Commemorative Programs
This page contains a selection of commemorative videos and heritage celebrations presented by the Montgomery County County Council. For a complete list of proclamations, please visit the Council Spotlight.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
On Oct. 1, 2024, the Montgomery County Council presented a proclamation Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The 2024 theme is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together."
African Heritage Month 2024
On Sept. 17, 2024, the Montgomery County Council celebrated African Heritage Month, which recognizes and celebrates African achievement and educates community members about the many cultures across the African diaspora.
Caribbean American Heritage Month 2024
On June 11, 2024, Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles presents a proclamation recognizing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024
On May 21, 2024, the Council presents a proclamation with community members and elected officials to commemorate May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
Jewish American Heritage Month 2024
On May 7, 2024, the Montgomery County Council was joined by community members to present a proclamation commemorating May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Commemorating Black History Month 2024
On Feb. 6, 2024, the Council commemorated Black History Month with a proclamation led by Council President Andrew Friedson and Councilmembers Will Jawando and Laurie-Anne Sayles. The theme for this year’s commemoration was “African Americans and the Arts.”
Tenth Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Commemoration
The Montgomery County Council hosted its tenth annual Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. The theme for this year’s commemoration was “Nosotros: The Rise of Latino Influence in the United States.”
Third Annual African Heritage Month Commemoration
On Sept. 12, 2023, the Montgomery County Council held its third annual African Heritage Month commemoration hosted by Councilmembers Will Jawando, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Council President Evan Glass. The theme of this year’s event was Celebrating African Changemakers who are redefining Culture and Community.
Jewish American Heritage Month 2023
On May 9, 2023, the Council presented a proclamation with community leaders to commemorate May as Jewish American Heritage Month, led by Council President Evan Glass, Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Councilmember Sidney Katz.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023
On May 2, 2023, Council President Evan Glass, Councilmember Kristin Mink and the full County Council commemorated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which is recognized nationally throughout the month of May.
Commemoration Celebrating Black History Month
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, the Council celebrated Black History Month with community members and leaders from Montgomery County. The celebration focused on this year’s national theme “Black Resistance” to commemorate how African Americans have united through generations to defeat systemic oppression.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2022
The Montgomery County Council held its ninth annual Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration hosted by Councilmember Nancy Navarro and Council President Gabe Albornoz on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Latinas: Leadership Without Borders.”
African Heritage Month 2022: The Influence of Africa on America
On September 13, 2022, the Montgomery County Council commemorated African Heritage Month by recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals who have brought aspects of African culture to the County, contributing to the region’s diversity and rich cultural traditions.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2022
On May 3, 2022, the Montgomery County Council commemorated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is recognized nationally throughout the month of May to acknowledge the roles that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in our history and celebrates their achievements and contributions.
More information on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2022
Black History Month 2022: A Focus on Black Heath and Wellness
On Feb. 15 the Montgomery County Council will host a virtual Black History Month commemoration. At this year’s commemoration, we will honor the work of Black health and wellness experts in Montgomery County. The commemoration will include a proclamation presentation and a video segment highlighting Black leaders who have had a positive impact on the health and wellness of our community throughout their work and lives. Mark your calendar to tune in on County Cable Montgomery, Facebook or YouTube.
African Heritage Month 2021: The Resiliency of our African Business Owners
On September 28 the Council held an African Heritage Month Commemoration hosted by Council President Tom Hucker and Councilmember Will Jawando. The theme for the commemoration celebration was "The Resiliency of African Businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic." It included a video segment that honored the work and tenacity of African business owners from different sectors in Montgomery County.
Elevating Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices
On May 4, 2021, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Council presented a proclamation to recognize the achievements and contributions of Montgomery County residents from the AAPI community.
Four sets of interviews introduce fifteen incredible individuals from the AAPI community in Montgomery County.
More information on Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2021
Black History Month 2021
On Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 the Council held a virtual commemoration for Black History Month. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “African American Changemakers who are Leading, Healing and Shaping Montgomery County.” The commemoration includes a video highlighting community leaders.
Indigenous Peoples' Day 2020
On Oct. 13, 2020, the Montgomery County Council presented a proclamation recognizing the second Monday in October, which has historically been associated with Columbus Day, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This proclamation is the result of a resolution that was initiated by Councilmember Nancy Navarro and was unanimously passed by the Montgomery County Council on July 28, 2020.
View the Council resolution in support of Indigenous Peoples' Day
Hispanic Heritage Month 2020
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 the Council held the annual Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration hosted by Councilmember Nancy Navarro, then Council President Sidney Katz and Councilmember Gabe Albornoz. Councilmember Navarro established this important tradition at the Council and spearheads this commemoration each year. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Latinx Heroes: Leading, Healing and Providing Hope during the Pandemic.”
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2020
During the month of May 2020, the Council celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To mark to the occasion, four video segments were presented throughout the month highlighting the lives, businesses, and perspectives of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Montgomery County.
More information on Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2020
Black History Month 2020
On February 11, 2020 the Council recognized Black History Month by focusing on the theme “Honoring historic African American communities in Montgomery County.” Last year’s commemoration focused on the importance of preserving and honoring the County’s African American history and its connection to fostering racial equity. This year’s program will focus on the importance of preserving these historic African American communities in the County.
Biographies of participants and pictures and videos about the event can be found at: Black History Month 2020
Hispanic Heritage Month 2019
On September 24, 2019 at 11 a.m. the Council will held its Hispanic Heritage Month Commemoration hosted by Council President Nancy Navarro. The theme of the event for this year’s commemoration was Latin Americans: A History of Serving Our Nation, State, and County. Those who were be recognized include: Claudia Campos Galván, program director, Nueva Vida; Moisés Linares, sports anchor, Telemundo- NBC, Jonathan Acosta, singer and writer, the Honorable Ana Sol Gutiérrez, former Md. Delegate; the Honorable Maricé Morales, former Md. Delegate; Ricardo Loaiza, executive director of Latin Dance Company DC Salseros/Latin Vibes; Javier Solís, entrepreneur, Toro Taxes; and María José Solís, entrepreneur, Toro Taxes.
Biographies of participants and pictures and videos about the event can be found at: Hispanic Heritage Month 2019
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2019
On May 6, 2019 the Council held an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is recognized nationally throughout the month of May. This special event included a pre-meeting breakfast reception, a prepared video segment focused on youth voices on racial equity in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, a proclamation presentation by Councilmembers and comments from participants.
Biographies of participants and pictures and videos about the event can be found at: Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2019
Black History Month 2019
On February 26, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. the Council recognized Black History Month by focusing on the theme “Honoring Black History and Empowering Racial Equity.” In previous Black History Month commemorations, the Council has heard from African American residents who traced their family histories in the County back for generations. This year’s program will focus on the importance and urgency of preserving this history and its connection to the County’s Racial Equity Initiative, which was spearheaded by Council President Nancy Navarro in 2018 with a resolution to develop an Equity Policy for county government.
Biographies of participants and pictures and videos about the event can be found at: Black History Month 2019
Hispanic Heritage Month 2018
On October 9 the Council held a Hispanic Heritage Month Commemoration hosted by Councilmember Nancy Navarro. The event included a discussion with Hispanic and Latino leaders in Montgomery County whose work has helped to shape our community. Panelists shared their life experiences and achievements and discuss issues of importance for Hispanic and Latino residents in the County.
Panelist biographies, pictures and videos about the event can be found at the Hispanic Heritage Month 2018.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2018
On May 8, 2018, the Council recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Councilmembers presented a proclamation and awards to community leaders in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and showed a prepared video segment explaining the significance of the month and sharing personal stories from community leaders. There was also be a special recognition ceremony for individuals profiled in the video.
Panelist biographies, pictures and videos about the event can be found at the Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2018.
Black History Month 2018
On February 27, 2018, the Council recognized Black History Month by focusing on “Preserving the Past and Educating for the Future.” The event included a panel discussion on the importance of preserving African American culture in Montgomery County featuring Gwen Reese, Representative, St. Paul’s Community Church, Sugarland; Christine Clarke, former County liaison to the African American community and resident of the Village of Jerusalem in Poolesville; and George W. McDaniel, Ph.D., President McDaniel Consulting, LLC & Executive Director Emeritus, Drayton Hall
Panelist biographies, pictures and videos about the event can be found at the Black History Month 2018.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2017
On October 10 at the Council Office Building in Rockville, Councilmember Nancy Navarro hosted a panel discussion with Hispanic and Latino leaders in Montgomery County whose work has helped to shape our community. Panelists shared their life experiences and achievements and discuss issues of importance for Hispanic and Latino residents in the County.
Panelist biographies, pictures and videos about the event can be found at the Hispanic Heritage Month 2017.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2017
On May 2, 2017, Council President Roger Berliner and the County Council hosted a special event to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with community leaders. Panelists shared their experiences, gave details about their achievements, and discussed important issues for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who live in Montgomery County.
Panelist biographies, pictures and videos about the event can be found at the Asian American Celebration 2017.
Black History Month 2017
On February 14, 2017, the Council recognized Black History Month with a Community Spotlights on Tobytown and Lincoln Park. Ms. Phyllis Shaw represented Tobytown and Ms. Anita Neal Powell represented Lincoln Park. These women shared their personal stories and the histories of their communities to help educate the public and policy makers about the work that is still left to do. Other featured speakers included: Christina Clarke, Solomon Graham, Wilma Holmes, Arva Jackson, Donna Johnson, and Vernon Ricks. For pictures and videos about he event, visit the Black History Month Celebration 2017.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2016
On Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Council Office Building in Rockville, Councilmember Nancy Navarro will host a panel discussion with Hispanic and Latino leaders in Montgomery County whose work in community development and business expansion has helped to shape our community. Panelists will share their life experiences and achievements and discuss issues of importance for Hispanic and Latino residents in the County. Visit Hispanic Heritage Month 2016 page.
Holocaust Remembrance Day May 5, 2016
The Holocaust was the state-sponsored systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945, and while Jews were the primary target—six million were murdered—other ethnic and religious groups also were victimized. Pursuant to a 1980 Act of Congress, the United Holocaust Memorial Council designates “Days of Remembrance” each year to recall and reflect on the horrible crimes committed during the Holocaust and to endure that the memory and legacy of lives lost will not be forgotten.
The County Council proclaims Thursday, May 5, 2016 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Montgomery County and urges residents to rededicate themselves to not bear silent witness to injustice and to always remain vigilant to the principals of a just society.
Stories of Holocaust Survivors in Montgomery County, MD
Council Proclamation recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day by Councilmember Sidney Katz
Hispanic Heritage Month September 29, 2015
Council hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of residents whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, South America and Spain. Visit Hispanic Heritage 2015 page.
Black History Month February 24, 2015
To celebrate the Black History Month, County Council hosted a roundtable discussion with six long-time residents whose activism on civil rights and social justice issues played key roles in the County’s Civil Rights movement. Visit Black History Celebration 2015 page.
