
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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Story of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team
In 2017, the Afghan girl’s robotics team made headlines worldwide when they won a silver medal at the first Global Challenge international robotics competition in Washington, D.C. At the end of 2021, the girls left Afghanistan as the country was falling back under Taliban control. The story of the robotics team is continuing to make […]

Thanksgiving Turkey and Traditions
Americans love turkey on Thanksgiving, and it’s only fitting that the president pay homage to one of the countries dearest traditions. Just look at some of these turkey facts through American history. One of the country’s founding fathers Benjamin Franklin had proposed the turkey as the United States’ national bird, instead of the bald eagle. […]

Disabilities and Citizenship
Do you know what it takes for an immigrant to become a U.S. citizen? Applying for citizenship is a rigorous ten-step process that includes filling out forms, paying fees, participating in interviews, taking an English test and a civics test, and more. People with disabilities face unique challenges when applying for U.S. citizenship. Now, the […]

Who is Megan Piphus Peace?
The well-known American children’s show Sesame Street has been a part of television history since 1969. It is broadcast in more than 150 countries. It has also won 142 Emmy awards–more than any other show in television history. Sesame Street has always prided itself on breaking down barriers during its more than fifty-year run, but […]

Florida Begins Hurricane Ian Recovery
Hurricane Ian made landfall in the United States on September 28, 2022. It was the deadliest storm to hit Florida since 1935. At almost 500 miles wide, the Category 4 storm caused catastrophic winds and deadly, record-breaking storm surges. Here, btw takes a closer look at Ian’s tragic aftermath. How Deadly Was Hurricane Ian? As […]

Hispanic Heritage Month: Maria Hinojosa
Maria Hinojosa is an award-winning journalist. In 2020, she wrote a memoir called Once I Was You, which told the story of her life. Recently, she created a new version of the memoir, which is aimed at kids ages eight to twelve. Here, btw takes a closer look at Maria Hinojosa, her book, and why […]

Celebrating Hispanic Culture
All ethnicities have unique cultures, histories and contributions. There are over 60 million people in this country who come from Hispanic origin. This month, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. All over the country, there will be events that aim to highlight the cultural impact of Hispanic Americans […]