Ed Dwight’s Passion for Flight and Art
In 1963, Air Force pilot Ed Dwight hoped to become the first African American in space. Dwight was not chosen, however, to be one of the first U.S. astronauts. But in May, 2024, Dwight rocketed into the record books as the oldest person to travel to space. Love of Flight Ed Dwight grew up […]
The Brazilian Dance Passinho Gains Recongnition
Passinho is a unique Brazilian dance style. It was created in the 2000s by young people in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas. Favelas are lower income neighborhoods within Brazil’s largest cities. Passinho is a dance of nimble leg movements and quick steps. The dance is set to Brazilian funk music. It incorporates elements from various other […]
The Father of Modern Surfing
As we celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community during the month of May, btw remembers the father of modern surfing. Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku was also a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. Duke Kahanamoku’s Early Life Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born in Honolulu in 1890 when Hawaii […]
Lue Gim Gong: The Citrus Wizard
The next time you enjoy eating a sweet, juicy Valencia orange, think of Lue Gim Gong. In 1911, Lue Gim Gong created a new type of orange that could withstand cold temperatures as it grew. Today, the Lue Gim Gong orange is more commonly known as a Valencia orange. Because of the orange’s importance, Lue […]
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is a month-long celebration of the cultures and contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. People from many diverse backgrounds make up this sizable group. Asian Americans include Americans who can trace their heritage to any of the countries in Asia. Native Hawaiians come from the Hawaiian Islands. Pacific […]
Examining Japan’s Population Decline
After World War II (1939-1945), many countries experienced a “baby boom.” As peace and stability returned to many post-war nations, people returned to work and started families. Japan was no exception. In 1945, Japan’s population was just over 71 million people. By the early 2000s, the population had nearly doubled to around 125 million. However, […]
Kugali Media Creates African Comics and More
Whether it’s on a printed page or a digital screen, comics are growing in popularity around the world. American company Marvel Comics is a well-known publisher, with its older superheroes, such as Spider-Man, and its newest characters, such as Kahhori, a young Mohawk woman. An African-owned and operated entertainment company (based in the United Kingdom) […]
Warmer Weather Brings Cherry Blossoms
The flowering cherry tree grows throughout the world in mild climates. In Japan, the tree is called sakura. It is planted as an ornamental tree and has played an important role in the culture of Japan. In springtime, the flowering cherry tree produces pink and white flowers called cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms do not […]
Stolen Art Returned to Japan
A surprising discovery was made in 2023 in the attic of a Massachusetts home. While sorting through their late father’s belongings, the children of a World War II veteran stumbled upon a collection of Japanese antiques. Astonishingly, there were 22 pieces hidden away. The oldest items dated back to the 1700s. The family reported their […]
Caitlin Clark Smashes the Records on Court and with the Crowd
Caitlin Clark, a senior with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, has broken numerous records throughout her four-year career at the school. Not only has she excelled at basketball, but Clark is also responsible for an economic boom in college sports. Basketball Beginnings Clark was born on January 22, 2002, and grew up […]