Black History Month

We are proud to celebrate Black History Month with several activities. The University community is invited to attend and celebrate.

Black History Month was first introduced as "Negro History Week" in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson launched it to shine attention onto the many contributions to American history that have been made by black people. At that time, "Negro History Week" was the second week of February, chosen by Dr. Woodson because it marks the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two men that have done much to influence black Americans. Then, in 1976, the Bicentennial of the United States of America, The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History expanded Dr. Woodson's week into what is now known as Black History Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Southeast Missouri State University and the Student Organization of Latinos/Spanish Club (SOL) offer activities on campus and throughout the Cape Girardeau community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Celebration of Hispanic Heritage in the U.S. started with a week-long commemoration, first proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 after being established by legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward R. Roybal. It was extended to 30 days (September 15 - October 15) by legislation underwritten by Rep. Esteban E. Torres under President Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

Women's History Month

March is designated as Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions to American history. Women’s History Month traces its origins back to a grassroots initiative in Santa Rosa, California. It all started with the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, which organized a commemoration called "Women’s History Week" in 1978, timed to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. The momentum quickly spread nationwide, with various communities adopting their own Women’s History Week celebrations in the subsequent year. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the inaugural Presidential Proclamation, designating the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.