Chien-Shiung Wu: The First Lady of Physics
Chien-Shiung Wu stands as one of the most influential experimental physicists of the 20th century despite often being overshadowed in popular accounts of scientific history. Her meticulous experiments …
Features
Hedy Lamarr: Hollywood star and revolutionary inventor
In the golden age of Hollywood, Hedy Lamarr captivated audiences with her extraordinary beauty and acting talent. Yet behind the glamorous façade was one of the 20th century’s most unexpected …
Lise Meitner and the discovery of nuclear fission
Lise Meitner was one of the most significant physicists of the 20th century, a brilliant mind whose crucial contribution to the discovery of nuclear fission was overlooked for decades. Her story is …
Dame Pearlette Louisy: A pillar of leadership and education in Saint Lucia
Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy is one of Saint Lucia’s most distinguished figures, having served as the nation’s Governor-General for nearly two decades. Her remarkable journey from humble …
World Book Day: A global celebration of literature and learning
In an age dominated by digital screens and fleeting social media posts, one international celebration continues to champion the timeless power of books. World Book Day, observed annually in the UK and …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu: A trailblazer in sickle cell research and advocacy
Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu (born Elizabeth Mary Furlong)is a remarkable figure whose work has had a huge impact on the understanding and treatment of sickle cell disease. This genetic condition …
Mata Hari: The life and times of a legendary spy
Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, is one of history’s most enigmatic and controversial figures. Known primarily for her role as an exotic dancer and a World War I spy, her life was a …
Sandra Bland: A life and legacy in the fight for racial justice
On 13 July 2015, Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old African American woman, was found dead in her jail cell in Waller County, Texas. Her death, ruled a suicide by local authorities, came just three days …