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 […]
Widespread Northern Lights Delight Many
In mid-May 2024, many people in the United States and around the world enjoyed a rare opportunity to view the spectacular, colorful night skies of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights. While the northern lights are commonly visible at the northern latitudes of Canada and Alaska in North America, the viewing areas […]
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is an American holiday to honor members of the military who lost their lives during wars or conflicts. Many local communities hold patriotic celebrations that include parades, fireworks, and flag displays. Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday of May as a federal holiday. While the holiday honors fallen service members, […]
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 […]
Historic Graduate Presents Diploma to Granddaughter
On a June day in 1965, Ronald Yancey became the first African American to graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology (commonly known as Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, Georgia. Yancey returned to the 2024 Georgia Tech graduation ceremony to present his granddaughter, Deanna Yancey, with her diploma. Both earned degrees in electrical engineering. Deanna earned […]
India’s Election Process
India has the challenge of conducting the largest general election in the world. The election began on April 19, 2024, and will last until June 1, 2024. Voters will determine members of the lower house of parliament. The Election Commission of India (ECI) will announce election results on June 4, 2024. Registered Voters India has […]
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 […]
Rosenwald Schools Educated African Americans in the South
May 17, 2024, is the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ended the system of racially segregated schools in the United States. To commemorate this important achievement for equality and civil rights, btw takes a look at the history of the Rosenwald Schools. In the early 1900s, a […]