There is a terrific blog published on the Fourth of July in the Twin Cities Daily Planet. The blogger, Daniel Cubias, paints a vivid picture of our "All American" holiday, from a newcomer's perspective.

Read it at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/12568.

As director of a national immigrant media project, I think a lot about where and how immigrants show up in our communities and in our national consciousness. Our New Routes programs are designed to help newcomers and long term residents experience immigrant integration as two-way street, using media and outreach as community building tools. But when I talk to friends and neighbors about New Routes, I realize that too often, even for my well-meaning progressive friends, immigrants are nowhere near that metaphorical two-way street. They remain invisible, behind closed doors.

For those of us who were born and raised in the USA, seeing and meeting immigrants in public spaces, celebrating our patriotic holiday with them in a light-hearted way sends a powerful reciprocal message that we are "All Americans." It strikes me that the 4th of July is a great time for newcomers to get acquainted with some of our summer customs and to join in the fun.

There are lots of "All American" ways to mix with neighbors. Look for community picnics, dunk tanks, fire engine rides, pie eating contests, and all manner of home-grown, fun "civic engagement." A classic 4th of July activity is the neighborhood parade with tiny kids on tricycles, older kids on silly floats, and local community leaders at the front of the procession. All you need to do to join the parade is to show up.

Almost every community from the smallest town to the largest metropolis hosts a public fireworks display. Pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket for your family to sit on and join the crowd. If you are a long-term resident, park your blanket next to an immigrant family. If you are an immigrant, settle next to an American family. Then, strike up a conversation with your neighbors on the next blanket. Take the opportunity to tell them what you love about your new or old home in the USA.

Have a great "All American" holiday