Honoring French-American Culture Every July

Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge French American Heritage Month? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.

French American Heritage Month is celebrated every July to recognize the contributions, culture, and history of French Americans. From the naming of U.S. cities to major political alliances, French influence has shaped the United States in visible and lasting ways.

French American Heritage Month highlights more than croissants and the Eiffel Tower—it’s about shared histories, deep cultural ties, and the blending of identities. France was the first country to formally support American independence, a connection symbolized by the Statue of Liberty, a French gift to the U.S. in 1886. French Americans have enriched U.S. society through food, language, the arts, and civic leadership.

Why This Holiday Matters

This month also offers space to reflect on underrepresented French American communities, like Cajuns, Creoles, and Franco-Americans in New England, whose complex identities hold both pride and histories of marginalization (National Today).

Honoring French American Heritage Month at work can be a meaningful way to recognize shared stories and overlooked contributions.

One Inclusive Celebration Idea

Host a “French‑Inspired Conversation & Taste” session

• Introduction: Begin with a short spotlight story—e.g., how Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi sculpted the Statue of Liberty in Paris (mountainlake.org).
• Action Steps:
  1. Host a 20-minute lunch-and-learn or virtual gathering.
  2. Share a brief overview of French-American contributions (language, law, cuisine, literature).
  3. Invite team members to bring or virtually share a French dessert, cheese, or drink.
  4. Encourage one question: “What’s a tradition or story from your cultural heritage you wish more people knew about?”
  5. Wrap with a toast—“À nos histoires partagées!” (To our shared stories).
• Closing tap: Send a follow-up email with 3 resources, such as Alliance Française events or a PBS article on Franco-American history.

Transition: This simple gathering builds connection through culture, learning, and authenticity.

Ready for More?

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Pause & Reflect

How can you weave a moment of cultural recognition into your next team meeting using this idea?