In 1951, 16-year-old Barbara Johns found herself in the middle of the fight to end segregation in American schools, an effort she compared to “reaching for the moon.”
Author Archives: Chandler Gifford
‘I’m a Friendship Expert, This Is How Many Friends You Need’
What’s the best number of friends for a person to have? Click this link to hear from a professor whose research explores this very question.
When the United States Spoke French
During the Revolutionary War, France supplied the Americans with money, soldiers, and ammunition. Read about the strong ties that remained when the war ended.
Jack London Biography
In this biography, learn how Jack London’s adventurous life inspired his novels and stories.
Around the world, protesters take to the streets in solidarity with Iranian women
This article describes recent worldwide protests against the Iranian government’s oppression of women and girls.
Americans Are Getting Better at Cooperating With Strangers
Click this link to learn more about a recent study that suggests Americans have become more willing to cooperate with strangers over the past several decades.
The librarian who defied the Taliban
Meet Wahida Amiri, a librarian and book-lover forced to flee her homeland after she spoke out against the Taliban and demanded equal rights for Afghan women.
Creating Common Ground in Tense, Difficult Situations
It can be hard to find common ground in a tense situation. Click here to read an interview with Chicago’s Superintendent of Police David Brown, who urges Americans involved in conflicts to really listen to each other, see past their differences, and work together in a spirit of collaboration.
Abigail Adams Biography
Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, served as an unofficial advisor to the second president of the United States. She also fought for the right of married women to own personal property.
A Battle between Voting Laws and Voting Rights
Click here to find out more about the Brennan Center for Justice and its efforts to defend systems of democracy in the United States by reporting on ongoing legislative efforts to restrict voting rights.
How Conformity Can Be Good and Bad for Society
Is it best to conform to the rules and expectations of a society, or should people do what they think is best, even it it makes them stick out from the herd? Click here to dig deeper into this question.
7 Facts About Crafty Athena, Favorite Daughter of Zeus
Learn how Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, is more complex than many think with these facts about her story.
NASA chief: Moon mission is in preparation for Mars
Watch this short interview with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson about the Artemis program and NASA’s plans to return humans to the moon in 2025.
What America’s voting rights activists can learn from past movements for civil rights
The author of this opinion piece reminds his readers that throughout our nation’s history, the struggle for equity and equality has always faced resistance. He urges activists to be strong and resilient as they work to ensure voting rights for all Americans.
Attacks against Asian Americans are on the rise. Here’s what you can do
In recent months, there’s been an increase in violence against Asian Americans. One way you can help is by speaking out against violence and racism. Click this link to find out other ways to help.
How do children choose a best friend?
How important is it to have a best friend? This article explains the health benefits of having close relationships with others. It also points out some interesting differences in cultural expectations related to friendship.
Constance Baker Motley Taught the Nation How to Win Justice
Click this link to learn about the nation’s first Black female federal judge and her important contributions to the Civil Rights movement.
How gospel music helped power the Civil Rights Movement
Click this link to read about the long-standing connection between music and activism in Black American culture, including the vital role of gospel music as a form of protest.
Searching for Common Ground in Angry Times
In this article, two authors explain how polarization in American society can be a major roadblock to productive, civil discussions about difficult issues.
The Backstory: Civil rights lessons. Why we need to learn about 1961 to better understand 2021.
In the last 60 years, how much progress has been made in the Civil Rights movement? This article explains how events in 1961 are connected to the struggle for equality that continues in America today.