History & Heritage Programming

In conjunction with MiraCosta College’s mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its Black History and Heritage Series. Black History Month began as a way to teach people about the history of Black Americans and their contributions to society, it sought to ensure that these perspectives were included in the national narrative. In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson instituted the first week-long celebration to raise awareness of African-Americans' contributions to history. 50 years later, the week became a month, and today, February is celebrated as Black History month. Today, Black History Month is a call to inclusion year-round and celebrates more than Black history, but also the ongoing achievements of African Americans in all realms of society. Here at the college, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of the Black community not just during the observed month, but throughout the year.

In conjunction with MiraCosta College’s  mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its Women’s History Series. International Women’s Day is celebrated nationally on March 8th. Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. Here at the college, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of Women not just during the observed month, but throughout the year.

In conjunction with MiraCosta’s mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its Ability Awareness Series. On February 26, 1987 former President Ronald Reagan officially declared Proclamation 5613 making March National Disabilities Awareness Month.  The proclamation called for people to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Everyone wants, and deserves, to enjoy life, feel productive and secure. But in March, we take extra steps to raise awareness about the supports and rights of the people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole. Our belief is that disability is not a limitation, but rather an indication of perseverance, strength & determination in accomplishing all life endeavors. Our intention is to promote access, equity and inclusion; to instill a true sense of belonging at MiraCosta College for students with disabilities. Here at MiraCosta College, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of people with differing/various abilities within our community not just during the observed month, but throughout the year.

In conjunction with MiraCosta’s mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its Autism Acceptance Series World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day annually on April 2nd, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) throughout the world. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/62/139). World Autism Awareness Day", passed in council on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. It was proposed by Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, the United Nations Representative from Qatar and consort to EmirHamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and supported by all member states. This resolution was passed and adopted without a vote in the UN General Assembly, mainly as a supplement to previous UN initiatives to improve human rights. World Autism Day is one of only seven official health-specific UN Days. The day itself brings individual autism organizations together all around the world to aid in things like research, diagnoses, treatment, and acceptance for those with a developmental path affected by autism. Here at MiraCosta College, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of the Autism community not just during the observed month, but throughout the year.

Content coming soon.

In conjunction with MiraCosta’s mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Series. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month began in 1977 as a smaller ten-day celebration in May, and transformed to a month-long observance in 1990. The month of May was chosen to commemorate two significant events in history: the first Japanese immigration to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 (Golden Spike Day).The month commemorates the legacy, culture, traditions, and resilience of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across the United States. Here at the college, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of the Chicanx and Latinx community not just during the observed month, but throughout the year.

Join MiraCosta as we welcome Cesar Chavez’s grandson Eduardo Chavez as he screens his award-winning film, “Hailing Cesar”.  Eduardo’s film tracks his journey to understand the legacy and struggle of his grandfather, the civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Q & A will follow af,ter the screening. The event will be held at the Little Theater (OCN 3601), 1 Barnard Drive Oceanside, on September 14, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Turning Wheel Project is coming to MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive, on October 19^th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm. The Turning Wheel Project is a partnership between the Chicano Park Steering Committee, the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, and the University of San Diego. Through relevant education and service, the Turning Wheel Project is all about recognizing and affirming the contributions of Chicano Park, Logan Heights and surrounding communities. The Turning Wheel Project is designed as a hub to serve, inspire and inform the community through the power of education.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego & Imperial Valley SBDC Network is pleased to bring government agencies, prime contractors, and resource partners to MiraCosta San Elijo 3333 Manchester Ave, Cardiff Ca. on September 22, 8:30 pm – 12:00 pm. Participants will learn what is expected of vendors, what certifications are and how they work, where to find the buyers and opportunities, and how to make an impact marketing their goods and services. These events help small businesses get contracts! This NO COST event has been made possible with the generous support of The State of California Department of General Services, The County of San Diego, The Small Business Administration (SBA), California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), MiraCosta College, Southwestern College and many more!

As part of our Title V HSI Grant initiatives, join Title V for “Latinx Hour on the Lawn” every Wednesday. The purpose of Latinx Hour on the Lawn is to increase the sense of belonging for our Latinx students through fun interactive lawn games, music, and more! Please stop by, hang out, bring your lunch, and engage with students. 

Please join MiraCosta College for many more events in celebration of Chicanx/Latinx History and Heritage:

• Échale Tajín CARE Food Distribution & Title V September 12 1 pm-2 pm
• Bienvenida Familiar September 14, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Oceanside, 1 Barnard Drive.
• Latinas/os/x Identity Workshop October 12 12 pm - 1:30 pm.
• Undocumented Student Action Week October 16-20
• Encinitas Friends of the Arts - Dia de los Muertos event October 29th, 12-4 p.m., San Elijo Campus
• Dia de los Muertos Altar Presentation & Celebration, November 1, 11:30-1:30 p.m., Community Learning Center, Building 100 and 11-2 p.m. at San Elijo Campus, Library Patio
• Dia de los Muertos event bringing Community, Lowrider Altars, Food, Entertainment & Engagement, November 2nd, 11:30-2 p.m., Oceanside Campus, Fountain/Clock Tower Area

In conjunction with MiraCosta College’s mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its LGBTQIA+ History Series. LGBTQIA+ History Month is an annual observance that honors the history and members of the lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, gender nonconforming, intersex, and queer/questioning communities. October was chosen to nationally commemorate LGBTQIA+ history, political activism, and contributions because several important dates fall within the month, including National Coming Out Day (October 11), Spirit Day acknowledging LGBTQIA+ youth (October 20), Asexual Awareness Week (last week in October), and more. Here at the college, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of the LGBTQIA+ community not just during the observed month, but throughout the year by celebrating our LGBTQIA+ History Series.

In conjunction with MiraCosta College’s  mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its PAHM Series. The celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California. In 2009, U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States. Various states, counties, and cities in the U.S. have established proclamations and resolutions declaring observance of Filipino American History Month. The late Dr. Fred Cordova, along with his wife, FANHS Founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, first introduced October as Filipino American History Month in 1992 with a resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees. Here at the college, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of the Filipinx Community not just during the observed month, but throughout the year.

In conjunction with MiraCosta’s mission to serve disproportionately impacted communities and close the equity gap, the district celebrates its Native American and Alaskan Native Heritage Series. In November, Native American and Alaskan Native Heritage Month celebrates the long history of the first inhabitants of the land and communities it has established from years before to current day. During this month we acknowledge the rich culture, unique traditions, and ongoing contributions of the 574 federally recognized tribes and the countless others still fighting for their recognition federally. We honor the many tribes and languages pre-colonization and recognize the “We are still here” movement. With approximately 250 different languages, each tribe with traditions and core beliefs that are unique to their own sovereign nations and some with the same traditions and beliefs, we celebrate the history of American Indian and Native Alaskan Culture. "National Native American Heritage Month" serves as a reminder of the positive effect Native peoples have had on the cultural development and growth of the U.S., as well as the struggles and challenges they have faced. Here at MiraCosta College, in observance of resolution No. 2-22/23, we celebrate the achievements and history of the Native American and Alaskan Native community not just during the observed month, but throughout the year.