Cultural Celebrations

Student Involvement provides several celebrations in recognition and honor of various historical events, heritages, people, and movements. These are opportunities to learn about the history and legacy of civil rights movements and leaders who advocated and made possible the freedoms and human rights we have today. Additionally, these are opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage within and beyond the Texas State to foster greater awareness, respect, and understanding of the needs of various communities.  We hope to see you soon.


Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dr. Martin Luther King

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.  King participated in and led marches for Black people's right to vote, desegregation, labor rights, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.  Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year.


Black History Month

Black history month at Texas State graphics

Black History Month is commemorated annually in the United States from February 1 to February 29. It is a dedicated period to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor the profound contributions, achievements, and enduring legacy of individuals within the African diaspora, particularly African Americans in the US. Equally significant, this month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique experiences and pressing needs of the African diaspora in the United States.


Con Dolores y César

César Chávez and Dolores Huerta

Texas State honors, remembers and celebrates César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta, co-founders of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). An official holiday in the states of California, Colorado and Texas, and, although not a federal holiday, the U.S. President proclaims March 31st of each year as César E. Chávez Day in the United States.  Individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate to honor Chávez's life and work.


Juneteenth | Celebrate Freedom

Juneteenth graphic

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is commemorated on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free. Juneteenth has become not only a time to commemorate Black liberation from the institution of slavery, but also a time to highlight the resistance, struggle, resilience, solidarity, and culture of the Black community. It is a time for Black Americans to reflect on their ancestral roots.


Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Student Involvement observes National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) which celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with Hispanic ancestry. They include: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It also honors seven of our Latin American neighbors who celebrate their independence in September. Que viva!


Unity Welcome

a collage of Texas state students, faculty and staff

During the fall semesters, Student Involvement and Engagement presents the Unity Welcome Mixer. The Unity Welcome Mixer is a celebration of people, cultures and community at Texas State.  The program includes welcome remarks, music, live performances, food, fellowship and student organizational browse session. Join Us.


Día de los Muertos

Celebrated from October 31 – November 2, el Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their relatives who have passed away. To learn more and to participate in the community events, visit the Día de los Muertos webpage.


Celebrating Kwanzaa

Celebrating Kwanzaa

Student Involvement observes Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1) which was established as a means to help Black Americans reconnect with their African roots. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966 and is a celebration of community, family, and culture. It was created by Maulana Karenga, and based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa, including West and Southeast Africa. According to Karenga, the name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits".


Need more information

Office Hours: Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 5:00pm