Arab American Heritage Month
April is observed as Arab American Heritage month in many places across the United States, though it is not officially recognized by the federal government. Today, there are nearly 3.7 Arab Americans living in all fifty United States. These people can trace their roots to 22 Arab-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa. […]
Women’s History Month: Carol Moseley Braun
Have you ever heard of Carol Moseley Braun? She served as a U.S. senator from 1993 to 1999. Braun was the first female African American elected to the U.S. Senate. Here, btw takes a closer look at her life and contributions to American politics and beyond. Early Life Carol Moseley Braun was born in Chicago, […]
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 […]
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 […]
YOU DECIDE: Should the U.S. Lower the Voting Age to Sixteen?
New Zealand’s parliament is currently debating whether to lower the country’s voting age from eighteen to sixteen. This comes after the New Zealand’s Supreme Court ruled that setting the voting age at eighteen is age discrimination. Several other nations are considering similar measures, while nine–Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Malta, Nicaragua, and Scotland and Wales–have […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Great Britain’s New Prime Minister In addition to Queen Elizabeth II passing away last week, Great Britain recently faced another leadership change. Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned his position on July 7. Two days before the queen’s death on September 8 Liz Truss took over as the nation’s Prime Minister. Formerly Great Britain’s foreign […]
Women’s History Month: Sidney Robertson Cowell
In honor of Women’s History Month, btw is highlighting the achievements and contributions of women who are less often acknowledged. This week btw takes a closer look at Sidney Robertson Cowell, an important ethnographer (someone who studies people and cultures) and folk music collector. She was instrumental in gathering and preserving folk music in California […]
Hispanic Heritage Month: Frank Torres
September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States: a time to recognize and celebrate the cultures, contributions, and achievements of the nation’s Hispanic and Latino communities. This week, btw presents Frank Torres, who fought to increase the number of Latinos in the legal profession and to make sure that Hispanic […]