Office of Community Partnerships

To help celebrate the rich diversity of Montgomery County, the Office of Community Partnerships helps to plan and organize the County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration; Black History Month; Arab American Heritage Month; Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; Juneteeth Commemoration; Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month.  We invite you to participate in celebrations that are designed to enhance our collective cultural learning experience.

All events are free and open to County employees and the public. 

Interested in finding out more?  Contact Lily Qi at lily.qi@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-2524.

Arab American Heritage Month Kick-off “Promoting Understanding in a Diverse Community”
Monday, April 7, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  
Montgomery College-Rockville, Theatre Arts Arena, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Md.
County Executive Isiah Leggett and Helen Samhan of Arab American Institute Foundation will be keynote speakers at the heritage month’s kick-off, which also features a proclamation by the County Executive and the County Council.  This event is a partnership program between Montgomery County and Montgomery College.  Community reception will follow the program.  See flyer for event details.

Reception for “Muslim Women in the Arts”
Friday, April, 25, 2008, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Executive Office Building (EOB), 101 Monroe St., Rockville, Md. 
This reception is a highlight of a month-long exhibition in EOB to showcase the artwork of Muslim women in Montgomery County to celebrate their creative talents and rich cultural heritage as Muslims from around the world. 

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Kick-off “What’s at Stake for Asian Americans in This Election Year?”
Monday, May 5, 2008, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 
Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe St. Rockville, Md. 
County Executive Isiah Leggett and County Council will kick off the celebration of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a joint proclamation and remarks followed by a panel discussion featuring national and local Asian American leaders and advocates.  This program brings the local and the national community leaders together to examine the most pressing issues that have major impact on Asian Americans regardless of ethnicities or geographies.  Community reception will follow the program. 

Reception for “Understanding Diversity through the Arts”
Thursday, May 29, 2008, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Montgomery College-Takoma Park. Cafritz Arts Center.  7600 Takoma Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 
This is an annual arts contest that encourages middle-school students to use visual arts to express their individuality and cultural heritage.  Award-winning artwork will be on display at various locations around the County from May to November including the Executive Office Building, Black Rock Center for the Arts, the Mansion at Strathmore, the Board of Education, Montgomery County Public Libraries, and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, etc.  This program is jointly sponsored by Montgomery County and Montgomery College School of Arts.  The winning artwork will be on display during the month of September in the Executive Office Building. 

In recognition of Montgomery County’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity and in respect for the diversity of its own workforce, on March 28, 2006, the County Council passed legislation (Bill No. 1-06: Special Days of Commemoration) to designate certain days of commemoration relating to the religious, ethnic and cultural heritage of County residents. On July 7, 2006, the County Executive signed the legislation into law.

Click here for a current list of Days of Commemoration.