Nina Simone was a popular pianist and jazz singer with an unmistakable voice. Some of her later songs are considered by many to be anthems of the civil rights movement. Read this brief introduction to Simone and listen to the two clips of her work.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Self-Defense Tips for Teens
Part of approaching adulthood is learning how to defend yourself. But you don’t necessarily have to take a class or practice martial arts to stay safe–part of protecting yourself involves listening to your instincts. Read this article and watch the news report to learn the basics of self-defense.
About Thoreau
Learn about the life of author Henry David Thoreau, the author who lived at Walden Pond, and whose writings on civil disobedience have inspired protesters for more than 100 years.
Why Power Corrupts
It may sometimes seem that people in power act in unscrupulous ways, but do those represent isolated incidents or a clear pattern? Researchers recently took a look at how people react to having power over others.
Using nature’s genius in architecture
Humans can learn a lot from nature: In this TED talk, learn how architects are imitating natural processes and structures to create more efficient buildings.
Are you Ukrainian or Russian? It’s complicated . . .
What determines a person’s cultural identity? For many people, it’s made up of a combination of factors such as language, loyalty, and heritage. For those from the former Soviet Union, the question is even more complicated. Read and listen to Ukrainian-born Alina Simone discuss her path to defining her cultural identity.
The Female Thor and the Female Comic-Book Reader
Comic book superheroes are evolving to reflect a more diverse audience. One famous character is being reintroduced a woman.
10 Lucky Celebrities Who Escaped Disaster
You may be familiar with each of the 10 historic tragedies in this list, but chances are you don’t know that for each one, there’s a celebrity or public figure who narrowly avoided being part of it.
Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature
This site offers a wide variety of information related to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Starting with “The Birth of Frankenstein,” use the table of contents on the left side of the page to browse topics ranging from historical and scientific background information to the story’s modern influences on film, culture, and research.
The Revised Dred Scott Case Collection: History of Dred Scott
This page offers a brief history of Dred Scott’s fight for his family’s freedom. Read the overview of Scott’s case and then explore the rest of the collection to learn more about how and why the Dred Scott decision came to be such a landmark case in American judicial history.
The Legacy of Medgar Evers
Medgar Evers was a civil rights activist who fought racial discrimination in many forms. His murder in 1963 sparked national outrage that helped increase support for legislation that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Listen to this short piece about the lasting impact Evers’ life and work has had on his home state of Mississippi.
Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda wrote poems about nature, but he his also famous for his poems about love, as well as many other subjects. Read this biography about the renowned poet’s career.
Revising Himself: Walt Whitman and Leaves of Grass
This companion website to a 2005 Library of Congress exhibit provides glimpses of the items that were displayed as well as background information on Whitman’s life, career, and legacy. Take a look at the “Leaves of Grass” section to learn more about the history surrounding one of America’s most influential books of poetry.
Emergency Response Plan
When a crisis occurs in a large building, it’s difficult to know what everyone should do and where they should go. This site from the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides guidance that can save lives.
The United States Flag
Seeing people mistreat the American flag, whether intentionally or accidentally, evokes strong feelings. But what does U.S. law currently say about how the American flag should be treated? Legislative attorney John R. Luckey sets forth the official rules and applies them to specific situations.
Mars One
In April 2013, Mars One launched its Astronaut Selection Program, taking the foundation one step closer to its eventual goal of establishing a human settlement on Mars. Explore the official Mars One site to learn more about the organization, its mission, and the risks and challenges involved in such a historic undertaking.
On Bridges in Paris, Clanking with Love
“Love locks” bearing names and messages can be found on bridges and other landmarks in cities across the world. But as this seemingly harmless trend has increased in popularity, it’s become a much bigger issue in cities such as Paris, where the structural integrity of bridges is being threatened by the weight of love.
Movie Monsters, Monster Movies And Why ‘Godzilla’ Endures
There’s no question about the appeal of a good monster movie. But what is it about certain movie monsters that makes them such enduring stars? Listen to this story about Godzilla to learn more about one of cinema’s most legendary monsters.
Maya Angelou’s Great Legacy
After the recent passing of Maya Angelou, the media was flooded with tributes, personal stories, and other works meant to honor her and her legacy. This tribute comes from Clarence G. Newsome, President of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Fix the Garden program nourishes offenders and the needy
The Fix the Garden program is designed to help both people in need and people who are required to do community service. Read this article to find out how this natural environment is changing lives.