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 |
August 2024
For a description of all DEI recognitions, view our DE&I Calendar.
City of Irvine DE&I Events & Recognitions
Check back for upcoming DE&I Events and Recognitions.
City Proclamations and Resolutions
Afghan American Cultural Heritage Month: August 2024
At its meeting August 13, the Irvine City Council proclaimed August 2024 as Afghan American Cultural Heritage Month. The Afghan community in the City of Irvine is supported by active Afghan-owned nonprofit organizations, such as Samir’s Foundation, that work tirelessly to promote cultural awareness, provide community services, and foster a sense of unity and pride among Afghan Americans. Nomad Style, an Afghan American design house, has successfully organized Afghan fashion shows in the City of Irvine, showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of Afghan fashion and art, and promoting cultural exchange and understanding. The Afghan American population has continuously advocated for the well-being of its community, both in Irvine and abroad. Afghan Independence Day is also celebrated on August 19.
BAPS Day: August 4, 2024
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, “BAPS,” is a worldwide Hindu denomination dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service, and promoting better living. Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), established the first BAPS Hindu mandir in the United States on August 4, 1974. BAPS mandirs offer a welcoming and spiritual space for thousands of families, as well as worship, fellowship, communal meals, education, and activities for young and old. BAPS mandirs hope to serve their congregants and local communities with even greater zeal in the next fifty years and beyond.
American Muslim Appreciation And Awareness Month: August 2024
At its meeting July 23, the Irvine City Council declared August 2024 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. Freedom of religion holds the distinction of being a cherished right and fundamental value upon which the law and ethics of the United States are based. Enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the City of Irvine takes great pride in supporting individuals who express their religious freedom and is strengthened by the many cultural traditions of its diverse population, including those of American Muslims. Irvine residents are supported with advocacy and resources by a multitude of Muslim community-based organizations and schools. American Muslims within the City of Irvine strive to promote peace and understanding between all faiths, identities, and nationalities while upholding those values and principles that define the American people.
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. A historian will assist the City of Irvine in engagement efforts and project planning for the mock village. The Irvine City Council will continue the conversation and proposal at a future meeting in September 2024.