America.gov-Diversity: Introduction

America Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:20:11 -0400

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

Women’s History, Accomplishments Celebrated Every March

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:11:18 -0400

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:29:04 -0400

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:39:35 -0400

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."

Immigration and U.S. History

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:53:59 -0400

Tens of millions of immigrants over four centuries have made the United States what it is today. They came to make new lives and livelihoods in the New World; their hard work benefited themselves and their new home country.

U.S. Universities Strive To Increase Student Diversity

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:46:55 -0400

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:34:20 -0400

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.

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:48:00 -0400

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.

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:43:03 -0400

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 10:35:57 -0400

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 18:02:08 -0400

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

iipcms@state.gov (iipcms) — Wed, 10 May 2006 10:32:53 -0400