ePluribus: America is an on-line contemporary American culture magazine that incorporates the original concept of our nation's motto to provide cultural news coverage of America. Our motto is Humanity Starts With Culture.
Deep within the heart of many Native American tribes lies a sacred prophecy, whispered through generations: the prophecy of the white bison calf. This prophecy foretells an era of profound change and transformation, when a miraculous creature—a white bison calf—will emerge as a beacon of hope and renewal.
According to the prophecy, this extraordinary being will be born of a white buffalo cow and a black buffalo bull, symbolizing the union of opposites and the harmony of all living things. Its arrival will signal that the time has come for the Native American people to reconnect with their spiritual heritage and embrace their ancestral wisdom.
“The reported birth of a rare white buffalo in Yellowstone National Park fulfills a Lakota prophecy that portends better times, according to members of the American Indian tribe who cautioned that it’s also a signal that more must be done to protect the earth and its animals.” – VOA
The prophecy speaks of a time of great upheaval and change, when the old ways will be challenged and new paths will be forged. The white bison calf will serve as a guiding light during this period of transition, offering hope and inspiration to those who seek a brighter future. It will remind the Native American people of their inherent strength and resilience, and encourage them to stand together in unity and purpose.
Beyond its significance for the Native American tribes, the prophecy of the white bison calf carries a universal message of hope and renewal. It symbolizes the potential for all of us to create a better world, one that is rooted in compassion, respect for nature, and a deep connection to the sacredness of life.
This prophecy is a reminder of the importance of tradition, spirituality, and our interconnectedness with the land. It invites us to embrace the wisdom of our ancestors and to live in harmony with all living beings. By honoring the prophecy of the white bison calf, we open ourselves up to the possibility of a brighter future, one where hope prevails and renewal flourishes.
The prophecy of the white bison calf serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. It encourages us to embrace change, to learn from the past, and to work together to create a sustainable and harmonious world for all.
The summer solstice, also known as the June solstice or midsummer, is the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year, when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice typically occurs on or around June 21, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs on or around December 21.
Here are some key facts about the summer solstice:
It marks the official start of summer in many cultures around the world.
The word “solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol,” meaning “sun,” and “sistere,” meaning “to stand still.” This is because, on the solstice, the Sun appears to stand still in the sky for a few days before resuming its northward or southward movement.
The summer solstice is associated with a number of traditions and celebrations, such as bonfires, feasts, and rituals.
In some cultures, the summer solstice is seen as a time of heightened energy and fertility.
The summer solstice is also a time of great beauty, as the days are long and the nights are short, and the natural world is in full bloom.
Here are some ways to celebrate the summer solstice:
Gather with friends and family for a bonfire or barbecue.
Go for a hike or bike ride in nature.
Visit a local park or beach to enjoy the outdoors.
Create a summer solstice altar or meditation space.
Practice yoga or meditation to connect with the energy of the season.
Reflect on the past year and set intentions for the coming months.
Simply relax and enjoy the longest day of the year!
The phrase “40 acres and a mule” holds profound historical significance, symbolizing the unfulfilled promise of land and reparations to African Americans after the Civil War. It supposedly originated from a speech delivered by Union General William T. Sherman on January 16, 1865, in Savannah, Georgia. In a bold move, Sherman promised that freed slaves would receive 40 acres of land and a mule from the confiscated lands of Confederate landowners.
“We have been taught in school that the source of the policy of “40 acres and a mule” was Union General William T. Sherman’s Special Field Order No. 15, issued on Jan. 16, 1865. (That account is half-right: Sherman prescribed the 40 acres in that Order, but not the mule. The mule would come later.) But what many accounts leave out is that this idea for massive land redistribution actually was the result of a discussion that Sherman and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton held four days before Sherman issued the Order, with 20 leaders of the black community in Savannah, Ga., where Sherman was headquartered following his famous March to the Sea. The meeting was unprecedented in American history.” – Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
This promise, however, was never fully realized. President Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Abraham Lincoln after his assassination, reversed Sherman’s order, returning most of the confiscated land to its former owners. While some African Americans did manage to acquire land under the Homestead Act of 1862, they encountered numerous obstacles, including rampant discrimination, violence, and economic hardship.
The failure to provide land and reparations to African Americans had far-reaching consequences. It perpetuated poverty, segregation, and inequality, leaving a lasting impact on generations of African Americans that is still felt and experienced today. This unfulfilled promise continues to serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States.
Beyond its historical significance, the phrase “40 acres and a mule” has taken on a broader meaning, representing the collective demand for reparations and acknowledgment of the injustices faced by African Americans throughout history. It encapsulates the desire for not only material restitution but also for the recognition and repair of the deep wounds inflicted by slavery and its aftermath.
Today, the phrase remains a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience, inspiring activists, artists, and scholars to continue advocating for racial justice and equality. It serves as a reminder that the fight for reparations and a just society is far from over.
June is Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans and their contributions to American culture, ingenuity and history. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Caribbean Contributions to American History, Culture, and Life.”
“Caribbean Americans are dreamers and doers, always finding ways to push our country forward, reach new heights, and forge a more perfect Union. From the Caribbean Americans who helped build our country from the ground up to those who have only just arrived, they have all believed in the possibilities our country has to offer and strengthened the diverse fabric of our Nation. Above all, Caribbean Americans are leaders — they are our beloved doctors, nurses, teachers, athletes, artists, community organizers, entrepreneurs, and our service members and first responders, who put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe.” -The 2024 White House Proclamation on Caribbean-American Heritage Month
History
The Caribbean-American community is one of the most diverse in the United States, with people from over 30 different countries of origin. Caribbean Americans began immigrating to the United States in large numbers in the 19th century, and their numbers have continued to grow in recent decades. Today, there are over 4 million Caribbean Americans living in the United States.
Culture
Caribbean-American culture is a vibrant mix of African, European, and indigenous influences. This is reflected in the music, food, dance, and literature of the Caribbean-American community.
Achievements
Caribbean Americans have made significant contributions to the United States in all fields of endeavor. They have served with distinction in the military, government, and business. They have also made important contributions to the arts, sciences, and sports.
Trailblazers
Charles L. Reason was born in 1818, in New York City, to Haitian and Guadaloupean parents. Reason was the first black college professor in the United States, teaching at the integrated New York Central College from 1849 to 1852. In 1847, he co-founded the Society for the Promotion of Education among Colored Children, and he devoted his life to education and the abolition of slavery and segregation.
Born in 1924 to a Guyanese American father and a Barbadian American mother in New York, Shirley Chisholm was a groundbreaking politician and an outspoken advocate for equality. She was the first Black candidate for a major American party’s presidential nomination and the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, a position she held for 14 years.
Dr. Antonia Novello was born in 1944, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She served as the U.S. Attorney General from 1990 to 1993 under President George Bush, making her the first person of Latin American descent and the first woman to do so.
Colin Luther Powell was born in New York in 1937 to Jamaican immigrants. After growing up in the South Bronx, Powell attended the City College of New York, where he participated in ROTC, leading the precision drill team and attaining the top rank offered by the corps, cadet colonel. He was the first African American appointed as the U.S. Secretary of State and the first, and so far the only, to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Dr. Roy Hastick was born in Grenada in 1950 and migrated to the United States in 1972. He served as an elected delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and as a special delegate to the United Nations. In 1985, he founded the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, whose mission is to promote economic development and small business services.
Through the leadership of these individuals and others like them, we’ve seen expanded opportunities and better working conditions for all of America’s workers. – U.S. Dept. of Labor Blog
Celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month
There are many ways to celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month. You can attend cultural events, learn about Caribbean history and culture, and support Caribbean-American businesses. You can also use this month as an opportunity to reflect on the contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to the United States.
Here are some ideas for celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month:
Attend a Caribbean festival or carnival
Visit a Caribbean restaurant
Listen to Caribbean music
Watch a Caribbean movie
Read a book by a Caribbean-American author – Jeanette Lenoir will be reading her book, Maggie Is Afraid Of Heights, at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library (Silver Spring Library).
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is an annual holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19th, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the enslaved people of the state were free. This news came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19, 2024! Juneteenth was first recognized by the state of Texas. It is also known as “Freedom Day,” “Juneteenth National Independence Day,” or “Emancipation Day.”
Why is Juneteenth significant in American history?
Juneteenth is a significant date in American history for several reasons:
It marks the end of slavery in the United States, which was a major turning point in the nation’s history.
It is a reminder of the long and difficult struggle for freedom and equality for African Americans in the United States.
It is a celebration of African American culture and heritage.
It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in race relations in the United States, and to recommit to the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality.
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Juneteenth is celebrated in a variety of ways across the United States. Some common activities include:
Juneteenth is a time for African Americans to come together and celebrate their freedom and culture. It is also a time for all Americans to reflect on the history of slavery in the United States and to recommit to the work of achieving racial justice and equality.
Why is Juneteenth important today?
Juneteenth is important today for several reasons:
It is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in the United States.
It is an opportunity to educate people about the history of slavery and its lasting impact.
It is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in race relations, and to recommit to the work that still needs to be done.
Juneteenth is a day for all Americans to come together and celebrate the freedom and equality of all people.
“Now I’ve been free, I know what a dreadful condition slavery is. I have seen hundreds of escaped slaves, but I never saw one who was willing to go back and be a slave.” –Harriet Tubman (1820–1913), American abolitionist and political activist.
Segregation academies were private schools established in the Southern United States in the mid-20th century to maintain racial segregation in education following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954, which ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. These academies were founded by white parents who wanted to avoid sending their children to integrated schools.
Segregation academies were often funded by tuition and donations from white parents and businesses. They offered a curriculum that was similar to that of public schools, but with a focus on white supremacy and segregationist ideology. Many segregation academies also had strict rules about student behavior and dress.
Segregation academies played a significant role in maintaining racial segregation in the South for decades. They helped to create a separate and unequal education system for Black and white students. Segregation academies also contributed to the white flight from urban areas, as many white families moved to suburbs to avoid sending their children to integrated schools.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped to dismantle segregation academies. These laws prohibited discrimination in public and private schools and made it easier for Black students to attend integrated schools. By the 1970s, most segregation academies had closed.
However, the legacy of segregation academies continues to this day. Many of the schools that were founded as segregation academies are now private schools that are open to students of all races. However, these schools often have a predominantly white student body. The legacy of segregation academies is also reflected in the racial disparities in education that persist in the United States today.
A recent event hosted by Propublica highlighted the status of “segregation academies” that still operate across the country. “Seven decades after Brown, many of these private schools survive and often continue to perpetuate segregated education systems. During this virtual event — the first in a series focused on education in 2024 — reporter Jennifer Berry Hawes and a panel of speakers will discuss the initial story in Hawes’ series on segregation academies and how these institutions preserve divisions within communities.”
The panel also addressed the history of segregation schools “and what racial divisions still look like in one Black Belt county.”
Filipino-Americans across the United States celebrated Philippine Independence Day on June 12, every year with parades, festivals, and other events.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1898. It is a national holiday in the Philippines and is also celebrated by Filipino communities around the world. This years theme is, “Preserving Our Filipino Culture and Heritage to Unite Generations“.
In the United States, Filipino-Americans can trace their lineage back to the days before America was a country.
“… throughout history, there has been one largely forgotten ingredient missing from this rich cultural stew: before the US was a country, Filipinos were likely living in raised stilt bahay kubo-like homes built over the swampland outside New Orleans.
From these “floating villages” they established the community’s fishing industry and introduced Louisiana to dried shrimp – produced by boiling, brining and sun-drying the crustaceans to preserve and concentrate their flavour. Dried shrimp were an important commodity in the days before refrigeration, and today, many locals still eat them as a snack or use them as an umami-rich ingredient to flavour stocks, sauces and gumbos.” – Stephanie Jane Carter
Snapshot of Filipino American History in America:
Filipino American History Month is celebrated in the United States during the month of October.
In 1991, Filipino American National Historical Society board of trustees proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month to commence in October 1992.
October was declared Filipino Heritage Month in California and Hawaii in 1988, and the California Department of Education officially recognized October as Filipino Heritage Month in 2006.
Filipino-Americans also faced racism in America.
“Part of the reason Filipinos were depicted so negatively in the early 20th century was because of the global political climate and the relationship between the United States and the Philippines. Shortly after the Spanish American War was over and the United States gained possession of the Philippines, political cartoons such as the one titled “The White Man’s Burden” from The Journal, Detroit began to spring up, depicting the United States as a paternal figure forcibly carrying a Filipino to a schoolhouse.” – Filipinos Depicted in American Culture
Larry Itliong may not be as well-known a name as Cesar Chavez, but his role among Filipino-American workers was as critical in the 1965-1970 Delano grape strike—if not more.
“The first big wave of Filipino migration to the U.S. came between the two world wars. According to the book Little Manila is in the Heart by Dawn Mabalon, more than 31,000 Filipinos came to California between 1920 and 1929, many in search of agricultural work. Most came from rural areas of the Philippines, having sold off farm animals, crops and small parcels of land in order to fund the 7,000-plus-mile journey across the Pacific.” – History.com
Renderings from an 1883 Harper’s Weekly story paint a vivid picture of this early Filipino settlement (Credit: Alpha Stock/Alamy)
Filipino-Americans mark Philippines Independence Day with a variety of events, including:
Parades: Parades were held in cities across the country, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. The parades featured colorful floats, marching bands, and traditional Filipino dances.
Festivals: Festivals were held in parks and community centers across the country. The festivals featured Filipino food, music, and dancing.
Cultural events: Cultural events, such as art exhibits, film screenings, and lectures, were held at libraries, museums, and universities.
Family gatherings: Many Filipino-Americans celebrated the day with family gatherings, where they enjoyed traditional Filipino food and music.
Philippine Independence Day is a time for Filipino-Americans to reflect on their heritage and to celebrate the achievements of the Filipino people. It is also a time to come together as a community and to build bridges with other cultures.
Cancer Survivors Month is an annual event held in June to recognize and celebrate the strength and resilience of cancer survivors, as well as to raise awareness about the challenges they face.
It is a time to celebrate. Cancer Survivors Month is a time to celebrate the lives of those who have survived cancer. It is a time to recognize their strength, courage, and resilience.
It is a time to raise awareness. Cancer Survivors Month is also a time to raise awareness about the challenges that cancer survivors face. These challenges can include physical, emotional, and financial hardships.
There are many ways to get involved. There are many ways to get involved in Cancer Survivors Month. You can:
Attend a Cancer Survivors Day event in your community.
Volunteer your time at a cancer support organization.
Donate to a cancer research organization.
Share your story of survival.
Cancer survivors are an inspiration. Cancer survivors are an inspiration to us all. They show us that it is possible to overcome adversity and live a full and meaningful life.
Here are some additional facts about cancer survivors:
There are over 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States.
The number of cancer survivors is expected to grow to over 20 million by 2026.
Cancer survivors are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Cancer survivors are also more likely to experience mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
Cancer Survivors Month is an important time to recognize and celebrate the strength and resilience of cancer survivors. It is also a time to raise awareness about the challenges they face. By getting involved in Cancer Survivors Month, you can help to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors.
Dragon boat festivals are a vibrant and colorful tradition celebrated in various cities across the United States. These festivals bring together communities to commemorate the ancient Chinese legend of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest against government corruption.
Today, dragon boat festivals in America are not only a celebration of Chinese culture but also a platform for cultural exchange and inclusivity. Here are some key aspects of dragon boat festivals in the U.S.:
Cultural Significance:
Dragon boat festivals honor the legacy of Qu Yuan and his unwavering spirit of patriotism.
They symbolize unity, strength, and the triumph of good over evil.
Competitive Dragon Boat Races:
The highlight of the festivals is the thrilling dragon boat races, where teams of paddlers compete in long, narrow, and elaborately decorated boats.
Teams paddle in unison to the rhythm of drums, creating an impressive spectacle.
Cultural Performances and Activities:
Festivals feature a variety of cultural performances, including traditional Chinese dances, music, martial arts demonstrations, and lion dances.
Attendees can also enjoy food stalls offering a range of authentic Chinese delicacies.
“Today, rice dumplings are eaten on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, which is commemorated each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Four days before the festival begins, the dragon boats are taken from their resting places and their heads and tails attached. They are then ritually blessed by a Buddhist monk and later brought to life before the races by having their eyes dotted in red paint.”
4. Community Involvement:
Dragon boat festivals are inclusive events that attract people from all backgrounds and ethnicities.
They provide an opportunity for communities to come together, celebrate diversity, and foster cultural understanding.
5. Major Cities with Dragon Boat Festivals:
Some major cities in the U.S. with notable dragon boat festivals include New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Diego.
6. Popular Venues:
Dragon boat festivals are often held in scenic waterways or lakes, providing a picturesque backdrop for the races and cultural performances.
Dragon boat festivals in the United States are a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture and heritage, showcasing the rich diversity of the American cultural landscape. They are a spectacle of color, sound, and tradition that bring communities together in a spirit of unity and inclusivity.
To learn more about this year’s Dragon Boat Festival or to register and join the celebrations, click HERE. And to learn more about the legacy of Qu Yuan, click HERE.
Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman whose cancer cells were used to create the first immortal cell line, known as HeLa cells.
This cell line has been used in countless medical research studies, leading to major advances in medicine. However, Lacks’ cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, and she never benefited from the profits generated by their use. Her story raises important questions about medical ethics and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. Lacks’ family was unaware of her contribution to science for more than two decades. In 2023 her descendants settled with a biotech company “accused of taking the woman’s cervical cells without her consent while she was a patient at John Hopkins Hospital more than seven decades ago.”
According to The Baltimore Banner, the Lacks family is celebrating another win after a federal judge cleared their lawsuit against another biotech company to proceed. “The family of Henrietta Lacks can pursue compensation from a pharmaceutical company over its use of her HeLa cells, which have been influential in modern medicine after being taken without her consent decades ago.”
Here are some key facts about Henrietta Lacks:
She was born in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1920.
She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1951 and died from the disease in 1952.
Her cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent by Dr. George Gey, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
HeLa cells have been used in countless medical research studies, leading to major advances in medicine, such as the development of the polio vaccine and cancer treatments.
Lacks’ family was not aware of the use of her cells until many years later, and they never received any compensation for their use.
Lacks’ story raises important questions about medical ethics and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Should patients be informed about the potential uses of their cells before they are taken?
Should patients be compensated for the use of their cells?
How can we ensure that vulnerable populations are not exploited in medical research?
Lacks’ story is a reminder of the importance of informed consent and the need to protect the rights of research participants. Her legacy is a complex one, but it is one that has helped to shape the field of medical research.
