The Knight's Roundtable
November 2020
Dear Families,
The Knights Roundtable is the Diversity, Equity, and Unity newsletter created for DJO students, family, and community. Each month will center around a theme. The initiative on Diversity, Equity, and Unity is key to the ability of Bishop O'Connell to fulfill its mission and to have a positive effect on society. This fact has been evident in the past year as our nation has faced a series of incidents, tragedies, and challenges that have had a profound effect on us. As we struggled to learn, to lament, to heal, to disrupt, and to acquire wisdom, we came together as students, alumni, parents, faculty, and administration in efforts to implement change. Sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy reading about current events, student stories, and how to be involved in making O'Connell a place that all students feel proud to say, we are family. GO, KNIGHTS!
Indigenous and Native American Heritage Month
During the month of November, we celebrate Indigenous and Native American Heritage Month. We use this month to remember the people that were the first to settle the United States. Indigenous and Native American Heritage Month was originally just “American Indian Week.” President Reagan issued the Presidential Proclamation 5577 in November 1986 that officially kicked off the first American Indian week. In 1990, Congress asked the President to issue a proclamation that dedicated November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” November was chosen because this month was the end to the traditional harvest season and was a time of celebration for American Indians.
Tommy Orange
Tommy Orange is a Native American author who wrote several books on his personal struggles with his identity and inspires others to embrace themselves and their culture in these novels.
St. Kateri Tekawitha
Saint Kateri Tekawitha was the first Native American saint ever to be canonized and is the patron saint of the environment. She was oppressed for her Catholic beliefs but she refused to change in her love for Christ.
Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland
Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland were the first Native American women to serve in Congress and are both currently running for a spot in the Senate.
Watch this video to learn more about the origins of this month!
The Origins of Native American Heritage Month | NowThis
Here is some perspective of Native American students in Higher Education:
Diversity in Our Community Today!
Boys Scouts of America Eagle Scouts are now required to earn a diversity badge before they can achieve the highest rank!
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/boy-scouts-diversity-inclusion-badge_n_5eea7da4c5b60a67e3175f06
Black Catholic History Month
Did you know November is also Black Catholic History Month? Bishop Burbidge released a statement. Read it here!
Coach Owens also wrote an article for this month:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nve5sPIqG_BpCv1DxottKEG6dyxq0v14n2j8eL1E6WE/edit?usp=sharing
Promote Your Vote
With the upcoming election, it became apparent that many people do not know how to vote. The Promote Your Vote club is a place where anyone can go to learn how to vote or even about basic political information.
Instagram: @promoteyourvote
Did you miss the last two newsletters?
Care to Share, We'd love to hear from you!
Instagram: @djo_diversity
Email: bdavis@bishopoconnell.org
Website: bishopoconnell.org
Location: 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA, USA
Phone: 7032371400
Twitter: @DjoDiversity