
10 Directors of Color Who Changed the Film Industry
Through their unforgettable art and innovations in film, these auteurs stand among the most influential big-screen talents in movie history.
How Betty Ford Tackled the Taboo of Addiction
The former first lady spoke publicly about her struggles with prescription pills and alcohol, and founded a rehab center to help others.
8 of Audre Lorde's Most Memorable Poems
The writer used her poetry to fight for justice across racial, social and sexual barriers.
How Althea Gibson Broke the Color Barrier in Tennis
The Harlem-raised trailblazer learned to control her emotions and ride out the hostilities to become one of the sport’s transcendent champions.
15 Inspiring Audre Lorde Quotes
The New Yorker used her poetic way with words to amplify injustice in race, gender, sexuality and classism.
Inside Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Riviera's Friendship
The two revolutionary LGBTQ+ activists developed a friendship while fighting for transgender rights in the 1960s and '70s.
13 Powerful Marsha P. Johnson Quotes
As one of the leaders of the Stonewall Inn resistance, the Black transgender woman was an early activist for LGBTQ+ rights in New York City.
Major Taylor: The Story Behind America's First Black Sports Superstar
The largely forgotten bicycle racing champion took center stage at a time when the sport was all the rage in a still-segregated nation.
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Eunice Hunton Carter: The Woman Who Reeled in Lucky Luciano
The trailblazing Black lawyer uncovered the evidence that tied the Mafia boss to a prostitution operation and led to his conviction.
Jesse Owens: 5 Facts About the Groundbreaking Olympic Athlete
Here are five lesser-known but important facts from the life of the iconic sportsman.
Alexander Graham Bell: 5 Facts on the Father of the Telephone
Learn more about Alexander Graham Bell and the machines he invented.
Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: Inside Their Brief But Impactful Relationship
The up-and-coming boxer relished the tutelage and friendship of the influential Nation of Islam minister before a power struggle drove them apart.
How Nina Simone Used Her Performances For Activism
The musician used her voice and songs to support the civil rights movement and speak out about crimes against Black people in America.
Inside Aretha Franklin’s Relationship with Her First Husband Ted White
At the age of 19, the future Queen of Soul wed her manager—and the seven-year marriage was filled with dark moments.
Inside the Lifelong Friendship of Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson
The Queen of Soul and the King of Motown first met as kids in Detroit, not realizing how much impact they’d each have on the world of music.
Team USA ‘Magnificent Seven’ Gymnasts: Where Are They Now?
The members of the gold-medal-winning 1996 U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team have moved on to successful lives as coaches, authors, media personalities and mothers.
Martha and Berda Lum: The Chinese American Schoolchildren Who Fought to Desegregate Southern Schools
Decades before Brown v. Board of Education, a Supreme Court decision favored the continued segregation of schools by race.
How Harry Hay Became a Pioneer of the Gay Rights Movement
The often controversial activist called homosexuals an "oppressed minority."
Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas' Enduring Love Story
The larger-than-life writer found unyielding companionship and support from her fellow American expatriate in Paris.
How 'The Joy Luck Club' Made Asian American Film History
An unexpected best-selling book by Amy Tan turned into a box office success, yet it wasn’t until 2018 that its effects stuck.
Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X's Boundary-Breaking Friendship
The two activist forged an unlikely bond in the 1960s while fighting for racial equality.
Why Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla Clashed During the Battle of the Currents
The inventors' different approaches to creating a standardized electrical system ultimately drove them apart.
10 Influential Asian American and Pacific Islander Activists
With their leadership and bravery, these trailblazing activists left a lasting mark on American history, fighting for civil rights, labor rights and everything in between.
How Prince Philip's Life Was Upended When Elizabeth Became Queen
The royal couple's love story had a romantic beginning but their relationship was rattled by her early ascension to the throne five years into their marriage.