Sept 15-Oct 15: Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month
Latin American & Hispanic Heritage Month (LAHHM) is the official celebration honoring the history, traditions, and unique contributions of individuals and communities whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. September 15th coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed shortly thereafter by Mexico (Sept. 16) and Chile (Sept. 18). D铆a de la Raza and Indigenous Peoples Day, recognized on the second Monday of October, also fall within this 30-day period.
LAHHM Events
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October: Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
While Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDAHM) is officially celebrated in the month of May, Vanderbilt celebrates APIDAHM in the fall semester from October to early November. It is the official celebration that honors the history, traditions, and unique contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Desi Americans (APIDA).
A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific/Desi encompasses all of the Asian continent, India, and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
APIDAHM Events
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October: LGBTQI+ History Month
LGBTQI+ History Month was first established in the United States in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher, to honor and celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQI+ community. Observed annually in October, the month was chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and to commemorate the first and second Marches on Washington for LGBTQI+ Rights in 1979 and 1987. It serves as a time to reflect on the progress made, recognize key figures in LGBTQI+ history, and raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
LGBTQI+ History Month Events
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November: Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month
The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York.听In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 鈥淣ational American Indian Heritage Month.鈥� Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including 鈥淣ative American Heritage Month鈥�) have been issued each year since 1994.
Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month is a time to intentionally celebrate the unique and rich traditions, contributions, and histories of Native peoples while acknowledging the important contributions of Native and Indigenous people. NAIHM is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to overcome these challenges.
NAIHM Events
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February: Black History Month
Black History Month originated in 1926 as 鈥淣egro History Week,鈥� created by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). Woodson chose the second week of February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, key figures in Black history. The week-long observance evolved into Black History Month in 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial, when it was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford. Celebrated every February in the U.S., and later in Canada and the U.K., Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans, while also acknowledging the community's ongoing struggles. It serves as a time for reflection, education, and the celebration of Black culture and history.
Black History Month Events
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March: Women's History Month
Women鈥檚 History Month was first observed in March to coincide with International Women鈥檚 Day on March 8. In 1987, after growing support and advocacy from the National Women鈥檚 History Project, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of March. Women鈥檚 History Month is now an annual celebration of women鈥檚 achievements, highlighting their roles in shaping history and advancing gender equality, while also raising awareness of the ongoing struggles women face around the world. It is widely celebrated in schools, institutions, and communities throughout the U.S. and beyond.
Women's History Month Events
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March: International Student Month
International Student Month (ISM) is the official celebration honoring and appreciating the history, traditions, and unique contributions of international students at Vanderbilt. Throughout the month of March, the Student Center for Belonging and Communities (SCBC), the International Students & Scholar Services (ISSS), campus partners, and student organizations curate intentional programs designed to foster and build community within the international student community, educate the community about the lived experiences of international students, and celebrate the various backgrounds that make up the international student community at Vanderbilt.
International Student Month Events
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June: Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the LGBTQI+ community and commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQI+ rights. The Stonewall riots began as a response to police raids targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and sparked a nationwide movement for equality and liberation. The first official Pride marches took place in June 1970, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall protests. Over the years, June became recognized as Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQI+ identities, raise awareness about issues affecting the community, and advocate for equal rights. Today, Pride Month is marked by parades, events, and activism worldwide, reflecting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Pride Month Events
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Saturday, June 6, 2026
2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Rosemary & Beauty Queen
Pride Pack: STRUT Nashville Pride Tea Dance with Sasha Colby
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Saturday, June 27, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Nashville Pride Parade
Pride Pack