Ethnic and Cultural Groups | Page 4

Ethnic and Cultural Group

Ancestors of all Americans came here from diverse locations, so we all have immigrant roots. These experiences can be shared through legacy stories, which acknowledge that heritage and culture are rich aspects of personal and group identity. The actions, accomplishments and contributions recorded in these stories afford future generations knowledge, insight and inspiration. Using storytelling to communicate about ethnicity and culture broadens understanding, increases tolerance and heightens acceptance. Legacy stories also contribute to the telling of
our nation’s history and are a key element in a comprehensive social studies education.

Our program’s education resources are used in more than 2,000 schools and libraries nationwide and reinforce the commonalities that help unite, rather than divide, the American people. Individuals, families, schools and nonprofits participate in Americans All for free.

Legacy stories about ethnic and cultural group members are housed and listed alphabetically by their last name on our Web-based Heritage Honor Roll. These stories also appear on the Americans All home pages of our Legacy Partners. Legacy Partners are groups, businesses and organizations that honor and respect diversity in their membership and support our education mission. Included in the Heritage Honor Roll and home pages are legacy stories about immigrants who helped shape America and their descendants who continue to do so. These stories are sometimes shared in multiple languages and can be included in more than one Legacy Partner home page.

As an aggregator of resources, we are continually expanding our database. To view a summary of the ethnic and cultural groups that are listed on our Legacy Partner landing page and our Heritage Honor Roll, click on this link or to to www.americansall.org/node/566357.

Legacy Stories from the Americans All Heritage Honor Roll

We are pleased to host and share these legacy stories created by honorees’ family, friends and associates. They, like us, appreciate that heritage and culture are an integral part of our nation's social fabric and want to help students participate effectively in our nation's economy, workforce and democracy.

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State

Charles Thomson Pennsylvania (November 29, 1729 - August 16, 1824) Irish, Ireland, Politician, Revolutionary War, Designer

The name of Charles Thomson is not as familiar today as it was in the early days of America when it was widely known and respected. Born in County Derry, Ireland, Thomson was one of the most influential men of the entire American Revolution. He served as Secretary of the Continental Congress for over 15 years and was the Chief Executive of the American Government several times between 1776 and 1789. He also designed both sides of the Great Seal of the United States

Sojourner Truth Michigan (c.1797 - November 26, 1883) African-American, Methodist, Abolitionist, Author, Women’s Rights Activist, Civil War, Detroit Housing Project

Sojourner Truth was born c. 1797 as “Isabella Baumfree” to Elizabeth and James Baumfree, slaves on a Dutch settlement owned by Colonel Johannes Hardenbaugh, in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York. One of 12 children, she spent her early years serving various masters and never learned to read and write. slave, Thomas, owned by the Dumonts.

Harriet "Minty" Tubman Maryland (c.1822 - June 14, 1914) African American, Underground Railroad, conductor, abolitionist, Union spy, civil war, slavery, suffrage, scout, nurse, civil rights

Born, c.1822, into slavery on a slave-breeding plantation on Maryland's Eastern Shore, she was named Araminta “Minty” Ross by her enslaved parents, Ben Ross, and Harriet (“Rit”) Green. Rit’s mother was owned by Mary Pattison Brodess, whose inherited Harriet when Mary’s mother, Atthow Pattison, died in 1797. Rit was a house cook on the plantation and her father . . .

Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo California (c.1808 - January 18, 1890) Hispanic, Mexican-American, Veteran, Politician, Rancher

Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo (c.1808–January 18, 1890) was a leader in the struggle for statehood for California. During his lifetime, he witnessed three nations rule California. Born to a wealthy family in Monterey, California, the eighth of 13 children, he entered military service at age 16.

Gustavus Vassa Pennsylvania (c.1745 - March 31, 1797) African, Nigeria, England, Abolitionist, Author, Gauger, Seaman, Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano was born in West Africa in 1745, in an area of modern-day Nigeria. The son of a local chief, he was kidnapped with his sister when he was about 11 years of age and brought to a Virginia plantation, via the slave market in Barbados.

Sarah Winnemucca Nevada (c.1884 - c.1891) Native-American, Author, Activist, Paiute

Sarah Winnemucca was the daughter of Chief Winnemucca of the Northern Paiute People and granddaughter of Chief Truckee who guided John C. Fremont during his 1843 to 1845 expedition across the Great Basin to California.