Wilma Mankiller’s life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and a lifelong commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Native Americans. From her humble beginnings in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to becoming the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Mankiller’s journey is marked by her unwavering dedication to improving healthcare, education, and […]
Tag Archives: Diversity
Diversity in History: John Ross (AKA Tsan-Usdi) (1790 – 1886)
November is Native American and Indigenous Peoples History Month. This month we will be celebrating individuals of indigenous descent who, though often overlooked in history books, have made a great impact on our shared history. This week we kick off the month with Tsan-Usdi, AKA John Ross, an influential Chief of the Cherokee for over […]
Diversity in History: Octaviano Larrazolo (1859 – 1930)
Octaviano Larrazolo was born on December 7, 1859 in El Valle de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico, but immigrated to the United States at the age of 11 in 1870. Born to an affluent landowning father, Larrazolo grew up in relative comfort learning to read and write at a young age. However, his comfort would not last […]
Diversity in History: Dolores Huerta (1930 – )
Today marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from September 15th through October 15th. A month designed to recognize and celebrate all of the contributions and influence that Hispanic Americans have had on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. To launch Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve chosen to highlight civil rights […]
Diversity in History: Kitty Cone (1944 – 2015)
Kitty Cone was an influential figure in the disability rights movement in the United States, dedicating her life to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and fighting for social justice. For nearly two decades, she actively participated in the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), endorsing and supporting the organization’s work. Even […]
Diversity in History: Marsha P. Johnson (1945 – 1992)
Today marks the end of Pride month, thus calling for a powerful final figure in history from the LGBTQIA+ community. That is why we’ve chosen to honor the late Marsha P. Johnson. A key figure in the fight for gay rights, and trans people in particular. Marsha P. Johnson, an African American drag performer, transgender […]
Diversity in History: Bayard Rustin (1912-1987)
As we continue our journey through Pride month, we seek to honor a somewhat less visible figure in the civil rights and the gay rights movements. Bayard Rustin was born March 17, 1912, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was raised by his grandparents who instilled in him his quaker values which he said, “were based […]
Diversity in History: Dr. SreyRam Kuy (1978 – )
Dr. SreyRam Kuy story is one of triumph and resilience. In 1975, just three years before Dr. Kuy was born in 1978, the Cambodian government was toppled by Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge rebels who wanted to create a perfect communist society in the country. Prior to the takeover, Dr. Kuy’s mother, a teacher, […]
Diversity in History: Dr. David Da-i Ho (1952 – )
May is Asian American and South Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so this month we look to honor the men and women with such heritage who have made an impact on history. This week we look to Dr. David Da-I Ho, a Taiwanese American scientist who helped made great advances in the treatment of HIV and […]
Diversity in History: Christa McAuliffe (1948 – 1986)
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 2, 1948, Christa McAuliffe was the first American teacher chosen to go into space. Her mother, a Lebanese Maronite, was a substitute teacher and her father was an Irish American accountant. She was also the niece of the renowned Lebanese American historian Philip Khuri Hitti who taught at both […]