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Celebrating Diverse Chicago

This page is dedicated to celebrating the rich history and diversity found within the City of Chicago. Here, you'll find information on upcoming events, celebrations, and acknowledgements of notable figures throughout Chicago's past, present, and future.
Have questions? Email: communityengagement@cityofchicago.org.

This Year's Celebrations

 

2023 MLK Celebration

On Friday, January 13, 2023, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City of Chicago celebrated the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – featuring keynote speaker, Honorable Congressman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District. Mayor Lightfoot presented the City of Chicago Champion of Freedom Award, which recognizes and honors Chicagoans who have embraced those principals and carry-on Dr. King’s legacy of championing their community. The 37th annual Interfaith Breakfast is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) with presenting sponsors: Amazon, Globetrotters Engineering Corporation, McDonald’s, Peoples Gas, and Walgreens; partners: United Airlines and U.S. Bank; and supporters: ComEd, Northern Trust and Walmart, Inc. with additional support provided by BMO Harris Bank.

2023 Lunar New Year

January 22, 2023 marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by many Asian communities across the globe, including Chicago’s large Chinese and Vietnamese communities.  This year is the Year of the Tiger!

Land Acknowledgement

The historic Land Acknowledgement was adopted by the City on November 17th, 2021.The City of Chicago is located on land that is and has long been a center for Native peoples. The area is the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, or the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other Nations consider this area their traditional homeland, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten. The City specifically acknowledges the contributions of Kitihawa of the Potawatomi in fostering the community that has become Chicago. We acknowledge all Native peoples who came before us and who continue to contribute to our City. We are committed to promoting Native cultural heritage.

Immigrant Heritage Month

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has proclaimed June as Immigrant Heritage Month. This month we celebrate the stories, culture, and contributions of immigrants but also commit to advocating for and building a city and country that are safe and welcoming to all who call our communities home.

2021 Arab American Heritage Month Acknowledgement

April is Arab American Heritage Month. The City of Chicago is home to one of the largest Arab American population in the United States. This has undoubtedly impacted culture and industry by influencing the arts and education, business and government, social services, and scientific and technological advancements. April has been designated Arab American Heritage Month to allow us to celebrate the cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions Arab Americans have made in Chicago and across the country. View the City of Chicago’s Proclamation.