America.gov-Diversity: At Leisure

Iranian Americans Observe Persian New Year Traditions

Afzal Khan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:23:04 -0500

Some 2 million Iranian Americans -- and other immigrants from neighboring countries that were once part of the Persian Empire -- celebrate Nowrouz, the Persian New Year, starting March 20 with rituals that go back thousands of years.

America Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Bridget Hunter — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:20:11 -0500

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.

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."

Half of American Leisure Time Is Spent Watching Television

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:36:22 -0500

Humor Helps Break Stereotypes About Muslims

Carolee Walker — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:11:31 -0500

There is not anything funny about Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and reflection, or about the threat of violent al-Qaida terrorists around the world, but that does not mean the average person cannot appreciate a good Muslim joke. Sometimes the best way to deal with a sensitive subject is to make fun of it, says Muslim comedian Azhar Usman.

Groups Work for Social Inclusion of Intellectually Disabled Kids

Louise Fenner — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:10:34 -0500

For young people who are intellectually disabled, it can be a lonely world. They have few opportunities to play sports, participate in social activities and make friends. Allison Coles directs the Virginia chapter of Best Buddies, a U.S. nonprofit group that fosters friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities.

America’s Extensive Islamic Heritage Detailed in Exhibitions

Jeffrey Thomas — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:41:17 -0500

When Amir Muhammad began researching his family’s roots he did not realize it might lead him to America’s little-known Islamic heritage. He assumed that most American Muslims arrived in the 20th century, and he was unaware of any Islamic connection in his family prior to his personal acceptance of Islam 35 years ago. But Muhammad discovered he does have Muslim ancestors, as do many African Americans and Native Americans, and that the story of Islam in America reaches back much further than most people imagine. In 1996, he established the nonprofit organization to uncover and preserve America’s Islamic heritage and to create a greater awareness of the Islamic experience in America.

Museum Showcases the Blending of Islamic and Western Cultures

Judy Aita — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:40:11 -0500

A new exhibition that examines the blending of Western and Islamic cultures through the art of Venice is drawing large crowds to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Venice and the Islamic World, 828-1797, explores the exchange of ideas and art objects between the great Italian maritime city and her Islamic neighbors. The exhibition "is an important step ... because Venice is a Western city that had a fruitful and open and positive relationship with the Islamic world for so many, many centuries. It is important we try to convey this message … and educate the American public," Stefano Carboni, administrator of the museum's Department of Islamic Art and the exhibition's curator, tells USINFO.

American Indians See Opportunity in Jamestown Anniversary

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 04 May 2007 10:39:46 -0500

In light of their later treatment by European settlers, modern-day American Indians in Virginia might be expected to resent the activities surrounding the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown. But many in the native community are embracing the opportunity to direct popular attention to a more realistic understanding of the complex society the first English colonists encountered, and explain how the American Indian tribes have managed, despite extreme hardship, to maintain their identities.

Parade Brings Persian New Year Celebration to New York

Carrie Loewenthal — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:12:35 -0500

A spirited crowd celebrated Nowrouz, the Persian New Year, at the fourth annual Persian Parade in New York City as men and women in colorful clothing danced to traditional music and promenaded down Madison Avenue.

Muslim Rappers Use ”Voice of Youth” To Promote Tolerance

Carolee Walker — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:36:37 -0500

Super Bowl Breaks Ground with First Black Coaches

Eric Green — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:36:18 -0500

While the winner of Super Bowl 41 will not be decided until February 4 in Miami, one result is already in: the victorious head coach of American professional football’s championship game will be African American, as both teams are coached by African Americans. Cyrus Mehri, a Washington lawyer who helped bring about diversity in professional football hiring practices, believes the significance of black head coaches in the Super Bowl transcends sports. “There’s no question that having Super Bowl teams with black head coaches for the first time will have a huge impact” on all of American society, Mehri tells USINFO.