Community,

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History,” founded a week to commemorate the history and contributions of Blacks in America. He picked the month of February, which corresponded with Frederick Douglas’s birthday. Woodson believed that although many others have tried to erase and omit Black History, it was important for everyone, not just Black people, to understand.

By 1976, the commemoration had expanded to include all of February and became known as Black History Month. Since then, each year we celebrate...

Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Task Force Report

February 3, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

It is our great pleasure to share with you the draft report of the HSI Task Force. In so doing, we are inviting public review of the report and your comments, which may be submitted using this form.

The HSI Task Force began its...

Honoring and Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 3, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

This month we start Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with both sadness and resolve. One year ago, I was writing about the increase in anti-Asian racism and xenophobia, and since then incidents of hate and violence against Asian and Asian Americans have escalated at even greater rates. Pacific Islander communities have been hit hard by COVID-19, with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders facing high rates of hospitalization and death. During times like these, it is more important than ever to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions that...

Transgender and Nonbinary Empowerment Month

Veterans Day

Honoring Veterans Day

November 6, 2025

Dear campus community,

On Tuesday, we recognize Veterans Day, marked by a two-minute moment of silence to honor the sacrifice of veterans occurring simultaneously across the nation at 11:11am. November is also when ...

Honoring Native American Heritage Month

November 3, 2025

Dear campus community,

This November, we recognize Native American Heritage Month, which explores and celebrates the significant contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, First Nations, and those who otherwise identify as Indigenous. We honor these communities and acknowledge that the campus sits on the territory of xučyun, the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people. This land was and continues to be...

Honoring Transgender and Nonbinary Empowerment Month

November 3, 2025

Dear campus community,


This November, we recognize Transgender and Nonbinary Empowerment Month, which also encompasses Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance. Below find highlights on academic, social, and cultural opportunities supporting this month and these communities.

Events

November 18,...

Native American Heritage Month

A curated page of stories and information to celebrate, inform and inspire the campus.

National Transfer Student Week