Dear Emersonians,
As the academic year comes to a close and the weather begins to warm, we hope you can find a moment for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation in the coming days and weeks.
We launched the Celebrate Diversity communication series two years ago to recognize and celebrate the diverse members of our Emerson community. Over the months, we have amplified joy, shared resources, and deepened personal connection with students, staff, and faculty across the College.
This email continues our series celebrating the beautiful heritages observed in the months of April, May, and June: Arab American Heritage Month, SWANA (South West Asian and North African) Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, Caribbean American Heritage Month, and Immigrant Heritage Month. We’re sending these months together so we can share resources and information before the end of the academic year.
As we close the spring semester and transition to a different pace, let us take a moment to recognize our individual and collective heritage: the value, traditions, and culture we each hold.
Emerson’s core values of equity and inclusion mean we will always celebrate diversity of heritage. We honor our community members who find joy during these months, and hope you take a moment to learn more.
APRIL
Arab American Heritage Month
Launched in 2017 and recognized by Congress in 2022. The month recognizes and celebrates Arab Americans while also sharing more education and awareness about the Arab culture and history. Learn more about Arab American Heritage Month.
SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) Heritage Month
SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) is a decolonial term that centers geography rather than politics, religion, and colonialism to refer to the connected region of many countries.
MAY
Jewish American Heritage Month
Celebrated in May in honor of the arrival and contribution of Jews in America. Explore a variety of resources and learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month.
Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American Heritage Month
Honors people from the Asian continent, India, and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Learn more about Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month and Desi culture.
JUNE
Caribbean American Heritage Month
Celebrates the diverse cultures, communities, and people with connections to the Caribbean. Learn more about the islands and countries of Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Immigrant Heritage Month
A month-long celebration that began in 2014 to recognize and honor the contributions and cultures of immigrants in the United States. Both Boston and Los Angeles hold a variety of events each June. Learn more about National Immigrant Heritage Month.