Who Are Heritage Months Really For?
It’s September and in a few days, Hispanic Heritage Month will begin (September 15-October 15). I think this is a great time to (re)think about what heritage months are and who they are intended for.
What exactly are heritage months?
These are months designated for particular racial, ethnic, and/or cultural groups to honor their contributions to this world. Many of these heritage months, such as Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month, have been endorsed as national heritage months by former U.S. presidents.
Often in the workplace, celebrating heritage months becomes a slippery slope. We want to celebrate cultures but sometimes that comes in the form of a colleague dashing to Party City to pick up cheesy decorations and setting up stereotypical food in the break room. These “celebrations” become less about the particular group, and more about other people having fun. In some organizations, they view the month as an opportunity to educate everyone else about the group.
That’s where we take a turn.
The month is meant to recognize, honor, and amplify the particular group. If you/we do not belong to the group that is being celebrated, you/we should take a step back, let them shine, and do our own learning about the group in our own time.
Since you are reading this, I know you would not do such things. If you have in the past, that’s okay because the goal here is to do better.
So here are a few things, from me to you, to keep in mind…
Recognize the month is a celebration (which is different than awareness months like Breast Cancer Awareness)
Therefore, folks want to be celebrated and have their contributions amplified. Keep in mind, celebrating and amplifying shouldn’t be limited to a designated month—integrate throughout the year
Ask permission before amplifying individuals you may know. Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight for a heritage month.
If you are not sure where to start, join forces with folks/groups/organizations who are already honoring the month well
Most importantly, do research (read: Google Search) on how to honor particular racial, ethnic, and cultural groups
Key Heritage Months (this is not an inclusive list):
Hispanic Heritage Month (September-October)
Native American/Indigenous Heritage Month (November)
Black History Month (February)
Women’s History Month (March)
Arab American Heritage Month (April)
Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month (May)
Jewish Heritage Month (May)
PRIDE Month (June)
Transgender History Month (August)
Visit the D&I calendar for more months and dates.
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Until next time,
Your favorite Chief Diversity Officer,
Dr. B.
