Filipino American History Month or FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the United States on October 18, 1587. Filipino-Americans were known as Luzones Indios back then, and they were primarily Filipino sailors who were enrolled in the Spanish navy as native laborers during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. From the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, they arrived at the shores of present-day Morro Bay, California. Following years of campaigning and advocacy by both civil society and organizations, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992. In 2009, Congress recognized the month of October officially as Filipino American History Month in the U.S.

Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. Italian American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989 by a special proclamation of both Congress and President George H. W. Bush.

Over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000. Currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. This makes Italian-Americans the fifth largest ethnic group in our nation. Each year Italians around the country take time to celebrate their heritage, history, and culture with festivals and parades.

Polish American Heritage Month is an annual designation observed in October. Across the globe, there are about 9.5 million Polish Americans. They represent about 3% of the American population. The first wave of millions of Polish people migrated to America between 1800 and 1860. The second and third generations of Polish people were born in America in the late 1900s and grew up as Americans with a touch of Polish heritage. The Polish community has always held onto a fierce passion for their culture, their independence, and their new country.

Ways to Celebrate:

Consider having a real celebration with friends or family this year, especially if you even have a touch of Pole in your heritage. Here are some things you can do, Polish or not, to celebrate this month and learn some more about this culture.

1. Learn some Polish dances (the polka is fun and very popular!)

2. Do some research about Polish literature and culture. Educating yourself on history always helps broaden your mind.

3. Research famous Polish Americans.

Cook! Try making some pierogi’s or kielbasa. You won’t be disappointed. (Also, October 8 is National Pierogi Day, so there’s an added incentive.)

ULS participated in our first Unit Day on October 19, 2022

On the third Wednesday of October, plan to wear and share the color orange—as a tangible representation of the supportive, universal message that our society wants to prevent bullying, and is united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Let's show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This year we RISE to ensure every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support she deserves. When we RISE, we Rally in Screening Everyone.