MESA celebrates and supports students and student organizations through heritage and history months, including Arab Heritage Month, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Black History Month, Latinx Heritage Month, and Native American Heritage Month.
Fall semester
Latinx Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from September 15th - October 15th. Starting in 1968, Americans observed what was called, "Hispanic Heritage Week," this was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988. The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) helps lead the Latinx Heritage Month efforts at the University of Michigan.
Native American Heritage Month
Each year, we honor the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors had lived in North America for hundreds of years. MESA and the Native American Student Association (NASA) collaborate with campus partners to bring a wide range of events that celebrate Native American culture with the University of Michigan campus community.
Winter semester
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance dedicated to honoring and commemorating the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of Black individuals and communities throughout history. Black History Month started as “Negro History Week,” an idea of distinguished historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has also officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AA&PI Heritage Month) is a university-wide celebration of the Asian American & Pacific Islander communities.
Arab Heritage Month
Arab Heritage Month celebrates the Arab American history, culture, and traditions, and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans. While National Arab American Heritage Month is marked in April, we recognize the month from mid-March to mid-April at U-M.