Considering History: The Foundational Fight for American Labor Unions
The battle to establish labor unions that would fight for workers’ rights in America goes back to the 1600s. Ben Railton examines some key turning points in the labor movement.
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Considering History: Seattle and the Worst and Best of American Expansion
Seattle’s founding featured white supremacist violence and exclusion, but three iconic figures in the city’s early history embody more inspiring stories for Seattle and America alike.
Considering History: Five Black Legends Who Shaped the Story of American Tennis
The Black community has played a vital role in advancing American tennis. Here are five African American legends who together helped shape that inspiring story.
Considering History: What I’ve Learned from My Sons This Year about the Past and the Future
Ben Railton writes about lessons he’s learned from his sons.
Considering History: Transgender Americans Have Always Been Here
Transgender people have been present in every period of American history and community.
News of the Week: Random Notes, Best Places to Live, and Cookout Season Has Begun
In the news for the week ending May 26, 2023, are a shoe debate, a great place to live, some ruby slippers, a Frankmobile, a time traveler, and more.
Considering History: AAPI Medal of Honor Recipients Exemplify the Best of America
Ben Railton celebrates Asian American soldiers who served the United States with honor and distinction.
Considering History: The First Asian American Screenwriter
The woman with the pen name Onoto Watanna had a stunningly productive literary career as a cookbook writer, novelist, and screenwriter.
Considering History: Remembering New York’s Little Syria
To celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month, Ben Railton remembers an influential early 20th century community.
Considering History: Racist Imagery and the Critical Patriotism of Black Legislators
Negative portrayals of Black legislators go back 150 years, to the beginning of Reconstruction. But their actual stories could not be more distinct, complex, and inspiring.
News of the Week: Girl Scout Cookies, Spider-Man’s House, and Have You Ever Tried the Fosbury Flop?
In the news for the week ending March 17, 2023, are a costly cookie, filmhouse fears, John Jakes, and a number of other stories that aren’t so alliterative.
Considering History: The Harlem Globetrotters and the Social Significance of Sports
The Harlem Globetrotters have always been far more than just a comic exhibition team, just as basketball and sports have always meant much more than simply entertainment or escapism.
Considering History: Why the 1850 Worcester Women’s Rights Convention Is a Vital Part of History
Women’s rights activism has shaped America for the better throughout our history, so why should colleges be banned from teaching it?
Considering History: 5 Valentine’s Day Couples to Celebrate During Black History Month
Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to remember some of the inspiring couples who have shaped Black and American history.
Considering History: Boston’s Black Heritage Trail and How Much We Still Have to Learn
As we begin this year’s Black History Month, Ben Railton takes us on a walk down Boston’s Black Heritage Trail, a reminder of the contributions of of African Americans to Revolutionary and early America.
Considering History: The 1893 Hawaiian Coup and the Realities of American Expansion
To most 21st century Americans, Hawaii is a tropical paradise. But how that paradise became part of the United States is a long, complex, and often dark story.