Embracing Irish American Heritage Month: A Celebration for All Immigrants
March is Irish American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history and contributions of Irish immigrants to the United States. For all immigrants and new Americans, recognizing such heritage months fosters understanding, appreciation, and unity within our diverse nation.
History of Irish American Heritage Month
Established in 1991, Irish American Heritage Month coincides with St. Patrick's Day on March 17. This observance acknowledges the significant impact of Irish immigrants, with over six million having settled in the U.S. since the 1820s.
Why It’s Celebrated
Celebrating Irish American Heritage Month allows us to:
Recognize Contributions: Irish Americans have influenced various sectors, including politics, industry, and the arts.
Educate and Raise Awareness: Understanding the experiences of Irish immigrants fosters empathy and knowledge.
Preserve Culture: Celebrations help maintain Irish traditions and share them with others.
Make it stand out
In the United States, a common St. Patrick's Day tradition involves wearing green to avoid being playfully pinched by others. This custom is prevalent among schoolchildren, who often ensure they're donned in green attire on March 17 to evade pinches from classmates. The practice extends beyond schools into workplaces and corporate environments, where employees participate by wearing green clothing or accessories, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration. The origin of this tradition is linked to folklore suggesting that wearing green renders individuals invisible to leprechauns—mischievous fairy creatures known for pinching anyone they can see. Thus, wearing green not only showcases Irish pride but also serves as a playful nod to these mythical beings.
Notable Contributions of Irish Americans
Irish Americans have made lasting impacts in many areas:
Politics: John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the first Irish-Catholic president of the United States, and was known for being extremely proud of his Irish ancestry. On his paternal side he had links to Counties Cork and Wexford, and his mother’s heritage leads back to Counties Limerick and Cavan. Both sides of his family had travelled to the United States to seek their fortune during a time of poverty and depression in Ireland.
Labor and Industry: Irish immigrants were instrumental in building America's infrastructure, such as railroads and canals.
Arts and Culture: The influence of Irish Americans is evident in literature, music, and dance.
Prominent Irish Americans
Several Irish Americans have risen to prominence, leaving lasting legacies:
Henry Ford
Founder of the Ford Motor Company, Ford revolutionized the automobile industry with the introduction of assembly line production. Henry Ford’s grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather were born in what is now officially known as the “Ford Farm” at Ballinascarthy, his ancestral home which has now been opened up to the public.
Grace Kelly: An Academy Award-winning actress, Kelly became Princess of Monaco, exemplifying the reach of Irish American influence.
Ieleen Marie Collins
Eileen Marie Collins made history for the first time in 1979 when she became the Airforce’s first ever female flight instructor, and then again in 1999 when she became the first female commander of a Space Shuttle. She was awarded several medals for her work. But did you know she is another admirable American with traceable Irish ancestry? In 2016 she was inducted into the Irish American hall of fame when she gave a speech, proudly announcing her heritage. Her ancestors came to America in the mid 1800’s from Co. Cork.
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is another famous American who is known for having family ties to Ireland. A book released in 2009, entitled ‘Land of Hope and Dreams: Springsteen in Ireland’, confirmed what his hordes of Irish fans already knew. Whilst he may have been born in the USA himself, Bruce is actually a descendent of the Gerrity family from Co. Kildare. In fact, Springsteen’s great-great-great grandfather was a survivor of the Great Famine. He headed to America after fleeing a then poverty-stricken Ireland.
Barack H. Obama: Barack Obama may have only discovered his Celtic ancestry as recently as 2007, but since then he has embraced it with open arms. He even once went so far in his celebrations as to dye the fountain of the White House a patriotic Emerald Green. Obama is the great-great-great grandson of Falmouth Kearney, who was a cobbler’s son from Co. Offaly. In 1850 Kearney became one of the many immigrant labourers of the city of New York after leaving poverty in Ireland via a ship sailed from Liverpool. This discovery means that the 44th President of the United States is in fact 3.1 percent Irish!
President Joe Biden
President Joe Biden proudly embraces his Irish heritage, tracing his roots to the Blewitt family from County Mayo and the Finnegan family from County Louth. Notably, ten of his sixteen great-great-grandparents were born in Ireland, underscoring his deep Irish lineage. Throughout his political career, Biden has frequently referenced his Irish ancestry, often quoting Irish poets and highlighting the influence of his heritage on his values and identity. His connection to Ireland remains a significant aspect of his personal narrative and public persona.
Understanding the Immigrant Experience: A Shared Journey Toward Acceptance
Throughout American history, various immigrant groups, including the Irish, Chinese, and Italians, have faced significant discrimination upon their arrival. Irish immigrants in the 19th century, for example, were often depicted negatively and subjected to widespread prejudice. Similarly, Chinese immigrants faced exclusionary laws and societal bias, while Italian immigrants encountered stereotypes and violence. Despite these challenges, these communities persevered, gradually integrating into American society and contributing richly to its cultural fabric.
Of course during slavery, and then Jim Crow, Black Americans faced even more blatant discrimination.
Towards a More Perfect Union: Overcoming America's History of Discrimination
Despite this history, the United States has made significant progress in addressing discrimination and promoting equality. The Civil Rights Movement, for example, led to landmark legislation that dismantled many forms of institutionalized racism. Today, individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to and enrich American society, reflecting the nation's ongoing commitment to inclusivity. While challenges persist, anyone living in the U.S. can experience firsthand the strides made toward a more equitable society.
For newly arrived immigrants, it may seem that America is particularly opposed to their specific ethnic group. However, it's important to recognize that many ethnic communities have faced and overcome similar hardships. Acknowledging heritage months allows us to reflect on these shared experiences, fostering empathy and unity among all Americans.
But progress is never guaranteed—it must be defended and advanced by those who benefit from it. Naturalized citizens, especially first-generation Americans and their children, have a unique responsibility to claim their place in the American story. The rights and opportunities available today exist because previous generations fought for them. Now, it is up to today’s immigrants and their descendants to continue that fight—not just for themselves, but for the next wave of newcomers who will follow.
Why Immigrants Should Acknowledge Heritage Months
Recognizing heritage months like this one is important for all immigrants because it:
Promotes Inclusivity: Celebrating diverse histories fosters a sense of belonging.
Offers Learning Opportunities: Understanding the journeys of past immigrants provides valuable insights.
Builds Community: Shared celebrations strengthen communal bonds.
Other Heritage Months Celebrating Diversity
The U.S. honors various cultures through dedicated months:
February: Black History Month
May: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
October: Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
November: National American Indian Heritage Month
Participating in cultural observances allows immigrants and new Americans to deepen their appreciation for the nation's diversity, fostering mutual respect and understanding among all cultural groups. Engaging in these activities is integral to the American experience, embodying the spirit of unity that defines the nation.
Continue to becoming American by learning more about Irish American Heritage Month below!