Timbuktu is often mentioned in conversations about isolated places, but this perception overlooks its vibrant history as a center of intellectual and cultural exchange during the 14th and 15th centuries. This city was once a focal point of an African renaissance, where scholars, poets, and students gathered to share ideas and foster learning.

The fight for democracy is ongoing, and the stakes have never been higher. As we reflect on the legacies of Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of their actions. Marshall envisioned inclusivity and empowerment, while Thomas’s decisions often reflect a retreat from those ideals.

After Floyd's death, various sectors, including businesses, schools, and politicians, quickly issued statements of solidarity. Buzzwords like “anti-racism” and “equity” became commonplace in boardrooms and classrooms. Many believed that America was finally ready to address its racial injustices.

The idea of broken windows policing has erupted into discussions across the country. This policing strategy, which began gaining traction in the late 1970s and was popularized in the 1990s, aimed to address minor offenses to prevent more serious crimes. However, as we examine the current state of broken windows policing, it is evident that its consequences are significant and often harmful.

The struggle over what is taught in schools often reflects deeper societal conflicts about power, identity, and control. From the anti-literacy laws of the 1800s, which aimed to keep enslaved Black people from reading to today's debates over Critical Race Theory (CRT) and book bans, the fight for knowledge has always been connected to the fight for freedom.

Public memory isn’t just about what we remember; it’s also about what we’re told to forget. Right now, in America, government officials are quietly removing critical evidence of slavery, racial violence, and resistance from our parks and classrooms. This leads to a future where justice is disconnected from truth, and “patriotism” is used to excuse this erasure.

Kentucky's prison system has transformed into a powerhouse of economic activity, generating billions from the labor of incarcerated individuals. This troubling trend echoes the history of convict leasing, which arose after the Civil War and represents a dark chapter in which the freedom of Black people was taken, repackaged, and exploited for profit.

Most U.S. history textbooks present a sanitized, simplified version of the past, one that often glosses over or outright erases the voices of ordinary people. Instead of telling the full story of struggle, resistance, and resilience, these narratives tend to focus on political leaders, wars, and economic milestones, while leaving out the stories that truly shape our society.

The War on Drugs is often presented as a necessary measure for public safety. However, its legacy uncovers a troubling reality. What began as a campaign against drug use has morphed into a war on communities, particularly those of Black and Brown individuals.

In 2025, the Pentagon shocked the nation by announcing it would restore a massive portrait of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to the West Point library. This nearly 20-foot tall portrait shows Lee on horseback, with a Black enslaved man holding the reins.

Recently, Jillian Michaels stirred significant debate with her remarks about white supremacy and her troubling claim regarding what she calls "Black degeneracy." Although she claims to convey honesty, her words reflect a long-standing harmful narrative that shifts blame from systemic oppression to the very people facing it.

The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill, is frequently celebrated as a game-changer in American history. By providing returning World War II veterans with key benefits such as higher education, low-interest home loans, and job training, it played a vital role in expanding the American middle class. Yet, this promise was not shared equally among all veterans. Black veterans faced significant barriers that denied them the full benefits of the GI

In December 2023, a monument notorious for its offensive imagery was removed from Arlington National Cemetery. This 32-foot bronze statue, laden with Lost Cause symbolism, depicted smiling enslaved individuals and celebrated Confederate heroes, all while suggesting the South fought nobly for freedom through a Latin inscription.

The story of the Civil War is often presented as a simple conflict between freedom and oppression. While it is undeniable that the war aimed to end the horrific practice of slavery, it is crucial to recognize a significant truth: the conflict did not provide reparations to the descendants of enslaved individuals.

The sudden passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner has left a profound void in the hearts of many, especially those who grew up watching him portray Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show."

The recent release of over 230,000 pages of documents related to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination has ignited conversations about transparency, justice, and government narratives.

The disparities in maternal health for Black women in America are shocking. They are three to four times more likely to die during or after childbirth than white women.