
State Department Celebrates Heritage and History Months
“Diversity and inclusion make our diplomatic team stronger, smarter, more creative, more innovative. We’re operating in a diverse world, and America’s diversity is a source of strength that few countries can match.”
Antony J. Blinken
Secretary of State
Black History Month
Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations. Shining a light on Black history today is as important to understanding ourselves and growing stronger as a Nation as it has ever been. That is why it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today.

2023
- February 22, 2023 A distinctive sign language thrives among Black Americans
- February 14, 2023 Black composers: Shaping America’s music
- February 16, 2023 Black History Month: The Influence of Black Americans on U.S. Public Diplomacy Abroad
- January 31, 2023 A Proclamation on National Black History Month, 2023
2022
- February 14, 2022 Why HBCUs Matter, Then & Now: Part Two
- February 1, 2022 Why HBCUs Matter, Then & Now: Part One
- February 1, 2022 Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Ceremony Renaming the Harry S. Truman Cafeteria After Ambassador Terence A. Todman
- January 31, 2022 A Proclamation on National Black History Month, 2022
- January 17, 2022 Secretary Blinken's Remarks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- January 14, 2022 Perfecting Our Union, Strengthening Our Foreign Policy, Through Dr. King’s Legacy
2021
- February 25, 2021 Inspiring the Next Generation of Black Diplomats: A Foreign Service Officer’s Story of Exchanges and Service
- February 22, 2021 60 Years of Service: An American Diplomat’s Short Story
- February 8, 2021 Celebrating Diversity through DS Recollections
- February 1, 2021 The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Celebrates Black History Month
Women’s History Month
Each year, Women’s History Month offers an important opportunity for us to shine a light on the extraordinary legacy of trailblazing American women and girls who have built, shaped, and improved upon our Nation.
Throughout American history, women and girls have made vital contributions, often in the face of discrimination and undue hardship. Courageous women marched for and won the right to vote, campaigned against injustice, shattered countless barriers, and expanded the possibilities of American life. Our history is also replete with examples of the unfailing bravery and grit of women in America, particularly in times of crisis and emergency. Women served our Nation during World War II, led organizing and litigation efforts during the Civil Rights movement, and represented the United States on the global stage in the fight for human rights, peace, and security. Far too often, their heroic efforts and their stories have gone untold — especially the millions of Black women, immigrant women, and others from diverse communities who have strengthened America across every generation.

2023
- March 13, 2023 First Woman on a President’s Cabinet Put Workers First
- March 13, 2023 Women Fighting for Change Are Honored at White House
- March 10, 2023 Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Climate Action on International Women’s Day
- February 28, 2023 A Proclamation on Women’s History Month, 2023
2022
- March 18, 2022 EMPoWering Women to Counter Terrorism
- March 15, 2022 EmPOWERing Women Entrepreneurs in America and Abroad
- March 14, 2022 2022 International Women of Courage Award
- March 11, 2022 Introducing the 2022 International Women of Courage
- March 8, 2022 Celebrating Women Around the World on International Women’s Day
- March 8, 2022 International Women’s Day 2022: Break the Bias
- February 28, 2022 A Proclamation on Women’s History Month, 2022
- February 11, 2022 Celebrating the State Department’s Women in Science
Arab American Heritage Month
The Arab American story is the American story — one of diverse backgrounds and faiths, vibrant tradition, bold innovation, hard work, commitment to community, and stalwart patriotism, all coming together to accomplish something greater than any one of us. This month, we join together to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Arab Americans to our Nation and recommit ourselves to the timeless work of making sure that all people have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

2023
- April 1, 2023 Recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month
- March 31, 2023 A Proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month, 2023
2022
- April 1, 2022 Recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month
2021
- April 30, 2021 The Story of Arab Americans’ Beginning in America – And the Quest for Fair Representation
- April 30, 2021 Arab Americans and the Fabric of our Nation
- January 20, 2021 Arab American Heritage Month Spotlight: The Power, Benefits, and Necessity of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- April 1, 2021 The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Celebrates National Arab American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
In 2006, President George W. Bush declared May Jewish American Heritage Month to celebrate and recognize the millions of Jewish people who call the United States home. America has long been a safe haven for religious diversity, where members of any faith can freely practice their religion. A significant number of Jewish Americans are the descendants of Jews who fled not only discrimination and persecution but also, in the case of many European Jews, genocide at the hands of the Nazis and their allies in the 1930s and 1940s. Notwithstanding shameful resistance to Jewish immigration during World War II by personnel at the Department of State and other parts of the U.S. government, America became a refuge for millions of Jews and is now home to approximately one third of the world’s Jewish people. Each May, we pay tribute to the many contributions Jewish Americans have made, and continue to make, to the United States, including Supreme Court Justices and Nobel Prize winners. As the world witnesses a rise in global antisemitism, the United States stands with the diverse American Jewish community and celebrates its rich and varied cultures and long history.

2023
- April 28, 2023 A Proclamation on Jewish American Heritage Month, 2023
2022
2021
2020
- April 29, 2020 Proclamation on Jewish American Heritage Month, 2020
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian Americans, and Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) make our Nation more vibrant through diversity of cultures, languages, and religions. There is no single story of the AANHPI experience, but rather a diversity of contributions that enrich America’s culture and society and strengthen the United States’ role as a global leader. The American story as we know it would be impossible without the strength, contributions, and legacies of AANHPIs who have helped build and unite this country in each successive generation. From laying railroad tracks, tilling fields, and starting businesses, to caring for our loved ones and honorably serving our Nation in uniform, AANHPI communities are deeply rooted in the history of the United States.

2023
- May 31, 2023 The Biden-Harris Administration Advances Equity and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities Across the Country
- May 3, 2023 Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders who shaped U.S. society [photo gallery]
- May 1, 2023 Celebrating Asian American heritage in the U.S. [photo gallery]
- April 28, 2023 A Proclamation on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2023
2022
- May 11, 2022 Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at State: Part 2
- May 11, 2022 Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at State: Part 1
- May 11, 2022 Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month at State: From Refugee to Foreign Service
- May 2, 2022 In Celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- April 29, 2022 A Proclamation on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, And Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2022
2021
- May 29, 2021 Celebrating Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at State: Part 2
- May 28, 2021 How I Built My Own ‘Shikata ga nai’ Philosophy
- May 27, 2021 Recognizing the Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander Descent who Make our World a Safer Place
- May 15, 2021 Celebrating Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at State: Part 1
- May 7, 2021 Understanding America: Asian American History, Contributions, and Current Challenges
- May 5, 2021 “Perseverance and Assiduousness”: The Story of an Asian American Foreign Service Officer
- May 1, 2021 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- May 1, 2021 The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month
- April 30, 2021 A Proclamation on Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2021
- March 29, 2021 Support the Asian American Community by Defending Our Values at Home and Abroad
Military Appreciation and National Veterans and Military Families Months
May is Military Appreciation Month. Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, honors America’s military men and women who lost their lives in service to their country. During National Veterans and Military Families Month in November, we recognize and thank those who served in our Armed Forces for their indispensable contributions and immeasurable sacrifices in support of our national security.

2022
2021
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month
The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement — a call to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all. Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality. Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity. This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.

2023
2022
- June 1, 2022 Commemorating Pride Month
- April 28, 2022 Briefing with Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Jessica Stern On the First Annual Interagency Report on Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World
- April 28, 2022 Release of the First Annual Interagency Report on the Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World
- Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World
- March 31, 2022 Op-Ed: Transgender Day of Visibility at State – Past, Present, and Future
2021
- June 25, 2021 At a Flag-Raising Ceremony To Fly the Progress Flag at the Department of State’s Harry S Truman Building
- June 23, 2021 UN Human Rights Council Side Event: Defending the Lives of Transgender People
- June 21, 2021 Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Atlantic Council’s Front Page Pride Edition Virtual Conversation with Jonathan Capehart on “Pressing for Equality: Engaging on LGBTQI Issues Around the World”
- June 1, 2021 On Pride Month
- June 1, 2021 A Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, 2021
Caribbean-American Heritage Month
America’s diversity is and always has been the defining strength of our Nation — in every generation, our society, spirit, and shared ambitions have been refreshed by wave after wave of immigrants seeking out their American dream. Throughout our history, Caribbean Americans have brought vibrant cultures, languages, traditions, and values that strengthen our country and add new chapters to our common story. In recognition of Caribbean Americans’ countless gifts and contributions to our Nation, we celebrate National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

2023
2022
Immigrant Heritage Month & World Refugee Day
America is, always has been, and always will be a Nation of immigrants. It was the premise of our founding; it is reflected in our Constitution; it is etched upon the Statue of Liberty — that “from her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome.” During National Immigrant Heritage Month, we reaffirm and draw strength from that enduring identity and celebrate the history and achievements of immigrant communities across our Nation.
We join people around the globe in commemorating World Refugee Day, a day when we recognize the courage and humanity of the millions forced to flee violence, persecution, and war. It is also a moment to honor the generosity of communities welcoming refugees and the bravery and dedication of humanitarian workers who provide life-saving assistance, often in challenging and dangerous conditions.

2023
- June 20, 2023 Statement from President Joe Biden on World Refugee Day
- June 20, 2023 On the Occasion of World Refugee Day 2023
- June 1, 2023 Celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month
- May 31, 2023 A Proclamation on National Immigrant Heritage Month, 2023
2022
- June 22, 2022 World Refugee Day 2022
- June 20, 2022 Commemorating World Refugee Day 2022
- June 20, 2022 Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on World Refugee Day 2022
- May 31, 2022 A Proclamation on National Immigrant Heritage Month, 2022
2021
- June 23, 2021 We Must All Be Leaders in Improving Diversity and Inclusion
- June 20, 2021 Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on World Refugee Day
- June 20, 2021 World Refugee Day: Faith and Humanitarian Responses
- June 20, 2021 Commemorating World Refugee Day 2021
- June 1, 2021 A Proclamation on National Immigrant Heritage Month, 2021
Hispanic Heritage Month
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage. We see it in every aspect of our national life: on our television and movie screens, in the music that moves our feet, and in the foods we enjoy. We benefit from the many contributions of Hispanic scientists working in labs across the country to help us fight COVID-19 and the doctors and the nurses on the front lines caring for people’s health. Our Nation is represented by Hispanic diplomats who share our values in countries all over the world and strengthened by military members and their families who serve and sacrifice for the United States. Our communities are represented by Hispanic elected officials, and our children are taught by Hispanic teachers. Our future will be shaped by Hispanic engineers who are working to develop new technology that will help us grasp our clean energy future and by the skilled union workers who are going to build it.

2023
- September 15, 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
- September 14, 2023 A Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2023
2022
- October 5, 2022 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
- October 12, 2022 Roots and Reflections
- September 15, 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month 2022
- September 14, 2022 A Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2022
2021
- October 14, 2021 Diversity and Diplomacy: Celebrating Our Hispanic Heritage
- October 13, 2021 Cuatro Historias Latinas: Marking Hispanic Heritage Month with State Department’s International Security and Nonproliferation Team
- October 15, 2021 Roots and Reflection: Hispanic Heritage Month 2021
- September 14, 2021 A Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2021