Bangladeshi Americans provide mutual aid during the pandemic
Bangladeshi Communities of Care
During the COVID pandemic, Bangladeshi Americans in New York came together to assist those who needed help — from immigrants to undocumented people. Groups like Desis Rising up and Moving (DRUM) and Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress (BAPP) worked to meet the unique needs of Bangladeshi Americans.
Learn more about these mutual aid groups in the oral histories collected by South Asian American Digital Archive fellow Joymala Hajra in the Leading Communities of Care project.
Hamtramck officials observe International Mother Language Day
Hamtramck officials and community members gathered at Zussman Park in front of the City Hall at midnight on Feb. 21 to observe International Mother Language Day. The observance was first recognized by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1999 to promote linguistical, cultural, and religious diversity.
International Mother Language Day is also known as Ekushe February in Bangladesh, a day of remembrance for protestors who clashed with Pakistani officials on February 21, 1952, who tried to stop people from speaking Bangla in East Pakistan.
Hamtramck Councilman Nayeem Choudhury says people should remember those who lost their lives to preserve the language and promote freedom.
“We wanted to remember who have sacrificed for us. We speak Bangla at home with others. So we think it’s our responsibility to remember, commemorate those who sacrificed [their lives to preserve their native language]. It’s culturally, traditionally and enriching and empowering our mother tongues,” he says.
Find out more about this story on wdet.org.