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The "discovery" of and subsequent conquest and colonization of North America set a strong tone in United States history about how diversity would be valued and handled.
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On May 27, 1637, the English massacred hundreds of members of the Pequot tribe, namely women, children, and elders. This was a turning point in the Pequot War over trade and land, with the English aiming to gain captives. This event shaped the culture of the United States, setting a strong tone of violence against those who are different, white supremacy, and ongoing violence against Native American women and children for selfish gain. -
During this time, the budding United States was setting a precedent about what it would stand for. The prominent culture was being formed with ideals and beliefs being set through the widespread hatred and fear of anyone who was not a White settler.
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Particularly relevant to what is occurring in today's political climate, the Alien Enemies Act allowed the President to target, detain, and deport people based on their cultural background without due process. This furthered the culture of hatred and enabled a longstanding "war" against diversity that the United States culture was built on. It set a precedent of scapegoating that is currently being seen in the United States regarding immigration. -
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Fredrick Douglass had an editorial covering slavery and the war with Mexico published in The North Star, calling for an end to the bloodshed that paved the way for the rise of the U.S. Again, this event shaped U.S. culture and the uprisings that would follow. This editorial helped breed a culture of fighting back against a government determined to diminish diversity. Events like this shaped the culture of advocacy against discrimination, war, and for diversity. -
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An anti-immigrant massacre pitting Protestants against German and Irish Catholics on election day in Kentucky left 22 dead, many injured, and property destroyed. Bloody Monday is a prime example of the U.S. culture today that is built on targeting immigrants and political finger-pointing. The ideals and beliefs, still seen today, were that immigrants should not be allowed to vote, and that political beliefs and rivalry overruled human rights and life. -
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This convention marked the first free public education system regardless of race, voting rights for Black males, and other pivotal legislation. Monumental to U.S. culture-forming, this event gave way to the hope of a culture of justice, diversity, and equality. The beliefs and ideals that everyone deserved rights and an education were starting to take form, and a norm of advocacy for minorities and children gained strength. -
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Wong Kim Ark won a citizenship case that established birthright citizenship, which states that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen under the 14th Amendment. A turning point in anti-immigrant rhetoric, this was essential in building the culture known as a "melting pot." More diversity would be introduced into the U.S. that would forever change the overall culture by welcoming those of different races and ethnicities, even if their parents were not citizens. It reinforced the fighting spirit. -
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Mary Harris "Mother" Jones and a group of children who worked in the cotton mills marched from Philadelphia to New York to protest for better working conditions and a shorter work week. While President Roosevelt refused to see them, this march was instrumental in creating a culture that valued children and sparked union rights. In a time when many children worked instead of school, a belief that children, education, and fair work practices were essential was expressed, considering the future. -
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Turning back the clock, Texas Rangers killed 15 Mexican-American men and children, with the other 140 fleeing. Reminiscent of present-day, this event once again fostered a culture of scapegoating and violence against immigrants and a fear of diversity. This event reinforced the belief that immigrants were the enemy, violent criminals, and normalized violence, stereotyping, and discrimination against marginalized groups. -
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On February 7, 1926, Carter G. Woodson began the celebration of the first Negro History Week, now expanded to Black History Month. An introduction to race and ethnicity being taught and studied, this event was a monumental win in the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Negro History Week gave value and voice to Black Americans who had already been celebrating. It promoted a culture that valued education and the belief that all people shape history, not just the ones we deem important. -
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After the Brown v. Board of Education ruling desegregating schools in 1954 failed to be uniformly adopted, students marched in Washington, D.C., to demand its implementation. One of many protests, the growing numbers demonstrated a fierce belief in equality and diversity in education and reinforced a new norm of protesting against unfair and illegal practices. This march continued to build the U.S. culture of advocacy and defend the culture of diversity and demand for equality. -
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A protest against the practice of malicious compliance that sent Black students to hostile White schools ended with a firebomb. The Wilmington Ten, 9 Black males and 1 White female, were convicted of the crimes despite the absence of evidence. Strong cultural norms of advocacy continue to stand out, as well as the stereotyping and discrimination of minorities. The arrest of the White woman stands to represent a semblance of equality, while also continuing a culture of oppression toward women. -
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A gay University of Wyoming student was beaten, robbed, and abandoned before dying 5 days later. This tragedy brought renewed concern to light about the hate and violence faced by the LGBTQ community. This fostered the advocacy culture of the U.S. and contributed to the arts and education through the Matthew Shepard Foundation. They raise awareness to amplify LGBTQ voices and education on equality, and also have an impact on advocacy in the arts with plays, songs, books, and more. -
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A March protest against Governor DeSantis' polices regarding education and gun safety led to the arrest of the Tampa 5, four students and a university staff member. Speaking out against injustice and consequently being punished by the powerful, dominant group is one of the consistent hallmarks of U.S. culture. This event is one that continues to shape the country's culture of advocacy and diversity, and demonstrates a growing belief that regardless of race or ethnicity, everyone deserves equity.