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 […]
Women’s History Month: A Women’s Suffrage Memorial on the National Mall
In 1920, Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which granted white women the right to vote in the United States. The journey to get there was long and difficult–and often unrecognized. But that’s about to change, as Congress begins the process of creating a monument honoring women’s suffrage, or the right to vote, on […]
President Biden Visits Ukraine on Anniversary of Russian Invasion
On February 20, 2023, United States President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. The historic visit was a demonstration of the United States’ support for Ukraine ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. President Biden spent roughly five hours in Kyiv meeting with […]
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 […]
Black History Month: Rev. Frederick Douglas Reese
Have you ever heard of Rev. Frederick Douglas Reese? If not, you aren’t alone. In fact, not many Americans are familiar with F.D. Reese, even though he was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and worked for a more just and equal society alongside icons such as John Lewis and Dr. Martin Luther […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]