Cultures United
Heritage months are important to celebrate because they provide a space to teach and learn the stories and histories of each ethnic culture. They provide the opportunity to acknowledge the complexity and richness of each cultural identity from the narrative of the community.
Although there are designated heritage month celebrations, the #CulturesUnited Campaign aims to acknowledge and pay tribute to all groups of people beyond the designated heritage months. To honor the different communities that call our city home, this initiative will acknowledge all heritage months into a year-long campaign.
January - Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries and called many names: as Chunjie in Chinese, Tet in Vietnamese, Seollal in Korean, and more. No matter what language you speak, we are called to observe the Lunar New Year by coming together with friends and family to exchange good wishes for the year.
As many of you may know, Lunar New Year starts with the first new moon of the lunar calendar, typically between late January to late February and cycles through the 12 animals of the Zodiac.
This year, Chinese New Year (Year of the Snake) begins January 29, 2025 and will last until February 16, 2026
February - Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is the first day of the New Year in the lunar calendar. The New Year occurs on the date of the New Moon sometime each year between January 21st and February 20th and is celebrated by numerous of cultures in various ways.
February - Black History Month
Black History Month is more than a celebration. It’s a powerful, powerful reminder that Black history is American history. Black culture is American culture. Black stories are essentially an ongoing story of America.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, we carry on this opportunity with this year’s theme of Black Resistance.
Black History Month calls us to recognize the achievements and acknowledge the history of African Americans.
Resources
March - Irish-American Heritage Month
March was designated as Irish-American Heritage Month by Congress in 1991. This month honors the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants in the Unites States.
May - AANHPI Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month
This heritage month originated in June 1977, when Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Mineta of California called upon the President to proclaim the first 10 days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. In October 1978, President Jimmy Carter expanded the observance as an annual celebration; and, 12 years later President George H.W. Bush extended the week-long celebration to a month. The official designation of May as AAPI Heritage Month was signed into law in 1992. The month of May was chosen to observe AAPI for several reasons, including to commemorate the first Japanese who came to the country in May of 1843, and to mark the May 1869 completion of the Transcontinental Railroad which involved the labor of many Chinese immigrants. The AANHPI community is made up of culturally and linguistically - diverse people, representing populations from many countries and islands.
Resources
June - Juneteenth
Have a Happy Juneteenth!
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth or June 19 is a nationally recognized day to celebrate the freedom of the last enslaved Black Americans. In 1865, Major General Gordon Granger issued an order in Galveston, Texas declaring enslaved people there free. Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two years earlier in 1863, declaring the abolition of slavery, in practice not every enslaved person was able to exercise their freedom right away. Some slaveowners had moved to Texas to continue slavery, and others delayed the freedom of their enslaved people until after the harvest.
In 1866, freedmen in Texas first celebrated Juneteenth, and the celebration eventually spread to other states, even being celebrated with parades and festivals today. Celebrations over the years have included music, barbecues, prayer services, and other activities.
June - Pride Month
From its roots in activism and resistance to the modern celebration of love and diversity, this month holds profound significance for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Dating back to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, Pride Month stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ trailblazers who fought for equality and justice. It's a time to reflect on the progress we've made and the work that lies ahead. In the face of discrimination and adversity, LGBTQIA+ voices have risen, shaping laws, culture, and social perceptions. We remember the heroes who paved the way and proudly stand on their shoulders, amplifying the call for inclusivity and acceptance.
Pride Month is a jubilant celebration of love, self-expression, and the rich tapestry of identities within our community. It's a time to embrace our authentic selves, spread love, and build bridges of understanding across all backgrounds.
Resources
July - August - Samoan Heritage Week
Samoan Heritage Week is July 28 - August 3, 2024
The City of South San Francisco was proud to celebrate Samoan Heritage Week. A proclamation was presented to Trustee Manufou Liaga Anoa'i (Executive Director of the Pacific Islander Community Partnership and the National Samoan Chiefs Council) at the city council meeting on July 24, 2024.
The following week, the American and Native Samoan flags were raised at City Hall in honor of Samoan Heritage Week.
September - Concert in the Park
Save the date for the Parks and Recreation Department's free Annual Concert in the Park on Saturday, September 21! This free event will take place at Orange Memorial Park from 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Family and friends of all ages are encouraged to join in the festivities.
September - United Against Hate Week
September 21-27, 2024 is United Against Hate Week. The week is a call for local civic action to stop hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of neighborhoods, towns, and cities.
You are welcome to print a “South San Francisco Stands United Against Hate” poster(PDF, 13KB). 
September - Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the cultures, rich histories, and diversity of the American Latino community.
October - Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month is observed in October every year to mark the anniversary of the first recorded evidence of Filipinos in America. Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian-American community in the U.S., and are the third-largest racial group in California. Their contributions to our country are exemplary and their achievements are recognized and celebrated throughout this designated month.
Fireside Chat with the Mayor and Vice Mayor
Cultures United spoke with Mayor Nagales and Vice Mayor Nicolas about what their Filipino culture means to them and what legacy they would like to leave as the first Filipino Mayor and Vice Mayor of South San Francisco. Check out the interview!
October - Italian-American Heritage Month
Oral Histories
The South San Francisco Public Library has a collection of digitized oral histories from residents. They were recorded by the Historical Society approximately 40 - 50 years ago. Please see below for some fascinating stories from Italian American elders:
In addition, Cultures United spoke with Alvaro Bettucchi, a lifelong resident of South San Francisco who remembers when the city was majority Italian. Listen here and follow along to the historical materials that Mr. Bettucchi references:
November - Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
In 2021, the State of California established November 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. California's recognition is the result of work by fifth graders at Martin Elementary School in South San Francisco, who planned and organized the first Walk to School Day in 2018 after learning about Ruby Bridges and taking her legacy to heart.
Goals of Cultures United
The Cultures United Campaign is a year-long effort that aims to:
- Pay tribute to, celebrate, and honor the cultures of the residents that make up South San Francisco
- Inform, educate, and empower the community though targeted outreach and celebration efforts
- Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches to community resources and relationship building
- Create a comprehensive campaign for the City in an effort to avoid “one-offs” throughout the year