21 Phrases You Use Without Realizing You’re Quoting Shakespeare

William Shakespeare devised new words and countless plot tropes that still appear in everyday life. Famous quotes from his plays are easily recognizable; phrases like “To be or not to be,” “wherefore art thou, Romeo,” and “et tu, Brute?” instantly evoke images of wooden stages and Elizabethan costumes. But an incredible number of lines from … Read the rest

The History of Easter

1. Ancient Spring Celebrations

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Long before Easter became a Christian holiday, people across Europe celebrated the arrival of spring.

These ancient festivals marked the end of winter and the return of life to the earth.

Many cultures used eggs as symbols of new life and rebirth. Animals like hares and rabbits, known for … Read the rest

FBA – Black Americans Who Shaped the United States

Foundational Black Americans (FBA) is a term used to describe descendants of Africans who were enslaved in the United States and whose lineage is rooted in the historical Black experience that shaped the nation from its earliest foundations. Their labor, resistance, innovation, intellectual leadership, and cultural contributions are inseparable from the development of American democracy, … Read the rest

10 Nursery Rhymes with Dark Origins

“Baa Baa Black Sheep”

This gentle lullaby about sheep might be a toddler’s favorite, but its backstory might raise an eyebrow. It is believed to allude to the medieval wool tax introduced by King Edward I. The King’s share? A third of the proceeds from each sack. In this context, if you had three bags … Read the rest

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS
The origins of Christmas stem from both the pagan and Roman cultures. The Romans actually celebrated two holidays in the month of December. The first was Saturnalia, which was a two-week festival honoring their god of agriculture Saturn. On December 25th, they celebrated the birth of Mithra, their sun god. Both celebrations … Read the rest

Burkina Faso: Why Solidarity with the AES is Imperative

The rise of Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso represents a watershed moment for Pan-Africanism. His leadership, echoing the anti-imperialist vision of Thomas Sankara, has reignited a belief in self-determination across the Sahel and beyond.

Under Traoré, Burkina Faso has taken decisive steps to reclaim its sovereignty. The expulsion of foreign military forces, the nationalization … Read the rest

The Fugitive: Ona Judge and the President’s Pursuit

The story of the Washingtons is a cornerstone of American history, etched in stone and textbook. We know of the general, the president, the father of a country. We know of Martha, the dignified first lady. But for decades, a crucial part of their narrative remained in the shadows: the story of Ona Judge, the … Read the rest

The 10 Most Important Sumerian Gods: Nammu, Enki, Enlil, and More

The ancient Sumerians, one of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, worshipped a vast pantheon of deities who governed every aspect of life, from creation to the underworld. These gods and goddesses played crucial roles in Sumerian mythology, influencing culture, religion, and even politics. Below, we explore ten of the most important Sumerian gods, their domains, … Read the rest

The Pearl Incident: The Largest Attempted Slave Escape in U.S. The failed escape attempt inspired “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

When we think of escapes from slavery, our minds often turn to harrowing solo journeys or the secret networks of the Underground Railroad. We rarely hear about the large-scale, organized efforts that risked everything for a chance at freedom.

One such story—the largest attempted slave escape in American history—unfolded not on a remote plantation, but … Read the rest