Indigenous – adj., of or relating to the earliest known inhabitants of a place
Disrupt – v., to throw into disorder
Recognize – v., to admit that something exists
Hurtful – adj., causing pain, especially emotional
Glorified – v., to make something seem great
Colonial – adj., relating to people settling in a new place, often belonging to someone else
Oppression – n., cruel or unjust use of authority or power
Trauma – n., a psychological state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or injury
Erased – v., to wipe out, to make something disappear
Self-sufficient – adj. to be able to take care of oneself
Sustain – v., to keep up, to supply nourishment
Movement – n, series of acts working toward a desired end
History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day: today, October 13, 2025.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in 1977 as an idea expressed at a UN conference on discrimination. In 1990, South Dakota was the first state to recognize the day.
In 1992, protests and demonstrations disrupted planned Columbus Day celebrations in San Francisco and Santa Cruz. People began referring to that day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, to celebrate the rich culture and the lives of the Native American people. Soon, those cities also recognized the holiday.
For the Native Americans, Columbus Day was always hurtful as it glorified the violent past of 500 years of colonial torture and oppression by European explorers like Columbus. Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws attention to the pain, trauma, and broken promises that were erased by the celebration of Columbus Day. Before his arrival, the indigenous folk were successful self-sufficient communities that sustained life for thousands of years.
Year by year, the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day spreads to more and more states, towns, and cities across the United States of America.*
The first Monday in September is Labor Day in the USA. Unlike many US holidays, it is a celebration without rituals – except for shopping and barbecuing. For most of us, it marks the last weekend of summer holidays and the start of the school year.
Ritual – n., an established form for a ceremony or observance
Founder – n., someone who takes the first steps in building something
Envision – v., to imagine, to picture to oneself
Means – n., things that are useful or help to achieve a desired end
Unify – v., to make different things into one unit
Reduction – n., to make something smaller, to decrease
Recall – v., to remember
Struggle – n, the act of working hard or fighting for something
Maypole — n., a tall pole decorated with flowers and ribbons
The holiday’s founders in the late 19th century envisioned something very different from what the day has become. The founders were looking for two things: a means of unifying union workers and a reduction in work time.
If you’re living in the USA, don’t confuse this day with May 1st, (May Day), which is International Workers’ Day.
This day is celebrated in over 160 countries to recall the struggles and achievements of the labor movement.
In France, people carry and give lilies-of-the-valley. Many countries, such as Italy and Nicaragua, celebrate with dances around a Maypole.
In America, Labor Day is less political and more about fun.
Many people like summer sunshine, but too much heat can be dangerous and unhealthy. Hot and humid weather can cause heat illness and even death. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, you need to cool down quickly!
Heavy sweating
Muscle cramps
Light headedness, feeling faint
Headache
Decreased energy
Loss of appetite, nausea
Luckily, New York City has increased the number of ways to Keep Cool during heat emergencies. The parks department has concentrated on water features, drinking fountains, and tree cover as ways to beat the heat outside.
Here’s a link to a map of all the places where you can cool off:
Spray showers are fun and feel great for kids. The sprinklers are turned on when the temperature reaches 80 degrees F. These are indicated on the map as well as the beaches and outdoor pools that are open to all. NYC even provides free sunscreen at the pools.
There are thousands of drinking fountains across the city – even some for pets!
The map also shows the parks with thick tree coverage, as well as the shadiest blocks to walk.
Another option: If you’re looking for a fun and safe way to beat the heat, consider requesting an official hydrant opening. You can go to your local firehouse and they might open and close a hydrant safely for you.
And if you’re not an “outdoors person,” NYC has many cooling centers. They are located in air-conditioned facilities that offer people relief from the heat, such as:
Most important: drink lots of water even if you’re not thirsty, wear loose light-colored clothing, and avoid sun and strenuous outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Get moving and have fun on NYC’s largest outdoor dance floor! Salsa, tango, rumba, and of course, disco – all under a ten-foot disco ball. This year, Social Dance at Lincoln Center is featuring a series of women DJs, all with their own style.
Las Karambas is an all-women band with members from Argentina, Spain, France, Venezuela, and Cuba. Their sound and rhythm include bolero, son, salsa, rumba, Hip-Hop and pop. Come dance and sing with Las Karambas!
The Dance Floor opens with DJ set at 6:30 pm Dance lesson at 7:00 pm Live music at 7:30 pm
Afterwards, stay for the Silent Disco at 10:00 pm
There are two ways to access this free event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon.
Parade – n., a great show or display, a public procession
Demonstrate – v., to show clearly
Patriotism – n., love for one’s country
Reflect – v., to realize, to consider
Expat (Expatriate) – n., a person who lives in a foreign country
Embassy – n., the official residence and offices of an ambassador
Homesick – adj., longing for home and family while absent from them
Colonies – n., an area over which a foreign nation has control
Highlight – n., something which is especially interesting
Spectacular – adj., striking, sensational
On July 4th, Americans all over the world celebrate Independence Day. In the United States, it is a federal holiday, so many people don’t have to work. Parades, picnics, and barbecues take place during the day, with fireworks lighting up the sky at night. Americans demonstrate their patriotism on July 4th, reflecting on their freedom and the things they love about their country.
American expats living out of the United States still observe the 4th of July. American embassies all over the planet host parties and events. Individuals celebrate with their friends, and many get a little homesick.
The holiday marks the separation of the 13 colonies from the rule of Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence (the document) was completed on the 4th of July, 1776. But it was not signed until August!
A highlight of Independence Day in New York City is the evening fireworks display, this year to be held near the Brooklyn Bridge, on the lower East River. The spectacular display is the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation. For more information and where to watch the fireworks: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/where-to-watch-the-4th-of-july-fireworks
Sustenance — n., nourishment that maintains life, food.
potential — n., adj., able to come into being; possible
bountiful — adj., as much or more than is needed, abundant
mimic — v., to copy or imitate
approximately — adv., about, almost exact
Traditionally, people celebrated the return of light, life, fertility, and the potential for a good harvest on the summer solstice. The summer months bring a bountiful harvest and the foods served at solstice gatherings mimic the sun. Round, sun-colored fruits like lemons, oranges, peaches, and nectarines are the flavor of the day as well as vegetables like yellow squash, corn, and tomatoes.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash and chop the vegetables into approximately 1-inch pieces.
Spread the vegetables out over a large baking sheet (or two, if needed) so they’re in a single layer and not piled on top of one another. Drizzle the olive oil over top, then add the basil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables until they’re evenly coated in oil and spices.
Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice (every 15-20 minutes or so), until the vegetables are soft and browned on the edges. Taste the vegetables and add another pinch of salt if desired. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over top just before serving.
I like to add an extra pinch of salt after roasting, so you get some salt sitting on the surface to give each bite a little pop. I also like to sprinkle with a little fresh parsley for freshness and to add a pop of color, but that’s optional.
Movies are wonderful – for watching, for thinking about, and for escaping – just for a little while – everything else around us.
VOCABULARY:
Persistence – n., sticking with and doing something you believe in
Depict – v., to show, to tell about
Struggle – n., difficulty, a hard time doing something
Platforms – n., different internet sites and sources for watching movies and video
Defeating – v., to overpower, to conquer
Repressive – adj., when freedoms are limited
Political unrest – n., troubled government, conflict among leaders
Forcibly displaced – adj., forced to move out of one’s home
Intimate – adj., private, personal
Uprising – n., a movement that seeks to overthrow an established government or situations
Siblings — n.pl., brothers and sisters
Soon-to-be – adj., in the near future
brutal — adj., cruel, very mean
Khmer Rouge – n., a radical Communist group that ruled Cambodia in the ‘70s and killed millions of people
Diligence – n., strong and consistent effort
Empire – n., a large territory ruled by a single ruler
Access — n., entry, opening
Especially interesting, to us, are movies about the immigrant experience: stories of hope and courage and persistence, above all. To leave one’s home country, no matter the circumstances, is a brave and often dangerous step to take. Here are 6 films that depict and celebrate that struggle. All are available to borrow from the New York Public Library (free), or can be streamed on various platforms (cost about $4).
A Korean American family searches for their American dream on a farm in Arkansas, a state in the deep South of the USA. They face many challenges in their new life in the Ozark Mountains, but finally realize the strength of their family, no matter where home is.
This animated film tells the story of Marjane Satrapi, a yung girl whose family dreams of defeating the Shah in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. However, as Marji grows up, she sees how repressive the new Iran is. Her parents send her to study in Europe, but when she returns home, she finds that both she and her homeland have changed too much.
Surprised to see this Disney classic among movies about immigrants? After being forced out of their Colombian homeland by political unrest, the Madrigal family is blessed with magical gifts. When the family’s powers begin to fade, Mirabel – the only member of the family who was not granted a special ability – is the one to bring everyone together and save the magic. At the center of Encanto, the fear of being forcibly displaced again is part of this sweet story.
4. FOR SAMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsvBqtg2RM0 FOR SAMA is an intimate journey into the female experience of war. A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria. She falls in love, gets married and gives birth to Sama, all while terrible and life-changing conflict swirls around her. Should she leave to save her daughter? It is an impossible choice.
5. FLEE
FLEE – Official Trailer In FLEE, Amin’s life has been defined by his past and a secret he’s kept for over 20 years. Forced to leave his home country of Afghanistan as a young child with his mother and siblings, Amin now struggles with how his past will affect his future in Denmark and the life he is building with his soon-to-be husband.
6. THE DONUT KING
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY2jXx0OP88 An immigrant story with a twist, The Donut King follows the journey of Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy, who escaped the brutalKhmer Rouge and arrived in California in the 1970s. Through a mixture of diligence and luck, he built a multi-million dollar donut empire up and down the West Coast. A tale of success and loss – who gets access to the American Dream, and what happens when you achieve it.
