In celebration of the histories and contributions of historically marginalized identities, the Center for Student Belonging at American University commemorates heritage months and identity acknowledgements throughout the year. These recognitions are an opportunity for all members of the community to learn more about the traditions, people, scholarship, history and current experiences of those who've overcome oppression to create opportunities for all.  

It is important to note that the celebration of each legacy included in the webpage is not time-limited and this site is a helpful tool to ensure we're inclusive of all members of our community. 

A person's identiy is complex and emcompasses various areas of their life.

Each person has personal identities which encompass personality traits, hobbies, and other things such as movies, books, colors, music, or sports that you like.

Another part of identity is a person’s tied to our birth and other social identities for us. These social identities are race; ethnicity; socio-economic status; gender; sex; sexual orientation; national origin; first language; physical, emotional, and developmental (dis)ability; age; and religious or spiritual affiliation. Some of us think about these identities more often than others.

When we start to think and learn about social justice, it is important to pay attention to all social identities, those that we connect to and those that we know less about. As we do this, we have an opportunity to become more inclusive of all social identities.

We Celebrate All!

As we navigate the 2024-2025 academic year, The Center for Student Belonging is proud to celebrate the heritage months that make up our students identities and connect to opportutnities to expand knowledge and understanding, gather, and celebrate on campus as well as DC community events. We do this work in partnership with The Bridge to curate themed heritage beverages for the AU community to partake in. 

Visit our CSB Instagram to see not only our celebrates of the heritages, observances, awareness, and celebrations highlighted but our programmming and partnerships to celebrate all at AU!