Women have always played a pivotal role in space exploration, from influencing science fiction to making groundbreaking contributions at NASA. Their impact is undeniable, and we celebrate their achievements. How Lucille Ball Saved Star Trek and Inspired Generations Did you know that Star Trek almost never made it to television? After a failed pilot, Lucille…
The Bahá’í Faith is a world religion that emphasizes the unity of humanity, the harmony of science and religion, and the fundamental equality of all people. One of its core teachings is the principle of gender equality, a radical concept at the time of its founding in the 19th century and still a significant issue…
“In the annals of history, few figures shine as brightly and courageously as Táhirih (1817–1852), the Persian poet, scholar, and revolutionary who became a symbol of women’s emancipation in the 19th century. Born in Qazvin, Iran, she challenged traditions and advocated for gender equality. Her fearless actions and eloquent words inspired generations.” Early Life and…
From the vibrant spectacle of the Bud Billiken Parade to the powerful voice of the Chicago Defender, the spirit of Black Chicago resonates deeply. Earlier this month, we explored the parade’s history, touching on the legacies of Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the Defender’s founder, and David Kellum, a later contributor. Now, we delve into the remarkable…
In 2016, the AAIHS held a workshop at the University of Pennsylvania where the contributors to its forthcoming anthology, New Perspectives on the Black Intellectual Tradition, gathered to exchange chapters. The first panel featured AAIHS founder and president Christopher Cameron, Virginia Commonwealth University professor David Weinfeld, and the legendary scholar of black religion Anthea Butler. In a wide-ranging conversation on black free thought,…
“The Baháʼí Faith and African American History: Creating Racial and Religious Diversity” offers a compelling exploration of the interwoven narratives of African American history and the Baháʼí Faith in the United States. It delves into the Baháʼí community’s long-standing commitment to racial harmony and social justice, tracing its efforts from the early 20th century to…
Sydney Barber’s appointment as the U.S. Naval Academy’s first Black woman brigade commander is a historic milestone. Barber, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering major, learned of her selection and immediately shared the news with her father, a 1991 Naval Academy graduate. His emotional reaction reflected the significance of this achievement. Barber assumed the semester-long role in…
In 2020, Princeton University named Nicholas Johnson its first Black valedictorian in the institution’s 274-year history. Johnson, the valedictorian for the Class of 2020, described the honor as particularly significant considering Princeton’s ongoing efforts to address its complex history with slavery. The 22-year-old expressed surprise upon learning of his groundbreaking achievement last week. “Being Princeton’s…
James Moody was a world-renowned, Grammy award-winning jazz saxophonist and flutist. He contributed music to Baha’i events, including the Second Baha’i World Congress in 1992, even before he formally enrolled in the Baha’i Faith. Born in Georgia and raised in New Jersey, Moody pursued music despite being born with impaired hearing. He honed his saxophone…
Raphael Gamaliel Warnock (/ˈrɑːfiɛl ˈwɔːrnɒk/ RAH-fee-el WOR-nok; born July 23, 1969) is an American Baptist pastor and politician serving as the junior United States senator from Georgia since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Warnock has been the senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church since 2005. Warnock was the senior pastor of Douglas Memorial Community Church from 2001 to 2005. He came to prominence in Georgia politics as a leading activist…
