Background:         

The Russian/Russian Speaking American community is probably the least well known major identity group in the United States; a country that prides itself on acknowledging and respecting the diversity of its citizens.

Over the years, RACH-C, the Russian American Cultural Heritage Center, has worked to make the culture and history of this group better known and understood. In 2012, we obtained commitment from Senator Adriano Espaillat (now a US congress member,)  to introduce a resolution establishing April as “Russian American History Month.” The resolution passed and has continued to pass each year since. Governor Cuomo has since presented a Proclamation acknowledging April as Russian American History Month in NYS.

The main objective of “Russian American History Month” is to provide learning opportunities in schools, universities, and in the general public about the history of Russians and other Russian Speaking Americans , and the role they have played in the evolution and culture of the United States.

This understanding should encourage:

A true understanding of the contributions of Russians and other Russian Speaking Americans to American history and culture and bring them greater respect and acceptance.

A better understanding of their own history that will help Russian/Russian Speaking Americans, young and old, embrace their heritage more fully and assert their place in US life more firmly.

A reminder of all the positive mutual contributions between Russia and the USA which can help achieve better attitudes in both.

Dozens of events organized by Coalition members and others throughout the month aim to educate the general public about Russian American contributions to the history and culture of the state and the nation, as well as to provide an opportunity for New Yorkers of Russian descent to celebrate their shared heritage.

Concerts, forums, presentations and lectures give the diverse communities of New York a taste of the Russian American experience during the Month. 

If you have an event related to the Russian American community or of interest to it, please, send the information to: info@rach-c.org