In early 2021, the City of Irvine passed a resolution reaffirming Irvine's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our City and subsequently formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The committee's first campaign, We Are Irvine, aims to embrace and celebrate diversity and foster an environment that is inclusive of all cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
This web page is an arm of the We Are Irvine campaign and will be updated regularly to reflect the current and upcoming celebrations and observances of our community members and residents. For more health and human Services information, visit our We Are Irvine webpage.
| City of Irvine DE&I Events | |
| Irvine Multicultural Association | City Proclamations and Resolutions |
| Mock Village Proposal | Disability Services |
April 2024
For a description of all DEI recognitions, view our DE&I Calendar.
City of Irvine DE&I Events & Recognitions
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Journey to Poland with the Irvine Multicultural Association (IMA) for the upcoming "Exploring Our World" event Wednesday, May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lakeview Senior Center. Celebrate cultural exchange and social connection as you delve into the rich tapestry of Poland through food, dance, and education. The Consulate General of Poland will be your guide, sharing fascinating insights into the country's traditions, history, and captivating performances. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover the beauty of Polish culture. Ready to embark on this exciting adventure? Visit yourirvine.org or call 949-724-6900 to register.
Stay tuned for more events and recognitions. Do you celebrate something else this month? Let us know how we can be inclusive of all cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives and share that information with others via this web page by emailing pio@cityofirvine.org.
City Proclamations and Resolutions
April 2024: National Autism Acceptance Month
National Autism Acceptance month is an opportunity to encourage everyone to become educated and informed on Autism Spectrum Disorder, a complex developmental disorder that can cause significant social, behavioral, and communication challenges for some individuals. One in 36 children and one in 45 adults in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, early diagnoses and intervention tailored to individual needs can have lifelong benefits, easing the transition to adulthood and fostering better opportunities to support healthy development. Therefore, the Irvine City Council proclaimed April 2024 as National Autism Acceptance Month and encourages all residents to raise awareness, acceptance, and create a more inclusive environment for those affected by autism.
April 2024: Arab American Heritage Month
For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society in medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture. Since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, and bring resilient family values, strong work ethnic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith. The history of Arab Americans in American life often remains neglected and defaced by misunderstanding, and bigotry. The stereotyping must be combatted in the forms of education and awareness. Therefore, the City of Irvine, at its March 26 meeting, proclaimed April 2024 as Arab American Heritage Month and encourages all residents to honor Arab American heritage and culture.
April 23, 2024: Children’s Day
Every year on April 23, Turkish Americans celebrate Children’s Day. Turkish Americans have had an imprint on a diverse cultural spectrum of our nation and contribute to America’s advancement in the fields of business, science, medicine, technology, and the arts. The City of Irvine recognizes the importance of building a bright future for all children and acknowledges that Turkey became the first country in the world to celebrate an official Children’s Day. The City of Irvine proclaimed April 23, 2024 as Children’s Day, offering our sincere greetings to the Turkish American Community in the City of Irvine.
April 24, 2024: Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
At Its meeting March 26, the Irvine City Council proclaimed April 24, 2024 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. The Armenian Genocide was conceived and carried out from 1915 t0 1923, resulting in the death of Christians, Assyrians, Greeks, and Armenian men, women, and children. Nearly 2,000,000 Armenians were also deported – removing all traces of the Armenians. The U.S. officially recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1981, after President Ronald Reagan recognized its significance.
April 27, 2024: Iranian American Women’s Day
Iranian-American women have championed the causes of women throughout the City of Irvine and have stood on the side of immigrant rights and small businesses for several decades. Iranian-American women have come together through the Iranian American Women Foundation to connect women of Iranian heritage, celebrate their successes, reinforce their potential, and promote their economic, academic, entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and scientific contributions. The City of Irvine proclaimed April 27, 2024 as Iranian American Women’s Day and encourages all residents to honor Iranian heritage and culture.
Irvine Multicultural Association
The Irvine Multicultural Association (IMA) is a program designed for Irvine's senior residents and offers educational resources and social functions for the community. IMA's mission is to promote harmony and understanding for a better, enlightened, and healthier community. The association was formed by the same group that introduced Irvine's Global Village Festival to the community over 20 years ago.
IMA's planning committee seeks to highlight a particular culture each month through programs like their International Film Series, the English Mentoring Program, and other outlets. For more information on these programs and events, see the DEI events section above, or visit their webpage.
The IMA planning committee is looking for additional members to join the committee. Ideal representatives share the mission of the association. Please see the flier below for more information.
Irvine Multicultural Association Flier
Mock Village Proposal
The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation are the original inhabitants of the lands that became the County of Orange. Archaeological evidence shows an Acjachemen presence in this region for over 10,000 years. The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation are interested in establishing a mock village in Irvine. The Irvine City Council is proposing to create a mock village, which is being advanced by Payómkawichum Kaàmalam, which is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with over thirty years of experience as a cultural advocate and cultural resource manager for the Acjachemen people.
Possible locations for such a mock village in our City could be in the Portola Springs neighborhood. The mock village would resemble what the tribal members lived in and could showcase structures that the Acjachemen used as shelter. The Irvine City Council will continue the conversation and proposal at a future meeting.
