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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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? […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Foldscope: The World’s First Paper Microscope
Have you ever heard of a Foldscope? It’s a paper microscope that costs just under $2 to make. These inexpensive microscopes are changing the way that everyone from students to scientists can see the world. Here, btw takes a “closer look” at how it came to be . . .and why this little invention may […]