Special Events
We respect and appreciate our similarities and differences. They enable us to better serve our students, one another and our community. Through cultural celebrations we honor that diversity and we expand our knowledge of the many cultures that are represented at Dallas College.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
How We Celebrate:
- Day of community service
- March in MLK Jr. Day parade
African American – Black History Month
February
In 1926 Dr. Carter G. Woodson instituted the first week-long celebration to raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to history.
How We Celebrate:
- Speakers, panels, entertainers
- Field trips, watch parties
National Women's History Month
March
National Women's History Month was established by presidential proclamation to improve the focus on women in historical studies. It began in 1857 when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women.
How We Celebrate:
- Annual conference
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
May
Observance began in 1979 as Asian Heritage Week, established by congressional proclamation. In 1992, President Bush signed legislation designating May of every year Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
How We Celebrate:
- Speakers, panels, entertainers
- Field trips, watch parties
Cinco De Mayo
May
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, celebrates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
How We Celebrate:
- On-campus celebration
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June
In 1999 President Clinton issued a proclamation designating June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. This month is dedicated to appreciating the significance of the LGBTQ+ community and applauding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and transgender pride.
How We Celebrate:
- Speakers, panels, entertainers
- Participate in Pride parade
Juneteenth
June
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, which combines the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
How We Celebrate:
- On-campus celebration
- Black Wall Street vendor fair
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began in 1968, honors the culture, heritage and contributions of Hispanic Americans each year.
How We Celebrate:
- Speakers, panels, entertainers
- Field trips, watch parties
National Disability Awareness Month
October
With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, President Bush designated of a full month to increase public awareness of those with disabilities and appreciate the capabilities of the 30 million people in the U.S. of working-age who are disabled.
LGBTQ+ History Month
October
LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, as well as gay rights and related civil rights movements.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History MonthVeterans and Military Families Month
November
Each November, the President signs a proclamation declaring November National Veterans & Military Families Month, and with hundreds of thousands of service members deployed overseas, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by active duty, Guard, and Reserve military families has never been more important.
How We Celebrate:
- Annual conference
Native American History Month
November
November is traditionally a time when many Native Americans hold fall harvest and world-renewal ceremonies, dances, and feasts. The holiday recognizes hundreds of different tribes and approximately 250 languages.
How We Celebrate:
- Speakers, panels, entertainers
- Field trips, watch parties