A few weeks ago I was introduced to a 2017 Federal Judiciary Report titled “Tracking the Integration of the Federal Judiciary” and the work of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA). The report “provides an in-depth listing of minority judges who serve in Article III courts,” and “as of May 7, 2020, there are 1,387 active and senior judges, of which only 274 are judges of color.” 38 of those judges identify as Asian-Americans & Pacific Islanders. In recognition of May being Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and to highlight the need for more active federal judges who identify as AAPI (and those who identify as BIPOC), I’d like to highlight the Law Library’s Judge Thomas Tang Papers.

Here at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library circulation desk, we serve as a home base to the James E. Rogers College of Law students and public patrons. As some of the first faces you see when you walk in, we are the first to answer any questions you may have on course textbooks, locating resources, or most importantly Lost & Found. However, rarely do we get questions about our additional resources and collections here in the library. As an LIS professional and advocate of continual learning, I’m often eager to encourage students to take a moment to explore all that our Libraries has to offer. That is why in recognition and celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we at the circulation desk are going to take a moment explore the rich history of why we celebrate as well as highlight some of the exciting stories and collections we have available on campus.

On Friday, October 29 beginning at 5pm, the Latinx Law Students Association (LLSA) together with the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library will be commemorating Día de los Muertos. During this event, LLSA will provide arts and crafts to create and contribute mementos (or bring your own) for the ofrenda, which will be set up in the Law Library lobby from Oct. 29 – Nov. 3. Also, we will be screening the movie Coco, around 5:30 or 6pm, with introductory remarks by LLSA members.

As we begin February, we also mark the beginning of Black History Month. Black History Month dates back to 1915, when Charter G. Woodson attended the 50th Anniversary of Emancipation, sponsored by the state of Illinois. He, along with others, exhibited displays about black history and highlighted the progress of the black community since the end of slavery. Captivated and inspired by the celebration and the public’s interest, Woodson created the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The goal of the Association was to encourage others to popularize and promote the achievements of the black community. In February 1926, he announced the first “Negro History Week”. Woodson picked February because the month encompasses the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, “two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history.” Woodson believed, “history was made by the people, not simply or primarily by great men…Rather than focusing on two men [Lincoln and Douglass], the black community…should focus on the countless black men and women who had contributed to the advance of human civilization.”

For millions of people across the globe, Nowruz is no small celebration. Think Christmas, New Year's and Fourth of July combined -- and add to it fire festivities, delicious meats, rice and spices, family gatherings, street dances and loud banging on pots. But it's much more than that, too. Nowruz "promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families," the United Nations says. It's a time of reconciliation and neighborliness, "contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities." And we could all use some of that, no matter what it's called.

Here at the Daniel Cracchiolo Law Library, Kristen Keck, Library Services Associate and Cataloger, curated a book display celebrating the life and achievements of black women. Black Women's History Month is a relatively new celebration started by Atlanta-based entrepreneur, Sha Battle in 2016. Battle often felt the diverse contributions of Black women weren’t well represented in education. Therefore, she started a movement to recognize April as Black Women's History Month to uplift and support the achievements of Black and minority women of the diaspora-especially those not traditionally taught in schools. Battle, an Atlanta resident, received an official declaration from the City of Atlanta and a commendation from the Governor to honor April as Black Women's History Month.

The Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library is proud to partner with the Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA) to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. Starting this week and throughout the entire month of May, we have set up a book display of relevant and insightful titles chosen by two JLSA members, Brendan Cotta and Sequoia Kay Hill. I had the pleasure of interviewing both students about the importance of such celebration and visible representation at the College of Law. Please do not forget to come to the library and peruse the books by our entrance. For your reference, I have also included the entire list of the books on display at the end of this post.

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture. The holiday is celebrated each year from October 31- November 2. While October 31 is Halloween, November 1 is "el Dia de los Inocentes," or the day of the children who have passed away, and All Saints Day. November 2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are open at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.

As we begin February, we mark the beginning of Black History Month. Black History Month dates back to 1915 when Charter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History as a way to encourage others to popularize and promote the achievements of the Black community. In February of 1926 he announced the first “Negro History Week.” He chose February because it encompasses the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, and urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Guest post from Nicholas Mignanelli, University of Miami   The “culture wars,” such as they are, have come to The Bluebook. Of course, The Bluebook is a cultural produ…

February is Black History Month, and the Muse Law Library is proud to present our celebration of Black achievement in the law. Here you will find the full collection of the 47 slides exhibited throughout the Library this month, each one documenting a different Black trailblazer or icon. The people featured here all displayed resounding courage and perseverance as they struggled against injustices and abuses at the hands of an oppressive, bigoted system. You will find lawyers and judges, writers and artists, and civil rights activists all connected by the common thread of a dedication to racial justice.