Black History Month: Biden’s Pardon of Marcus Garvey

After the Fact, Government, Stuff You Should Know

Feb 20, 2025

Black History Month: Biden’s Pardon of Marcus Garvey

Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Americans. This week btw examines the life of activist and civil rights leader Marcus Garvey. He returned to news feeds recently because Garvey was pardoned for a 1923 mail fraud conviction by President Biden in January 2025. Read […]

People and Culture, Stuff You Should Know

Feb 20, 2025

India’s Kumbh Mela Festival Marred by Recent Tragedy

Imagine a public festival that lasts for forty-five days and is attended by millions of people. That’s India’s Kumbh Mela Festival, a semi-regular event which took place in 2025 in January and February. Here, btw explores what the Kumbh Mela Festival is all about, and describes a tragedy that occurred at this year’s celebration. What […]

Stuff You Should Know, Top Stories

Feb 12, 2025

Oceti Sakowin Fight for Ownership of the Black Hills

There is a long history of land treaties between the U.S. government and Indigenous Native American people. But did you know that some of these disputes over land are still occurring today? In November 2024, a group of leaders of the Oceti Sakowin considered introducing a bill in the U.S. Congress to return a particularly […]

Stuff You Should Know, United States History

Feb 12, 2025

Black History Month: Harriet Tubman Receives Military Honor

The month of February is a time to honor and remember the stories and contributions of Black Americans. Harriet Tubman–an enslaved person and one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad–was recently named an honorary brigadier general in Maryland’s National Guard. This is in recognition for her service to the Union Army during […]

Stuff You Should Know, World

Feb 6, 2025

Soma Bags Upcycles for Education

You have probably heard of recycling, but have you learned about upcycling? Upcycling takes waste materials and finds new and important uses for them. This week btw takes a closer look at Soma Bags, a Tanzanian start-up company that meets a vital need by upcycling discarded cement bags into a way to help children in […]

Government, Stuff You Should Know, United States History

Jan 30, 2025

Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

Birthright citizenship is the principle that anyone born on American soil is guaranteed U.S. citizenship—with only a few specific exceptions. This right is guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (adopted in 1868). But just hours after taking office, President Trump issued an Executive Order modifying birthright citizenship. So, what does this mean? […]

Stuff You Should Know, World

Jan 23, 2025

Ghana Fights Back Against Fast Fashion

You’ve heard about fast food, but what about fast fashion? That’s the term used for clothing that is mass produced very cheaply, usually in Chinese factories, and then purchased in Western countries like the U.S. The clothing is so cheap that Westerners often only wear it for a little while, before donating it or throwing […]

People and Culture, Stuff You Should Know, United States History

Jan 17, 2025

President Biden Designates Francis Perkins National Monument

Have you ever heard of Frances Perkins? She was the first woman in a presidential Cabinet, and a key part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration during the Great Depression. She was also the longest-serving Labor Secretary in U.S. history. Last month, President Biden honored Perkins’ service and legacy by designating the Frances Perkins National […]

People and Culture, Stuff You Should Know, Top Stories, United States History

Jan 16, 2025

Remembering President Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. Aside from being the longest-living president in history, Carter also was known for his service, his faith, and his commitment to the environment and social justice. After his death, Carter was honored with more than […]

Current Events, Stuff You Should Know, United States History

Jan 16, 2025

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a key leader in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Both his father and his mother’s father were Baptist ministers. When King became a minister, he used his position to fight racial inequality and inspire African Americans. He was a powerful […]