As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, 2025, his presidency stands as a testament to resilience and progress. Over the past four years, Biden has steered the nation through unprecedented challenges and achieved remarkable successes that will shape America's future for generations.

Two years after the landmark Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the landscape of reproductive rights in the United States has drastically changed. The ruling has led to significant restrictions on abortion access, with 21 states now imposing bans or severe limitations on abortions earlier in pregnancy than the standards set by Roe. This shift has sparked intense debate and concern over the future of reproductive healthcare.

June is here, and with it comes the vibrant and joyous celebration of Pride Month! This month, we honor the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing their contributions, celebrating their identities, and standing in solidarity for equal rights and acceptance.

March is here, bringing with it Women's History Month – a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women and reflect on the journey toward gender equality. This year's theme, "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," resonates deeply, urging us to dismantle barriers, celebrate unique perspectives, and build truly inclusive spaces.

Black History Month isn't just a time to revisit the past; it's a vibrant gateway to explore the present and future of Black creators. The theme "African Americans and the Arts" explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of “visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.

On September 20, 2011, a momentous change swept through the United States military as it officially repealed the long-standing policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). This policy, which had been in place since 1993, had prohibited openly gay and lesbian individuals from serving in the military.

During the last 10 years, over 44 million tweets have used the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, according to a Pew Research Center study. On an average day, around 3,000 tweets include the hashtag, generating discussions about racism, violence, and the criminal justice system.

In Seneca Falls, on July 19-20, 1848, a groundbreaking convention took place, marking the country's first exclusive gathering dedicated to discussing the imperative for women's rights. This pivotal meeting served as the catalyst for the women's suffrage movement, which, over the course of more than seven decades, ultimately secured women the right to vote.

"Women's rights are an essential part of the overall human rights agenda, trained on the equal dignity and ability to live in freedom all people should enjoy."–Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The Supreme Court handed down a 6-3 decision on Thursday limiting the use of race in college admissions. The case, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, challenged Harvard University's admissions policies. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that while schools can still consider race as a factor in admissions decisions, they cannot use it as the predominant factor in achieving a diverse student body. This ruling is considered a major victory for opponents of affirmative action, who argue against reverse discrimination. However, supporters of affirmative action express concerns that the decision will make it more difficult for schools to foster diversity among their student populations.

Fifty-nine years ago this week, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law. This landmark legislation was a major victory for the civil rights movement and helped to bring about a more just and equitable society for all Americans.

Today, we celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in the last Confederate state. It was a momentous step towards realizing freedom and equality for all.

Paul Newman, a true champion of equality and acceptance, beautifully expressed his unwavering support for gay rights in this quote:

Happy Pride Month! Throughout June, we celebrate the history, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a time to honor the trailblazers, advocates, and everyday heroes who have fought for equality and made invaluable contributions to society.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) to the United States. AAPIs have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, technology, politics, and the arts. Here are some notable AAPI figures who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.

A recent survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that more Americans believe medication abortion should be legal than illegal in their state, as the future of abortion pills faces legal uncertainties. The survey, conducted before conflicting court rulings on medication abortion in Texas and Washington state, revealed that 53% of adults believe medication abortion should be legal, while only 22% think it should be illegal, with 24% being unsure.

Amid the celebrations of Women's History Month, Margaret Brennan, the host of Face the Nation, highlighted the reversal of women's rights around the world. Brennan reported on the United Nations session that occurred last Monday, where UN Secretary General António Guterres discussed the global crisis facing women and girls:

During Women's History Month, we celebrate the achievements women have made and the progress towards women's rights. However, we must also acknowledge the ongoing challenges and dangers they face globally.