America.gov-Diversity: Introduction

Women’s History, Accomplishments Celebrated Every March

Louise Fenner — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:11:18 -0500

For Women's History Month 2008, the National Women’s History Project is recognizing the accomplishments of 12 women artists -- Violet Oakley, Rose O'Neill, Edna Hibel, Lihua Lei, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Faith Ringgold, Miriam Schapiro, Lorna Simpson, June Wayne, Nancy Spero, Harmony Hammond and Judy Chicago.

End of U.S. Military Segregation Set Stage for Rights Movement

David McKeeby — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:29:04 -0500

African Americans have served in the U.S. military since the days of George Washington, but it took until July 26, 1948, when President Truman issued an executive order for desegregating the armed forces, for the country to begin living up to the democratic ideals that they fought to defend.

Washington's Birthday Holiday Honors First President

Michael J. Friedman — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:39:35 -0500

The Washington’s Birthday holiday in the United States honors George Washington, commander of the United States armies in the War of Independence, first president of the United States, and "first in the hearts of his countrymen."

U.S. Universities Strive To Increase Student Diversity

Jeffrey Thomas — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:46:55 -0500

Supporting diversity and creating a sense of inclusiveness for minority and foreign-born students are growing priorities for U.S. graduate schools. The University of Virginia has been honored for its program on graduate student diversity. The award recognizes innovative efforts to identify, recruit and retain minority graduate students.

Indian-American’s Experience Drives Her Immigrant Rights Advocacy

Lea Terhune — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:34:20 -0500

Deepa Iyer moved from India to Kentucky at the age of 12. Blazing a path from there to being the executive director of the influential South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT) took hard work, timely opportunity and key influences that shaped her perceptions of democracy.

New Film on America To Be Shown at U.S. Consulates, Embassies

Lauren Monsen — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:39:16 -0500

Visitors to U.S. consulates and embassies soon will be able to watch a short film, I Am America, that introduces them to America’s people and landscapes, conveying the simple message that America is a diverse, interesting and friendly place. The nonprofit organization Business for Diplomatic Action commissioned the film as a gift to the U.S. government.

Portrait of Indian-American Lawmaker Displayed in U.S. Capitol

Louise Fenner — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:48:00 -0500

The 6-year-old great-granddaughter of Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian American elected to the U.S. Congress, pulled back a blue curtain to uncover his portrait in the U.S. Capitol as more than 225 people applauded. The portrait, unveiled November 7, is part of a series dedicated to historically important members of Congress. Saund, who died in 1973, is recognized not only as the first Indian American to hold a seat in Congress -- he was elected in 1956 and served three terms -- but also as someone who helped pave the way for Indian immigration to the United States.

New Film Introduces Visitors to the United States and Its People

Lauren Monsen — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:44:15 -0500

At two major U.S. airports, travelers arriving from abroad will be able to watch a short film that offers a lively introduction to the United States and its people. Welcome: Portraits of America was created by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as a gift to the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security.

Immigration Seen Adding 105 Million to U.S. Population by 2060

Jeffrey Thomas — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:43:03 -0500

Since the founding of the United States, the population of the country has been growing at a rate that some scientists say is unprecedented in human history. Some believe that this population explosion made the United States one of the most prosperous countries of the world. But others point to congestion, urban sprawl, traffic, pollution, loss of open spaces and the increase in greenhouse gas emission as negative effects of rapid population growth. A new report projects that current levels of immigration will add 105 million to the U.S. population by 2060, while doing little to slow the rise in the population’s median age.

African-American Newcomers, Veterans Share Political Spotlight

Lauren Monsen — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 10:35:57 -0500

Growing appreciation of diversity has transformed the U.S. political landscape in recent years, and the country’s 2006 midterm elections ushered in a new wave of promising black politicians. At the same time, those elections also elevated older, more seasoned blacks in Congress, legislators whose experience and seniority are being rewarded with leadership posts. Among the newcomers are Deval Patrick, the new governor of Massachusetts; Georgia’s Hank Johnson, one of two Buddhists elected to the U.S. House of Representatives; and Minnesota’s Keith Ellison, who takes his seat as the first Muslim member elected to Congress.

Minority Groups Now One-Third of U.S. Population

Michael Jay Friedman — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 18:02:08 -0500

The U.S. Census Bureau announcement that one-third of U.S. residents claim "minority" heritage reflects the vitality of an American national identity that transcends race, religion and class.

U.S. Diversity Increasing, Census Data Show

Charlene Porter — Wed, 10 May 2006 10:32:53 -0500