Heritage Months in May – California Teachers Association

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month are each in Might. They acknowledge the contributions of Asian Individuals and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and Jewish Individuals to the historical past, tradition and achievements of the US.

Might was completely designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992 to mark the arrival of the primary identified Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on Might 7, 1843, and to honor completion of the transcontinental railroad — constructed by as many as 20,000 Chinese language employees — on Might 10, 1869. At present, AAPIs are a various inhabitants of 23 million Individuals, together with roughly 50 ethnic teams with roots in additional than 40 international locations.

Educators can use the month to rejoice AAPI histories and cultures, construct empathy and understanding, and struggle xenophobia and discrimination (see sidebar beneath). Major sources from the Library of Congress, the Nationwide Archives, the Smithsonian and different assets can be found at asianpacificheritage.gov/for-teachers.

In April 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed Might as Jewish American Heritage Month, recognizing the greater than 350-year historical past of Jewish contributions to American tradition. Might was chosen due to the Might 2004 celebration of the 350th anniversary of the American Jewish neighborhood (courting from a settlement of Jewish refugees from Brazil in New Amsterdam in 1654).

Educators can entry related major sources and document-based actions spanning the course of American historical past, created by the Nationwide Archives and academics world wide. The Nationwide Endowment for the Humanities has helped fund academic applications on the Jewish American expertise. Discover these assets at jewishheritagemonth.gov/for-teachers.

Assist Cease Hate

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Hate and violence in opposition to others — whether or not resulting from race, ethnicity, nationwide origin, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, or some other approach folks may be seen as “different” — has lengthy stained American society. The previous couple of years have seen a significant uptick in such acts, together with in opposition to AAPIs and Jewish Individuals. Some numbers:

• Hate crimes in opposition to AAPIs rose 164 % (probably larger) within the first quarter of 2021 in contrast with the identical interval in 2020. San Francisco and Los Angeles skilled vital will increase. (Heart for the Examine of Hate and Extremism, CSU San Bernardino)
• A complete of 10,905 hate incidents focusing on AAPIs occurred between March 19, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021. (Cease AAPI Hate)
• Incidents of anti-Semitic propaganda rose by 27 % in 2021, together with propaganda on flyers, stickers, banners and posters. (The Anti-Defamation League)
• As not too long ago as February 2022, anti-Semitic flyers had been distributed in Folsom, Orange County and the Bay Space.

Educators could make an incredible distinction in serving to college students perceive and struggle systemic racism and unconscious bias. Some assets:

CTA (cta.org/our-advocacy/social-justice-resources). Readings, toolkits, hyperlinks to lesson plans and extra, on matters together with racial justice, LGBTQ+ college students and psychological well being.

NEA’s Heart for Social Justice (nea.org/professional-excellence/just-equitable-schools). A program to assist educators determine and proper express and implicit discrimination of their lecture rooms. Trainings and assets let educators modify their follow to higher serve college students from various backgrounds.

Studying for Justice (learningforjustice.org). Sources for Ok-12 educators to show tolerance with an emphasis on anti-bias and social justice, together with lesson plans.

Instructing for Change (teachingforchange.org). Skilled growth, curriculum and assets assist Ok-12 academics and college students construct a extra equitable society.