Communications from UNC's Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Introduced in 1997 by The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), National Deaf History Month recognizes the accomplishments of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. In 2022, NAD’s Deaf Culture and History Section (DCHS) and organizations representing marginalized communities, recommended the change in dates of observance to April 1-30 to be inclusive of experiences of BIPOC Deaf People and celebrate all Deaf persons in the US.

Shortly after we return from Spring vacation, the Holy month of Ramadan will begin in the United States. Expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, March 22 and end the evening of Thursday, April 20 in the United States, the dates for the month of Ramadan are determined based on the first sighting of the new moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia according to the Hijrī (Islamic) calendar.

Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, the 2023 theme for Women’s History Month, recognizes all women active in storytelling and media through any number of formats such as stage, screen, print, television, podcasts, and more.

Annually recognized during the month of February since 1976, Black Heritage Month is a time to amplify and bring to the forefront issues experienced in the Black community and educate the community about the contributions to history and society Black people and the Black community have contributed to America.

The 2023 Lunar New Year will begin on January 22 and will mark the Year of the Rabbit until the 15th day signaling the end with the Lantern Festival. The Lunar New Year is a major holiday in East and Southeast Asian cultures, such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, and many others. It is a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, and celebrate with traditional foods and customs.

On Monday, January 16, we honor the life, legacy, and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Known for his nonviolent philosophy and active resistance against racial injustice, poverty, and war, Dr. King was a leading advocate for social change during the American Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950’s and 60’s. Drawing upon his Christian faith and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King shared a message of freedom, equality, justice, and love.