Little-Known Writing System Highlights African Voices
Much of what we know about the African continent’s history has been shaped by foreign perspectives. Available records such as travel diaries and colonial archives are typically written in European languages and Arabic. However, a discovery of a little-known West African writing system, known as Ajami, is helping to bring African voices to the forefront. […]
Women’s History Month: Celebrating American Quilters
Quilting is an art form that involves sewing together different pieces of fabric to create patterns. Throughout American history, women have used quilting to support political and social causes while helping to heal the nation during times of crises. Women quilters have communicated their views in their quilted pieces, even when they did not have […]
“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” Makes History at the Oscars
The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are yearly awards for artistic and technical merit in the film industry. This year, the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once had a historic night at the 2023 Oscars. The film is about a middle-aged Chinese American woman and her family travelling the multiverse—a series of different fictional universes where […]
Women’s History Month: Remembering Judy Heumann
Women’s History Month is celebrated every March in the United States. This is a time to honor and celebrate women’s contributions to American history. This week btw takes a closer look at the life and contributions of Judy Heumann, a leading disability rights activist. Heumann died on March 4, 2023, at the age of 75. […]
Recognizing Women with Place Names: Five Canadian Mountains
Have you ever noticed that most geographical locations are named after men? While the number of men and women are relatively equal, there are fewer geographical locations named after women. When you eliminate the categories of Christian saints, Greek goddesses, and queens, even fewer landmarks are named to honor women. A lack of women-inspired place […]
Women’s History Month: The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
In December 2020, Congress approved funding for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. This museum will honor American women’s accomplishments, their histories, and the communities they represent. While the museum organization has hosted many online and in-person events and programs, the physical museum hasn’t been constructed yet. The website for the museum says that it […]
Cookbook Highlights Impact of African American Chefs
African American chefs have had a major impact on American food. Many of today’s popular food preparations, from delicious dinners to tasty treats, were developed by enslaved and free African Americans who lived there. However, most of these great chefs are unknown, and their important contributions have not received due credit. In 2000, though, a […]
Political Unrest in Peru
Protests against the government have erupted across Peru since December 2022. The political unrest has disrupted live for Peruvians, led to calls for new elections, and has disrupted tourism in Peru. Why are People Protesting? Protests started in Peru on December 7, 2022, when then-President Pedro Castillo was impeached and imprisoned for trying to dissolve […]
Remembering Dr. Carter G. Woodson: Creator of Black History Month
Dr. Carter Woodson was a distinguished teacher, writer, and historian. Woodson is known as the “father of Black history” because he dedicated his life to the teaching and celebration of African American history. He helped establish the annual celebration of Black History Month in February. Here, btw takes a closer look at his life and achievements. Woodson’s […]
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 […]