Supreme Court and Packing
Many people today think the U.S. Constitution sets the number of Supreme Court justices, but it does not. Article III establishes the court system, including the Supreme Court.
Socialism in America – Part 6
In previous articles, we’ve demonstrated the genesis of the socialist movement in America going back to the Utopian commune movements of the Harmony towns, to Rapp and Old Economy, the infusion of Fourier and Marxist ideas, leading to Debs and … Continued
Book Review: The Lost Diaries of Alexander Hamilton
A recent historical fiction novel, The Lost Diaries of Alexander Hamilton by Sophie Schiller, gives insight into the early life of one of America’s founding fathers. Unlike Adams, Hancock, or a score of others, Hamilton was born in the West … Continued
Michael Ross on Books on Air podcast
As the United States election gets closer, the country is more divided than ever. Listen in as Michael Ross joins Suzanne Harris for the Books on Air podcast to discuss parallels between the US at the time of the Civil … Continued
The 1860 Election – Deja Vu
In 1860, the United States was a deeply divided country, and the divide was most evident in the split in the Democratic party. The issues were both economic and race-related, much as it is today. Southern Democrats wanted to defend … Continued
Gladys West – NASA engineer, Mother of GPS
Did you know… Gladys West?We don’t usually talk about living people here, but Gladys West is so amazing that we depart from our usual practice to celebrate the achievements of this great African American woman.She was born Gladys Brown, in … Continued
Cathay Williams, female African American soldier
Did you know… Cathay Williams?Cathay Williams was born in Independence, Missouri in September 1844. Her father was a free African American, her mother a slave. Since the status of children was determined by the status of the mother, Cathay was … Continued
Lewis Latimer and the light bulb
veryone knows Thomas Edison invented the light bulb… right?
Except that Edison’s light bulb would only last a few days at a time.
Martin Delaney, journalist, and abolitionist
Did you know… Martin Delaney ((May 6, 1812 – January 24, 1885)? Doctor, major in the Union Army, newspaperman, advocate of African American rights.
Charley Parkhurst
Did you know Charley Parkhurst (1812–1879)?Tales of the Old WestOnce there was a girl, Charlene Parkhurst, born in 1812 in Sharon, Vermont. Charlene’s parents died, and there was no one to take care of her, so she ended up in … Continued