Sharing Experiences
As with all organizations, events and activities are an integral part of our mission, vision, values and goals. The Department of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks to develop events and activities that are informative and educational in every aspect. Among the events sponsored by the Department of ADEI are Conversations of Understanding and the Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium.
Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
The roots of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month can be traced back to 1976, when Jeanie Jew, president of the Organization of Chinese American Women, contacted government officials in response to the lack of Asian Pacific representation in the U.S. bicentennial celebrations that same year. The observance began in 1979 as Asian Heritage Week, established by congressional proclamation. In May 1990, the holiday was expanded further when President George Bush signed a proclamation making it month-long for that year. On October 23, 1992, Bush signed legislation designating May of every year Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen to commemorate two significant events in history: the immigration of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 (Golden Spike Day). The diversity and common experiences of the many ethnic groups are celebrated during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with numerous community festivals as well as government-sponsored activities.
Source: diversitycentral.com
Jewish American Heritage Month
The Library of Congress explains that May was chosen as the month of Jewish American Heritage Month “because of the successful 350th anniversary celebration of Jews in America marking the Jewish arrival in New Amsterdam.” In his 2024 proclamation honoring Jewish American Heritage Month, President Joe Biden, wrote: “For centuries, the perseverance, hope, and unshakeable faith of the Jewish people have inspired people around the world. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact of Jewish values, contributions, and culture on our Nation’s character and recommit to realizing the promise of America for all Jewish Americans.”
2024 Dr. Wesley G. Robinson McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award
Professor Kathryn Bentley and Dr. Venessa Brown were recently awarded the 2024 Dr. Wesley G. Robinson McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award for their commitment and dedication to furthering ADEI work. Both from the SIU Edwardsville campus have devoted countless years of advocacy in antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion at SIU and beyond.