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MSU | Culture

Chaldean Awareness Month: What To Know

Updated Published
Sophia Jundy Student Contributor, Michigan State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

In 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared April as Chaldean [Kal-Dee-Uhn] Awareness Month in Michigan. 

In her proclamation, she said, “The Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriac people are a community of rich tradition and culture who enrich Michigan’s cultural tapestry and prosperity through their success in the arts, business, law, politics, education, medicine, architecture, and engineering.” 

Chaldeans are indigenous to Mesopotamia, now known as modern day Iraq. The “land between the rivers” was home to ancient Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

Today, northern Iraq is the fatherland to Chaldean Catholic communities. Villages like Alqosh Batnaya, Shaqlawa, and Tel Keppe are where Chaldeans reside.

In the 1920s, Chaldeans began immigrating to the United States, Metro Detroit being the popular option, bringing with them history, language, and tradition. 

The native language of Chaldeans is called Aramaic. Not to be confused with Arabic. Although Chaldeans are from Arabic speaking countries, there is a significant difference between the two languages. Arabic is made up of bits and pieces from Aramaic. 

This is also one of the key differences between Chaldean Americans and Arab Americans. 

Aramaic belongs to the family of Semitic languages. Galilean Aramaic is the language of ancient Babylon. Supposedly, this is the language Jesus Christ spoke.

Most Chaldeans are members of the Eastern Rite Chaldean Catholic Church. Catholic Chaldeans follow practices such as the Apostles Creed. They believe in one God made up of the father, son, and Holy Spirit. 

An estimated 500,000 modern day Chaldeans live in the United States, primarily in Metro Detroit, but also in Arizona, California, and Illinois. 

In recent days, Chaldean awareness has become much more welcomed.

Most high schools and colleges in Michigan have a Chaldean American Student Association (CASA) club, Chaldean owned businesses have become wildly successful, and festivals are held in dedication to the culture. 

If you aren’t from a heavily Chaldean populated area, it’s difficult to learn about them based on your community.
April being dedicated to celebrate Chaldean American in society is a great way to continue the spread of awareness about the community and culture. 

Sophia Jundy

MSU '26

Sophia Jundy is a senior at Michigan State University. She is working to receive degrees in Public Relations and Journalism, with minors in business and media photography, and a concentration in media relations. She is expected to graduate in Spring 2026.

On campus, Sophia is actively involved in the MSU chapter of PRSSA, serves as secretary for Her Campus MSU, and works as the public relations specialist for VIM Magazine. She is also an intern for MSUToday and manages social media for Chateau Coffee in Okemos, Michigan. Her past experience includes working with the Detroit Free Press, further expanding her skills in both traditional and digital media.

Throughout these roles, Sophia has built a strong foundation in AP-style writing, press kit development, in-depth interviewing, and strategic research. She prides herself on staying plugged into the media landscape, her phone is always buzzing with news alerts, trends, and pop culture moments. With a passion for fashion, music, and the entertainment industry, Sophia plans to channel her storytelling abilities into a career in communications, where creativity and cultural relevance intersect

In 2024, she studied abroad in Rome through MSU’s ADV + PR A La Mediterranean program, earning eight credits at the American University of Rome. As part of that experience, she attended the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where she gained first-hand insight into global public relations and began building a professional network on LinkedIn.

Whether she's pitching a campaign or creating a PR package, Sophia brings creativity, color, and intention to everything she does. Her colorful character is reflected in both her professional character and her wardrobe.