Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter – July 2021
July is French-American Heritage Month
Every July, we celebrate French-American Heritage Month.
From supporting our War of Independence and becoming the United States’ first official ally, to major contributions in art, culture and science, France’s role in shaping early U.S. history is difficult to overstate.
Similarly, French-American individuals have played key roles in virtually every aspect of America’s growth to prominence and prosperity.
Country-wide, there are about 10.4 million U.S. residents who declare French ancestry, from Maine (the state with the highest percentage of French-Americans) to California (which has the highest number of French-Americans).
Notable Americans with French Ancestry:
- Warren Buffet
- Augustus Julliard
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- W.E.B. DuBois
- Anthony Bourdain
- Brett Favre
- Kurt Cobain
- Greg LeMond
- Laila Ali
- Davy Crockett
Did you know:
- France also celebrates its independence in July – Bastille Day is July 14th.
- France is regularly the most visited destination in the world by international tourists.
- The French flag (the Tricolour) of blue, white and red is one of the most recognizable in the world.
- France is approximately the size of Texas, and has a population of 65 million.
- The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886. A replica still stands in Paris.
- Following Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, his brother Jerome came to the US and tried unsuccessfully to establish settlements in TX, AL and OH.
- Marquis de Lafayette served with distinction during the American Revolutionary War, then went back to France to participate in its revolution movement.
- In 1907, New York City imported from France the first gas-powered taxicabs to be used in the U.S.
- Washington, D.C.’s layout was designed by French- American engineer Pierre L’Enfant.
- French wines are traditionally named for the regions in which they are produced (and not the variety of grape).
- The Tour de France (cycling) is the most watched sporting event in the world, with up to 12-15 million in-person spectators and as many as three billion watching on TV.
Gather Around the Table
French heritage and France’s cultural influence on the United States add up to much more than monuments and important individuals. A staple of French living is eating well. Here are a few French culinary specialties:
- Tarte Tatin – A classic French dessert. An upside-down pastry containing fruit that is caramelized before baking.
- Boeuf Bourguignon – A red wine based beef stew.Moules Marinieres – A big bowl or saucepan of mussels cooked with white wine, shallots and parsley.
- Cassoulet – A slow-cooked casserole traditionally containing duck, garlic sausage, pork skin and white beans.
- Escargots – Snails cooked in butter, garlic and parsley.
Non-Profit Spotlight:
Peacemakers, Inc.
Peacemakers, Inc. was founded in 2000 as a way to establish healthy families and safe communities. The nonprofit offers mentoring and counseling services to students and family members in the Bay Area community.
The nonprofit aims to create a safe zone to build strong, withstanding relationships with students and parents to foster trust and camaraderie at school.
Peacemaker’s goal is to unravel rooted issues and establish goals/objectives with rewards to overcome the challenges that students might be facing. The foundation helps to create a way for children to learn appropriate behavior skills which helps improve academic performance.
Diversity & Inclusion Calendar
JANUARY
- International Holocaust Remembrance
- Poverty in America Awareness Month
FEBRUARY
- Black History Month
MARCH
- National Women’s History Month
APRIL
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Autism Awareness Month
MAY
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
JUNE
- LGBT Pride Month
- Juneteeth
JULY
- French American Heritage Month
AUGUST
- National Civility Month
SEPTEMBER
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Members
- Rodney Nubin, Chair Socius
- Artavia Clay, Socius
- Eric DeRose, Socius
- Rick Grimes, Professional Risk Solutions
- Patrick Hanley, Socius
- Hayley Philips, Socius
- Eric Shapiro, Socius
- Nichole Ward, Socius