History of Juneteenth
President Abraham Lincoln declared an end to slavery in the United States with the Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862. Following the Union army’s success at the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln proclaimed “That on the 1st day of January . . . 1863, all persons held as slaves within any state or designated part of a […]
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, […]
Navy Ship Renamed to Honor American Hero Robert Smalls
Have you ever heard of Robert Smalls? The U.S. Navy just renamed a ship, the USS Robert Smalls, in his honor. Robert Smalls was an African American man who captured a Confederate steamer loaded with guns during the Civil War. Smalls surrendered the vessel to the Union Navy. By reaching Union lines, this act also […]
House Votes to Remove Confederate Statues
In August 2017, the city leaders of Charlottesville, Virginia, decided to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from a public park. In response, hundreds of white nationalists showed up for a “Unite the Right” protest. They were met by a group of counter-protestors. One of the counter protestors named Heather Heyer was […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
An Incomplete Count? The U.S. Census happens once every ten years. But what is the Census, and why is it so important? The Census is a complete count of every person living in the United States (and its territories). The information is used to determine funding for public services, such as schools and fire departments. […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Stone’s Sentencing Scandal Remember Hillary’s emails? Last November, Roger Stone–Trump’s longtime friend and adviser–appeared in federal court for his role with WikiLeaks and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, in which he acted as a go-between. Stone later lied to Congress about it, and as a result, he was found guilty of all seven counts with which […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
The Sundance Film Festival This may be the time of year when Hollywood honors the best films of the previous year during the Academy Awards, but it is also the time for Independent film to roll out its newest films. The Sundance Film Festival, which runs January 16-26 in Park City, Utah, is considered one […]