October Diversity Awareness at DLE!
In October, we celebrate several Heritage and History Months: Polish-American Heritage Month, German-American Heritage Month, Filipino-American History Month, and Italian-America Heritage and Culture Month.
Polish American Heritage Month: Polish American Heritage Month is an annual event celebrated in October. Originally, Polish American Heritage Month was celebrated in August after being established in 1984. However, in 1986, the month was changed to October to aid school participation because October holds significance as the month when the first Polish settlers came to Jamestown, Virginia.
German American Heritage Month: German Heritage Month occurs every October, and October 6 is German American Day. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 6 as German-American Day to celebrate and honor the 300th anniversary of German immigration to and culture in the United States. It also commemorates the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania (which is now part of Philadelphia) in 1683.
Filipino American History Month: The celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587. October 1992 was the first time FAHM was celebrated in the United States. In 2009, the US Congress recognized October as FAHM, and in 2015, President Obama celebrated the first FAHM at the White House.
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month: Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month occurs in October and was first celebrated in 1989 after the US Congress provided the designation for the month. Events are held during the month to celebrate and provide education on Italian-American history and culture. The month was also selected to coincide with Columbus Day.
Our education team created a display showcasing historical figures and fun facts from each country celebrating this month. Take a look below!
