Commemorative Moments

Remembrance, reflection and community.

Commemorative Moments recognizes events, themes, and people which are central to the identity of the College of Liberal Arts. They provide the framework to consider and reconsider the values of interdisciplinarity—curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. By appreciating common values and differences, we prioritize inclusion and diversity that enriches the communities in which we live by being engaged and informed citizens. 

Commemorative Moments will provide opportunities for:

  • Critical analysis of accepted canons and canonical readings of significant past events, people, performance, narratives, symbolism, and experiences
  • Reflection on the ways societal values regarding commemorations evolve over time
  • Analysis of interpretations and meanings ascribed to significant historical moments
  • Assessment of the role commemorative activities play in supporting democratic institutions

2023-24 Commemorative Moments Calendar

Moment Description Dates
Hispanic Heritage Month Recognition of Hispanic contributions to American history and culture September
Labor Day Opportunity to honor and reflect on the achievement of American, workers First Monday of September
Constitution Day Significance of the U.S. Constitution in modern democracy, history, politics and culture Week of September 17
Banned Books Week Opportunity to study the censorship of literature and of efforts of resistance First week of October
Native American Heritage and Alaska Native Heritage Month Recognition of Native American contributions to American history and culture November
Maryland Emancipation Day Commemoration of the emancipation of slaves in Maryland November 1, 1864
Maryland Constitution Day Reflection on the early history of the state and nation November 3, 1776
Veterans Day Recognition of American military veterans and the Armistice that ended World War I Week of November 11
Pearl Harbor Day Reflection on the impact on individuals and communities at home and abroad December 7, 1941
Human Rights Day Opportunity to reflect upon the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights December 10
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Recognition of American Civil Rights leader and proponent of nonviolent activism January 15
Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau/International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps by allied forces during WWII January 27
Black History Month Recognition of African American contributions to American history and culture February
Women’s History Month Recognition of women’s contributions to American history and culture March

International Women's Day (March 8)

Bicentennial of Harriet Tubman's birthday (March 6, 1822)
Maryland Day Opportunity to reflect on the various impacts of European settlers in Maryland March 25, 1634
Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month A chance to reflect on the history of genocide throughout the world  April
National Poetry Month Opportunity to read, promote, and celebrate poetry and poets  April
Earth Day Time to reflect on the values and goals of the environmental movement, from the late 20th century to the present April 22
May Day/International Workers Day Recognition of the labor movement and opportunity to reflect on the history and struggle of workers  May 1
APIMEDA Month Recognition of Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and Desi American contributions to history and culture May
Maryland Bill of Rights Day Reflection on the impact of the post-Civil War Constitution May 8, 1867
Brown v. Board of Education Opportunity to reflect on the national impact of this ruling on and Baltimore May 17, 1954
Memorial Day An opportunity to reflect on military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces May 29
Pride Month Commemoration of the Stonewall riots and reflection upon the struggles of LGBT communities June
Juneteenth Commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States June 19
Independence Day Reflection on democracy and freedom July 4, 1776

The primary administration of this series is in the College Dean’s Office which will maintain the Calendar of Commemorative Moments and related events. Each year, a committee will review and revise the calendar in an effort to emphasize and reinvigorate these significant moments.

A student advisory group will meet at least once each term to provide recommendations for the calendar and will be made up of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, student representatives to CLA Council, the CLA Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and the CLA Committee on Technology.

  • Laura Callahan, LLC
  • Joe Davis, English
  • Andrew Diemer, History
  • Nikki DiGregorio, Family Studies and Community Development
  • Jonathan Hensley, Political Science
  • Todd Kenreich, Secondary and Middle School Education (College of Education)
  • Jill Max, Baltimore Hebrew Institute
  • John Murungi, Philosophy and Religious Studies
  • Jo-Ann Pilardi, TURFA
  • Donn Worgs, Political Science
  • Suat Cubukcu, SOAN