Embassy of the United States

U.S. Society and Politics

Civil Rights in the United States 

African Americans' contributions to United States are highlighted each February

Washington -- Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles -- slavery, prejudice, poverty – as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life...more

November 28, 2007 - Religion in the Workplace Is Diversity Issue for U.S. Companies
Many firms seek guidance in accommodating employees’ religious practices

Mike Schneider, right, co-founder of The Loop Pizza Grill, sits with company chaplains Becci Curtis and Kent Gilbert. (© AP Images)

American companies are looking for ways to deal with a diversity issue they increasingly face: the need to accommodate workers’ various religious beliefs and practices. “A lot of companies haven’t figured out what to do, but they know they need to do something,” says David Miller, executive director of Yale University’s Center for Faith and Culture.

Miller says there is “a huge appetite” in corporate America for guidance on handling religious diversity issues. more

Carter G. Woodson, founder of Black History Month. (National Park Service)

Washington -- Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles -- slavery, prejudice, poverty – as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life.

2007 marks the 81st annual celebration since Carter G. Woodson, a noted scholar and historian, instituted Negro History Week in 1926.  He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the abolitionist Frederick Douglass. more

January 26, 2007 - African-American Newcomers, Veterans Share Political Spotlight
Newest group of elected officials displays wide range of talents, interests

Deval Patrick takes the oath of office as Massachusetts governor as his wife, Diane, holds the Bible. (© AP Images)

Washington -- Growing appreciation of diversity has transformed the U.S. political landscape in recent years, and the country’s 2006 midterm elections ushered in a new wave of promising black politicians.  At the same time, those elections also elevated older, more seasoned blacks in Congress, legislators whose experience and seniority are being rewarded with leadership posts.

Among the newcomers at the state level is Deval Patrick, the Democratic governor of Massachusetts, whose eloquence and charisma already have generated comparisons with the better-known Senator Barack Obama (Democrat of Illinois). more

• 28 Nov 07 - Religion in the Workplace Is Diversity Issue for U.S. Companies
• 26 Jan 07 - Black History Month Honors Stories of Determination and Triumph
• 26 Jan 07 - African-American Newcomers, Veterans Share Political Spotlight
• 18 Jan 07 - Congressional Black Caucus Champions Issues Concerning Minorities
• 27 July 06 - Youth Voting Builds Culture of Participation, Freedom
• New U.S. Voting Guidelines Improving States' Elections Processes