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Cultural Celebrations
- Black History Month
- Women's History Month
- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Pride Month
February is Black History Month! We invite residents and employees to join in the celebration this month and every month of the year by checking out some of the resources* below.
Black History Month Proclamation Video
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition Video: Black History Month
History of Black History Month
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. This annual celebration recognizes the achievements of African Americans and acknowledges their central role in U.S. history. You can find more history on the origins of Black History Month on the federal African American History Month website or the History Channel's feature on Black History Month.
Local Black Community in Frederick
- 15,486 community members identify as Black or African American, according to 2020 Esri Demographics
- The community includes youth, parents, families, LGBTQ+, people of faith, and more.
- Learn more about the history of the Black community of Frederick past and present on the Heritage Frederick website.
Frederick Celebrates Black History Month
Looking to shop or attend events to celebrate? Check out these local opportunities!
- Downtown Frederick Partnership offers a list of Black-owned businesses in the downtown area or you can support a Black-owned restaurant in Maryland
- Learn about the African American heritage in Frederick by walking the African American Sites Walking Tour provided by Visit Frederick
- Attend the Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performance at the Weinberg Center for the Arts on Monday, February 21 at 6:00pm, featuring the talented K-12 Youth of Frederick County showcasing their talents in Dance, Music, Tableau, and Spoken Word.
- Watch the classic The Color Purple as part of the Cinema Club Film Series at the Weinberg Center for the Arts on Sunday, February 20 at 3:00pm.
- Attend a performance of the play Detroit '67 at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, running through the month of February into March.
Recommended Resources
- Read featured profiles as part of Frederick County Public Schools' Black History Month celebration.
- Find a comprehensive list of book, video, and movie titles for kids, teens, and adults as part of Frederick County Public Library's Building Bridges program.
*Note: Many of the links included in the following content sections are to third party websites. The City of Frederick does not endorse any of the following products or services and the quality of each website will vary.
Women’s History Month Proclamation Video
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition Video: Women’s History Month
History of Women’s History Month
Since 1978, March has been designated to the recognition and celebration of Women’s achievements and contributions to history and society. Women’s History Month first began as a week-long celebration in Santa Rose, California held during the same week as International Women’s Day which is March 8. As the movement began to popularize throughout the country, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th Women’s History Week. Succeeding presidents continued to do so until Congress passed Public Law 100-9, between 1988 and 1994, designating March as Women’s History Month. You can find more information on the history of Women’s History month on the official Women’s History Website, or the federal Women’s History Month website.
Local Female Community in Frederick
- 51.5 percent of city residents identify as female, according to 2021 Census
- The City is home to approximately 2,403 women-owned businesses or firms
- There have been plenty of well-known female residents in Frederick – learn more about them on the Heritage Frederick website!
Frederick Celebrates Women’s History Month
Looking to shop or attend events to celebrate? Check out these local opportunities!
- Celebrate the strong women of Frederick by walking the Women of Frederick Tour provided by Visit Frederick.
- Dine at one of Frederick’s many women-owned restaurants, such as Glory Dough and Diner or Attaboy Barrel House, or shop at a women-owned business.
- Attend a performance at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, such as comedian Paula Poundstone (March 26th), or the Celtic group Cherish the Ladies (March 20th).
Recommended Resources
- Visit the National Park Service women’s history month website to learn more or reflect on women's contributions of past and present and find opportunities to celebrate at any of the more than 400 national parks across the country.
- Check out this list of must-read books by women, from classics to modern masterpieces.
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
History of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In 1978, Joint Resolution 1007 was introduced, and it was proposed that the president should proclaim a week in which the first 10 days of May would be recognized as Asian/ Pacific Heritage week. This resolution was signed on October 5, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter and Presidents continued to pass annual proclamations until 1992 when congress passed public law 102-450. Public law 102-450 annually designated May as Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month. If you would like more information about Asian American/ Pacific Islander Heritage Month, check out the official Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month website.
Local Asian American/Pacific Islander Community in Frederick
- 4,840 community members identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander.
- The community includes youth, parents, families, LGBTQ+, people of faith, and more.
Frederick Celebrates Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Looking to shop or learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander culture and history in Frederick to celebrate? Check out these local opportunities!
- Head out to the "Celebrate Asian Heritage" event hosted by the Asian American Center of Frederick to enjoy a full day of culture and entertainment at the Carroll Creek Park, Saturday May 28th!
- Participate in the Asian American Center of Frederick's new program – “Carroll Creek Culture Series” - in conjunction with the Downtown Frederick Partnership’s First Saturday’s celebrations. The culture series will present 5 thematic events from May to September.
- Dine or shop at one of Frederick’s many Asian American-owned businesses.
Recommended Resources
- Read about our notable AAPI residents, like Elizabeth Chung and Chen Chiang, on Heritage Frederick’s We the People website.
- Check out the website of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) to find information about this year’s AAPI month theme, “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration”.
The City of Frederick is thrilled to celebrate Pride with the community this year, and every year. This Employee Recognition video features members of the City staff, and includes a special interview with Cpl. Sara Leishear and Officer Hailey Leishear, officers in the Frederick Police Department.
Pride Month Proclamation: Video
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition: Pride Month
History of Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June each year to honor the Stonewall Riots that took place on June 28, 1969. Each day of the month is designated to a different sexuality and gender identity. Pride Month began as "Gay Pride Day" and was celebrated on the last Sunday in June. It soon grew into a month-long celebration and commemoration of the history and impacts of the LGBTQ+ community. You can find more information on the origins and traditions of Pride Month on the Library of Congress website.
The City of Frederick and the LGBTQ+ Community
Did you know that the City of Frederick earned a perfect score of 100 in the 2021 Municipal Equality Index for its ongoing efforts to ensure equal treatment of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community? The City earned points for the inclusion of the Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance in the City’s Purchasing Policies, the offering of transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits, and the City’s strong leadership around LGBTQ equality, including legislative and policy efforts.
Frederick Celebrates Pride Month
Looking for events to attend? Check out these local events!
- Attend Frederick Pride on June 25h from 11-6pm in Carroll Creek Linear Park to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community!
- Check out the Inky Cap Artist Co-Op at FAC’s Sky Stage to shop from local LGBTQ+ artisan vendors from 11-3pm on June 25th.
- Visit the Frederick Arts Council’s Gallery “Infinite Growth: An Exhibition of LGBTQ+ Artists” until September.
Recommended Resources
- Check out the resources provided by the Frederick Center, which serves the LGBTQ+ community in and around Frederick.
- Find books relate to Pride in any of the Frederick County Public Libraries, or on their webpage that features books for kids, teens, and adults.
*Note: Many of the links included in the following content sections are to third party websites. The City of Frederick does not endorse any of the following products or services and the quality of each website will vary.