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 webpage 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.
| City of Irvine DE&I Events | |
| Irvine Multicultural Association | City Proclamations and Resolutions |
November 2023
For a description of all DEI recognitions, view our DE&I Calendar.
City of Irvine DE&I Events & Recognitions
Eye on DE&I Summit
On November 2, the City of Irvine hosted the Orange County Public Relations Society of America's second annual Eye on DE&I Summit at the Great Park. Attendees participated to learn about perspectives and insights on DE&I initiatives at the intersection of public affairs, communications, education, and business. The City's Assistant to the City Manager presented as a panelist during the event.
Veterans Day: November 11
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. Sixteen years later, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served their country during war or peacetime. On this day, the nation honors military veterans — living and dead — with parades and other observances across the country and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
The City of Irvine will host a special ceremony in the Formal Garden at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park Saturday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to noon to pay tribute to our nation’s troops — past and present. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 949-724-6606
Read more about the Veteran Population from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Saluting Heroes: Irvine Senior Services Veterans Day Recognition
You are invited to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the United States. If you have a cherished veteran in your life, who is an Irvine resident aged 50 and older, you can offer a special gesture of thanks by requesting their yard or doorstep be decorated with a free American flag. 
These flags serve as a symbol of heartfelt appreciation for their service this Veterans Day!
City of Irvine dignitaries, staff, and volunteers will deliver flags to residences November 7–8. To nominate a veteran, please register by November 1 at yourirvine.org. For more information, contact kjefferson@cityofirvine.org.
City Proclamations and Resolutions
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
At its meeting November 14, the Irvine City Council proclaimed November 2023 as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month in the City of Irvine. During this month we celebrate the rich tapestry of Indigenous peoples and honor their sacrifices, which are inextricable woven into the history of this country. The City of Irvine is built upon the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation; without them the building of the City of Irvine would not have been possible. Native Americans have enriched our heritage and continue to add to all aspects of our society through their culture and continued practice of teaching economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability.
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that leads to progressive mental and physical impairments. By 20230, nearly 89,000 Orange County residents over 65 years old will be living with Alzheimer's disease. It is the third leading cause of death in California and fifth leading cause in the nation. The Irvine City Council proclaimed November 2023 as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month to support the mission of Alzheimer's Orange County, which provides hands-on care and support, information, referrals, and resources for families in Orange County who are living with Alzheimer's disease.
Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month
Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than one hundred years and it is the fifth-largest religion in the work. Today, there are more than 23 million Sikhs worldwide. Sikh American pursue diverse professions and walks of life, making rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States. The City of Irvine looks to further the diversity of its community and afford all residents the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared experiences of Sikh Americans. Therefore, the Irvine City Council proclaimed November 2023 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month at its meeting November 14, 2023.
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
For more health and human Services information, visit our We Are Irvine webpage.
