The “I Dream A World” Exhibit
Founded by the U.S. Congress in 1962, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery collects and displays portraits of individuals who have made significant contributions to the United States. Beginning on February 10 and running through September 10, 2023, the Gallery will feature the second installment of the two-part series I Dream a World: Selections from Brian […]
African American-Led Alternative Newspaper, the “Baltimore Beat” Relaunches
The Baltimore Beat is an African American-led alternative newspaper that focuses on the community of Baltimore, Maryland. After closing in 2020, the newspaper relaunched as a nonprofit in August 2022. The relaunch was made possible by a $1 million gift from the Lillian Holofcener Charitable Foundation. . The Holofcener family sees the bold move as […]
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Increase Enrollment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous factors caused Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to experience a significant rise in student applications and enrollment nationwide. While enrollment rates rose at HBCUs, American colleges and universities overall suffered record-breaking enrollment declines. How, then, did HBCUs attract new students and increase their numbers? Here btw takes a closer […]
Colin Kaepernick and “Change the Game”
In 2016, football player Colin Kaepernick knelt on one knee during the National Anthem at a football game. He did this as a public reminder of the nation’s history of racism and a protest of police behavior towards African Americans. This began a national discussion about politics, sports, and symbolic protests. Some athletes supported and […]
France to Leave Burkina Faso After Request
Go home, France! The military government in Burkina Faso along with protestors in the west African country’s capital of Ouagadougou made that demand in late January. In response, the French government removed its ambassador from Burkina Faso. France also has agreed to withdraw its 400 special forces soldiers who are stationed there before the end […]
State and Local Minimum Wage Increases in 2023
In 2023, an estimated 8.4 million American workers will see a raise in their hourly pay. This is because 23 states and Washington, D.C., are increasing their minimum wage. The raises range from an additional 23 cents per hour in Michigan to $1.50 per hour in Nebraska. Twenty-seven cities and counties are also increasing their […]
Powerful NASA Telescope Discovers New Exoplanet
Is there life outside of Earth? That question has fascinated people for thousands of years. Books, movies, television shows, and radio programs have theorized and fantasized about the existence of life on other planets and in other galaxies. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists hope that the powerful James Webb Space Telescope gets them […]
Lunar New Year Begins
Happy New Year! Lunar New Year–also known as the Spring Festival–began on January 22, 2023. The Lunar New Year represents renewal, as well as the transition from winter to spring, and is important in many Asian cultures and communities. Here, btw takes a closer look at the origins, significance, and traditions surrounding this holiday, as […]
Unlocking Opportunities for Young Kenyans with Recycled Computers
Digital technology has become fundamental to economic success in today’s society. It allows people, countries, and companies to participate more fully in the global economy. Small businesses can use digital technology to reach more customers. Digital skills unlock many new, high-paying jobs. However, people in less developed countries often lack access to these technologies. The […]
Senator Mitch McConnell Makes History
The 118th Congress opened on January 3, 2023. Democrats and Republicans elect party leaders in the Senate and the House of Representatives at the start of each new session. The beginning of this Congress marked an important history-making event: Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, became the longest-serving Senate party leader in American history. […]