holidays

holidays

The Peoples of the First Thanksgiving

The Peoples of the First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving commemorates one of the most durable early alliances crafted between indigenous American tribes and European settlers.  Intertribal Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag (Pokanoket) and Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth settlers adopted this historic peace treaty in 1621.  By 1620, Massasoit’s confederation was imperiled by the larger and stronger Narragansett tribe; and had suffered significant losses from an unknown disease (almost certainly Smallpox).  At the same time, the Plymouth colony had lost half of their members due to starvation and new diseases, as well.  Both consulted their religious advisors, interpreting the deaths as a supernatural punishment, but neither saw clear spiritual signs as to a course of action. Massasoit sent Samoset to feel out the intentions of the pilgrims, … Continued
Get Loud, Get Proud with these LGBTQ+ Resources!

Get Loud, Get Proud with these LGBTQ+ Resources!

Pride Month, a significant cultural and social event that is celebrated in June, serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition. We at the IU East Campus Library support all members of the LGBTQ+ community and offer resources on LGBTQ+ issues and topics. The IU East Library LGBTQ resource guide provides informative resources for LGBTQ students, families, and allies through links to various education-based, youth-specific, and political organizations resources. This guide also includes links to local resources on the IU East campus, including counseling services, resources on sexual discrimination and violence, and health.  Three years before the Stonewall Riots, an early moment in the gay liberation movement occurred on April 21, 1966, in New … Continued
Slavery Still in the Shadows

Slavery Still in the Shadows

Juneteenth is a momentous day, commemorating American slave emancipation in 1865.  It was made a national holiday in 2021, although many states observed it before that.  As a ‘second Independence day’, Juneteenth is often celebrated with food and festivals, rodeos and reenactments, and voter registration drives. In the century and a half since the first Juneteenth, slavery has become illegal in every country of the world.  Many countries are part of international treaties dedicated to criminalizing and ferreting out slavery wherever it appears.  But despite all that, it still happens in the shadows.  Estimates vary widely, but there are tens of millions of people enslaved around the globe today. Modern slavery can take many forms, and is not always about … Continued
Brain Awareness Week

Brain Awareness Week

March 13th-19th is Brain Awareness Week, an opportunity to learn more about the human brain – its biology, its development and function, health and disorders, and current research into this incredible organ.  It is also a time for compassion and understanding for people who have suffered problems like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, and traumatic injury to the brain.  Ongoing research into brain health has pushed back the boundaries of insight into neurological disease and impairment, improving treatment options and lifelong health.  In partnership with the Dana Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and over forty countries work to promote brain education.  The official Brain Awareness Week website includes numerous resources – from games to information sheets to K-12 lesson plans … Continued
International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

Since 1911, International Women’s Day has served as a salute to the capabilities and accomplishments of women throughout the world.  This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to #EmbraceEquity?  If women are to be counted as full members of society, they need more than acknowledgement.  They need real opportunities and the knowledge that women can and do anything they choose.  To that end, the IU East Campus Library offers a variety of databases dedicated to the creative, sociopolitical and scientific achievements and changes by women. Women have been leaders for social change since the founding of the United States.  From voting rights to social justice, women have led the charge for a host of causes, all dedicated to … Continued