Robert Turner’s life story is a remarkable journey of transformation, from his humble beginnings on a Virginia farm to his pivotal role in the early days of the Bahá’í Faith in the West. Born in the mid-1850s, Turner’s path took him to California, where he worked at the prestigious Palace Hotel. His life took a…
MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Bahá’í Office of External Affairs has been contributing to a series of discussion forums with diverse voices from government, academia, faith communities, and civil society to explore how recognizing the spiritual nature of human beings can help address the roots of violence and strengthen social cohesion. “We need to find different…
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter isn’t just a singer, songwriter, and businesswoman; she’s a cultural force. A global icon whose influence on music, performance, and even the way we experience albums is undeniable, Beyoncé has consistently redefined the boundaries of artistry and innovation. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny’s Child, one…
Sylvia Robinson’s influence on music is undeniable, yet her story often remains untold. From R&B chart-toppers to pioneering hip-hop, Robinson’s career spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Born Sylvia Vanterpool in Harlem, New York, in 1935, she began her musical journey at just 14, recording as “Little Sylvia” for Columbia…
Dizzy Gillespie is remembered not only for his genius as a trumpeter who broke new ground in jazz but also for his deep dedication to the teachings of Baha’u’llah. Reflecting on his life and accomplishments decades after his passing would be incomplete without acknowledging the Baha’i belief that most inspired and drove his work—that all…
David Kellum understood the importance of race unity. Around 1917, when he was about 14, a group of white kids attacked him in his hometown in Mississippi. That very night, David’s grandmother put him on a train to Chicago, so he could live with an aunt in the north. While in high school, David joined…
At the end of May 1921, the nation’s capital played host to a multiracial Interfaith Gathering the likes of which had rarely been seen in the segregated South. for 3 Days thousands of people assembled at the First Congregational Church of Washington DC. in the first-ever convention for Amity between the colored and white races….
Editor’s note: The historical inquiry into African Americans in the early U.S. Baha’i community is still unfolding. Here is a profile of Olive Jackson, who very well may be the first African American woman to embrace the Faith. In the early summer of 2020, people around the world grappled with the social unrest and distress…
John Lewis, born on February 21, 1940, near Troy, Alabama, and who passed away on July 17, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia, was more than just a civil rights leader and politician. He was the embodiment of courage, a symbol of unwavering dedication to justice, and the “conscience of Congress.” His life story, from the segregated…
The Nicholas Brothers were a duo of dancing brothers, Fayard and Harold, who excelled in a variety of techniques, including a highly acrobatic technique known as “flash dancing”. With a high level of artistry and daring innovations, they were considered by many to be the greatest tap dancers of their day. Their performance in the…
