America.gov-

Hispanics Are Largest Minority Group in United States

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:31:12 -0400

Hispanic Americans make up the nation’s largest minority group, according to newly released findings of the U.S. Census, a massive data-gathering project that helps define the future of the country’s democratic process. Of a total population of nearly 309 million people, 16 percent are Hispanic.

Americans “Stand With Japan” in Support of Tsunami Survivors

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:29:03 -0400

Americans are standing with Japan, collecting donations for the American Red Cross’ Japan earthquake and tsunami relief fund.

In East Asia, Sports Envoys Inspire Success On and Off the Field

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:13:51 -0400

Barry Larkin, Joe Logan and Ken Griffey Jr. serve as sports envoys for the State Department, visiting South Korea and the Philippines this year. The former professional baseball players help youth audiences hone athletic skills while demonstrating how success in sports can turn into success in life.

Kennedy Center Goes Bollywood for “maximum INDIA”

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:54:04 -0400

Recently, the hottest ticket in Washington was a dazzling show that took its audience on an exuberant tour of the music and dance of the mega-entertainment machine known as Bollywood.

Indian Writers Ponder Literature and Politics at “maximum INDIA”

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:34:40 -0400

Two of India’s most distinguished writers, Nayantara Sahgal and Salman Rushdie, discussed the question of how to define literature’s role in politics and public life during a March 18 literary panel at the Kennedy Center’s “maximum INDIA” arts festival in Washington.

U.S. Cities Strike Up the Band for St. Patrick’s Day Parades

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:16:37 -0400

St. Patrick’s Day offers the Irish and non-Irish alike the opportunity to celebrate “Irishness” in a variety of ways — some authentic, some innovative, some downright tacky — but none has proved more widespread or enduring than the annual parade.

America Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:43:42 -0400

St. Patrick’s Day might be one of the world’s most celebrated holidays, with city-sponsored festivities in Japan, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Great Britain and the United States, as well as Ireland. That geography reflects the broad dispersion of Irish during a 300-year migration.

A Nowruz Lesson for a New Generation of Iranian Americans

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:56:57 -0400

American children prepare to celebrate Nowruz at a school that teaches them the Persian language and culture of their grandparents.

First Lady Working to Change U.S. Attitudes on Health

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:23:28 -0400

First lady Michelle Obama is using her strong public influence to help change the way people in the United States think about health and nutrition. Her national campaign, called Let’s Move, is gaining support from experts who are concerned about childhood obesity.

For Globetrotting Presidents, Air Force One Provides Perfect Ride

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:37:03 -0400

The gleaming jumbo jet called Air Force One is more than a plush ride for the president of the United States. It’s an American icon, an instrument of statecraft and, as a former White House aide put it, “worth 10,000 votes” every time it lands.

Crafts Inspired by India Dazzle at “maximum INDIA” Exhibition

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:07:39 -0400

The art, crafts and artifacts from India that are on display at Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are imbued with “majesty and mystery.” Indian artisans decorate even ordinary, practical items in order to dazzle, explains a curator for the “maximum INDIA” exhibition.

Yemeni Americans Pillar of Support for Michigan Community

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:42:35 -0400

With over four decades of service to the community, the Yemen American Benevolent Society of Dearborn, Michigan, continues to help those in need. With its cadre of volunteers buttressed by community support, the association is meeting challenges for immigrants and lower-income Americans.

Classical Dance Luminaries Launch 20 Days of “maximum INDIA”

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:55:16 -0400

Two of India’s most respected classical dancers and teachers — Alarmel Valli of the bharatanatyam school of dance and Madhavi Mudgal of the odissi style — unite for a unique performance at the 20-day “maximum INDIA” festival at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.

Art at “maximum INDIA” Festival Evokes Cultural Memory and Loss

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:58:54 -0400

Indian artist Reena Kallat has constructed an artistic installation about the impermanence of architecture for the “maximum INDIA” festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Peace Corps Marks 50th Anniversary of Service to the World

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:09:33 -0400

March 1 marked the 50-year anniversary of the start of the Peace Corps by executive order of President John F. Kennedy and under the leadership of R. Sargent Shriver. Over five decades, more than 200,000 volunteers have served 139 host countries.

Presidential Proclamation on Women’s History Month, 2011

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:12:10 -0400

President Obama proclaims March 2011 as Women’s History Month and calls upon all Americans to observe this month and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2011.

Sport Unites Young Turkish and Armenian Basketball Players

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:37:12 -0400

Young basketball players from Turkey and Armenia faced off in friendly competition at sports camps in Turkey in August 2010 and in the United States in February. A selection from boys and girls teams in both countries met U.S. players and coaches, including NBA great Gheorghe Mureşan.

Young American Blogger Discusses Social Media’s Power for Change

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:19:10 -0400

American blogger Zerlina Maxwell and Palestinian students from An-Najah National University, in a video conference, discuss the power of social networking and blogging. Maxwell explains how Palestinians can use blogs, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to reach out to global audiences.

Moroccan and American Musicians Bridge Culture and Silence

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:34:22 -0400

During a trip to Morocco, drummers from the Southern University Marching Band learn that deafness is no barrier to making great music. In Rabat, deaf Moroccan percussionists join them on stage for a performance that amazes American musicians and the audience alike.

Award-Winning American Band Performs with Algerian Boy Scouts

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:56:48 -0400

After visiting Morocco, the Southern University Marching Band’s drumline travels to Algeria where it performs in several cities, meeting with locals and playing an impromptu concert with Boy Scouts in Sidi Fredj. Percussionist Alexander Riggins says the drumline felt welcome in Algeria.

Exhibition Explores African Americans’ Imprint on U.S. and World

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:04:15 -0400

A new traveling exhibition, America I AM: The African American Imprint, explores the many contributions and far-reaching influence of African Americans on the economic, political, cultural and spiritual life of the United States and the world.

Kennedy Center Shifts to Cultural Overdrive for “maximum INDIA”

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:53:06 -0400

More than 500 artists and performers are preparing for the opening of a 20-day festival celebrating the arts and culture of India at Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which is working with the Indian Council for Cultural Resources to host the center’s largest event of 2011.

Elarbi Imad: Civic Education Helps Form Responsible Citizens

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:30:57 -0400

Elarbi Imad, the president of the Moroccan Center for Civic Education, discusses the importance of civil society.

United States, China Cultivate Partnership Through China Garden

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:21:50 -0400

The United States and China are cooperating to build a classical Chinese garden at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington. The project, a gift from the Chinese people to the American people, aims to enhance mutual understanding through education, cultural celebration and continued partnership.

American Dancers Bring Hip-Hop Rhythms and Moves to Tajikistan

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:20:20 -0400

The sounds, moves and rhythms of American hip-hop music were transported to the heights of Central Asia as two top U.S. hip-hop dance choreographers spent a week teaching students and performers their art form in dance workshops held throughout Tajikistan late last year.

Bahraini and American Theater Pioneers Spotlight Cooperation

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:00:02 -0400

Bahraini and American theater pioneers share many of the same challenges when it comes to practicing their craft. A State Department program is bringing together American and Bahraini leaders of the stage to exchange ideas on how to improve theater in both countries.

Obama’s Remarks Honoring 2010 Medal of Freedom Recipients

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:30:16 -0400

President Obama awards the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom to 14 individuals, including former President George H.W. Bush, for setting “an extraordinary example for all of us.”

As Cricket World Cup Nears, U.S. Fans and Players Are Watching

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:09:01 -0400

As the 10th Cricket World Cup approaches, fans around the world are waiting for the first match — including millions of cricket fans and thousands of cricket players in the United States. There are 15 million to 20 million cricket fans and more than 100,000 cricket players in the United States.

An Overview of U.S. Holidays

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:47:05 -0400

Nations and religious denominations set aside a number of days to commemorate special events, persons or public occasions. These holidays typically are marked by a general suspension of work and business activity, and by public and/or religious ceremonies. Learn about U.S. holidays.

America Savors Its Music During Jazz Appreciation Month

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:11:31 -0400

Each April, the United States celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month, an opportunity to savor a major American contribution to world culture. John Edward Hasse, the Smithsonian’s curator of American music, provides a brief history of jazz and recommends a few places to hear it.