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 […]
2023 State of the Union Address
On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, President Joe Biden delivered this year’s State of the Union address in front of a joint session of Congress. The State of the Union is an annual speech that updates the nation on the economic and legislative achievements of the current administration, as well as the most important current issues. […]
French Strikes Show Discontent with Proposed Retirement Reform
French workers have a long tradition of taking democracy to the streets. Now citizens are voicing their concerns about President Emmanuel Macron’s effort to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. On January 19 and January 31, 2023, thousands of citizens participated in union-organized national strikes against Macron’s plan. As a result of the […]
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 […]