Watch this video clip to learn more about Shirley Chisholm; an iconic American figure celebrated for her ambition and courage.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
George Washington’s Farewell to the Nation Marked the Birth of American Democracy
Imagine a leader so respected that his farewell speech shaped the very ideals of democracy—George Washington’s decision to step down after two terms wasn’t just a farewell, it was the blueprint for the peaceful transfer of power that defines American democracy today.
Historian Illuminates Crucial Chapter of Harriet Tubman’s Legacy
Harriet Tubman’s courage extended far beyond the Underground Railroad—she played a crucial role in the largest rebellion of enslaved people in U.S. history. This remarkable chapter of her legacy stands as a powerful example of sacrifice, resilience, and the fight for freedom.
BSU Names Multicultural Center in Honor of Civil Rights Icons Vivian Conley and Hurley Goodall
These two activists dedicated their lives to education, equity, and service, paving the way for inclusion and empowerment. Their legacies remind students everywhere of the power of advocacy and determination to transform communities.
Nellie Bly Biography
Nellie Bly (born Elizabeth Cochran) was a pioneer in investigative journalism. She took great risks, such as going undercover as a patient of a mental institution and a worker in a sweatshop, and her work was instrumental in making improvements in the poor working conditions and treatment of women.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Brown v. Board of Education Decision, 1954
What events took place before America’s schools were finally integrated? What did the Supreme Court have to say about discrimination along the way to the Brown decision? Check this handy timeline to find out.
9 Virtual Tours of Shakespearean Spots
William Shakespeare is widely considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and now, thanks to modern technology, you can explore some of the most iconic places from the playwright’s life, and the locations said to have inspired him, from the comfort of your own home.
A Look Into The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Did you know that Sleepy Hollow is a real place? And that many of the characters in the story were loosely based on real people? Take a brief tour of the area with National Geographic and learn how Washington Irving got some of his ideas for America’s most famous ghost story.
At a Bold Meeting 250 Years Ago, the Continental Congress Set America in Motion
In October of 1774, the First Continental Congress met to discuss and write a petition to the King. Although the petition didn’t work as planned, the Congress set the stage for what would become the American Revolutionary War.
Commemorating and Learning our Shared History: Juneteenth, Emancipation and Afro-Latino Abolitionists
In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, learn more about these prominent Afro-Latino abolitionists and their fight for freedom across the Americas.
‘I only learnt to know her through her diary’: Anne Frank’s father on how his daughter lived on after her death
Seventy-seven years after it was first published, this article takes another look at The Diary of a Young Girl. Learn the story behind how and why Anne Frank’s diary got published.
The Merry Wives of Windsor offers strong evidence that Shakespeare was not its author
Some scholars of Shakespeare question the identity of the beloved playwright. This article discusses facts that have led some to believe The Merry Wives of Windsor was written by a different author.
Bernice Johnson Reagon, a founder of The Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock, has died
Learn more about the legacy of Bernice Johnson Reagon, remembered for her activism, musicianship, and courage.
Science and Poetry: Predation or Symbiosis?
Though poets often draw on imagery from nature, science and poetry often appear to be set in opposition to each other. Can the world of facts mesh with the world of emotions? In this essay, poet and scientist Pireeni Sundaralingam analyzes the complex relationship between the two.
Lessons From Vanderbilt And Rockefeller: Know Your ‘One Big Thing’
During the Gilded Age, both Cornelius Vanderbilt and John Rockefeller amassed fortunes by focusing on what they knew best.
Anne, from Diarist to Icon
A professor explores how a teenager who kept a diary has transformed into a symbol of what the Holocaust stole from the world.
9 Intrepid Women Explorers
Read about the extraordinary lives and feats of 9 remarkable women.
King Arthur
The legend of King Arthur, the hero who saved Britain, may not be true, but it has inspired people for more than 1,000 years. Read an article about what we know of Arthur tales, accompanied by a video summing up the most famous stories.
Zora Neale Hurston, Genius of the Harlem Renaissance
Writer, anthropologist, and life of the party, Zora Neale Hurston, was a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Read this “retrobituary” to learn about her life and death.
How Cesar Chavez Changed the World
Through hard work and dedication, Cesar Chavez created a labor union for farm workers. His intense desire to make things right came from his own struggles as a child of farm workers.