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 …
Features: Celebrating voices that deserve the spotlight
This is where stories come alive. Our Features hub highlights the trailblazers, changemakers, unsung heroes, and villains who have left their mark on history, culture, and the community. From global icons to local legends, we showcase individuals whose lives changed history, inspire, challenge, and uplift.
Each profile is more than a biography — it's a celebration of resilience, creativity, and impact. Whether you're discovering a revolutionary thinker, a cultural pioneer, or someone quietly changing the world, these stories remind us that greatness comes in many forms — and every voice matters.
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 …
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. …
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 …
Mary Surratt: The first woman executed by the U.S. Government
On 7 July 1865, Mary Surratt became the first woman to be executed by the U.S. government. Her death was the culmination of a dramatic and controversial trial following one of the most infamous events …
Franz Ferdinand: The assassination that shook Europe
Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria-Este, was born on 18 December 1863 in Graz, Austria. As a member of the House of Habsburg, Franz Ferdinand held a significant position within the Austro-Hungarian …
George Armstrong Custer and his complex legacy
George Armstrong Custer is one of American history’s most controversial and enigmatic figures. His life, filled with dramatic highs and lows, left an indelible mark on the nation’s memory. …
The unstoppable Wilma Rudolph: A legacy of speed and resilience
Wilma Glodean Rudolph, an American sprinter born on 23 June 1940 in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, remains one of the most inspiring figures in athletics history. Her story is not just one of athletic …
Katherine Dunham: Dance, anthropology, and the rhythms of cultural revolution
Katherine Dunham was born on 22 June 1909 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Dunham was raised in a nurturing family environment. Her early life was marked by her mixed heritage; her father was of African and …