Articles

Don Cornelius: The visionary behind Soul Train and the cultural revolution it inspired

Don Cornelius, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking television show Soul Train, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the cultural landscape of America. From his modest …

McCarthyism and the Cold War: America’s Second Red Scare

In the aftermath of World War II, as tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated into what would become known as the Cold War, America experienced one of its most controversial …

The First Red Scare: America’s post-WWI fear of Communism and radical change

In the aftermath of World War I, America experienced a period of intense social and political upheaval that would come to be known as the First Red Scare (1919-1920). This tumultuous time emerged from …

Paul Robeson: A voice for the ages

Paul Leroy Robeson was born on 9 April 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, to a lineage marked by resilience and determination. His father, William Drew Robeson, was a former slave who escaped to freedom …

The history of Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (Chūnjié), is one of the oldest and most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. Its history spans thousands of years and is deeply …

Claimed benefits of the British Empire

The British Empire was once the most extensive empire in history and is often depicted as civilising the colonies that it ruled, bringing many benefits. These claims include contributions to …

The history of New Year celebrations: A journey through time

The start of a new year is a time of renewal and hope and has been observed by civilisations across the world for thousands of years. While the modern-day festivities on 1 January have their roots in …

The 1795 slave revolt of Curaçao

The island of Curaçao has witnessed one of the most significant but often overlooked acts of resistance against colonial oppression. The 1795 slave revolt, led by Tula Rigaud, Louis Mercier, Bastian …

Celebrating 31 Days of Black History

The theme of this year’s UK Black History Month is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. To celebrate, we’ll be publishing videos daily that celebrate the achievements of Black people in …

Cultural transformations in India: The abolition of historical practices

India, with its deep cultural heritage and long history, has been home to various social customs, rituals, and traditions. While many of these practices celebrate the richness and diversity of Indian …

Queen Amina of Zaria: The legendary warrior queen of West Africa

Queen Amina of Zaria, also known as Amina of Zazzau, was a formidable leader and warrior in the 16th century. She ruled over the Hausa city-state of Zazzau (modern-day Zaria) in present-day northern …

Anténor Firmin: Haitian anthropologist

Joseph Auguste Anténor Firmin (1850-1911), better known as Anténor Firmin, was a remarkable Haitian intellectual whose contributions to anthropology, journalism, and politics remain influential today. …