June is a month to recognize some identities that have added to and helped shape our society today. This is a month to acknowledge the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as we celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and those who are Caribbean American for Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Pride Month
Every year in June, the LGBTQIA+ community celebrates in a number of different ways. During these celebrations, various events are held during the month as a way of recognizing the influence LGBTQIA+ community has had around the world.
Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, in 1969. Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community.
Pride Month is so important because it marks the start of huge change within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long-standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness.
There are also safe spaces on SUNY Oswego’s campus for the LGBTQIA+ community. The Pride Alliance student organization is one of those, with a goal to bring acceptance and make changes to ensure our campus is striving for and sustaining an inclusive community. Learn more about Pride Alliance on their LakerLife page!
Looking for ways to participate in Pride Month? March with #SUNYPride on June 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NYC Pride March on 25th Street and Fifth Ave. in Manhattan. You can register for the event online.
In addition, you can join Central New York’s Pride Festival & Parade on June 10, with the parade at 11 a.m. and festival from noon to 5 p.m. at the Inner Harbor in Syracuse. Read more about this celebration.
Check out this link to SUNY Oswego’s LGBTQIA+ Resource Guide organized by the Penfield Library. The document is constantly updating, so for any recommendation, reach out to Nicole Westerdahl nicole.westerdahl@oswego.edu.
Caribbean American Heritage Month
National Caribbean American Heritage Month is also celebrated every June to honor and celebrate America’s rich and diverse Caribbean-American culture. The recognition has been officially celebrated since 2006, when then-President George W. Bush signed a proclamation to recognize the contributions to this nation by Caribbean Americans.
The United States Census notes at least 23 Caribbean countries including Puerto Rico, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and many others.
Caribbean Americans have not only innovated in American culture, but have also contributed greatly to the development of the nation in areas of science and medicine. There are also numerous Caribbean Americans whose services the U.S. is grateful for even today.
On our very own campus, The Caribbean Student Association, or CSA, is a space for students of Caribbean descent and others to learn and have dialogue with peers about Caribbean culture. Check out the LakerLife page for more information on The Caribbean Student Association!
This month aims to recognize the contributions of all Caribbean-American people and to teach people more about their culture and history. Come celebrate with us!
-- Submitted by the Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice