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Exploring National Arab American Heritage Month
April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). NAAHM is a month-long commemoration of the history, culture, contributions and achievements of Arab American people. Although celebrated by some states for years, the commemorative month was officially initiated in 2017 by two organizations, Arab America and the Arab America Foundation. In 2022, Congress, the U.S. The Department of State, and 45 state Governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. In 2023, President Joe Biden issued, for the first time, a proclamation that designated the annual commemoration of National Arab American Heritage Month. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn about the origins of NAAHM, gain knowledge about the Arab American community and consider ways that NAAHM should be commemorated in schools and communities.
Borders, Belonging, and Brave Voices
In this lesson, students will either read some excerpts from Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez or the entire book, to examine the complexities of immigration, family separation, cultural identity, and friendship. Students will participate in thoughtful discussion, reflect on personal values and cultural backgrounds, and write a creative letter from the perspective of one of the characters.
Parading with Pepe: A Peek into Hispanic Pride
This lesson uses the picture book Pepe and the Parade to help young learners explore Hispanic Heritage Month. Through read-aloud, discussion, and creative expression, students will discover traditions, reflect on identity, and celebrate culture.
Beyond the Buzzwords: The Realities of DEI Implementation and Backlash
The origins of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs date back to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which increased efforts to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made employment discrimination based on race, religion, sex, color and national origin illegal. Over the next six decades, these programs and practices continue to grow and evolve to other developments and efforts. In the wake of Black Lives Matter and other social justice movements in the 2020s, the two Trump administrations have sought to eliminate DEI efforts and programs. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to explore the origins and history of DEI, understand the backlash against DEI principles and practices and express their perspective about DEI through an art or writing activity.