May 8, 1980 — a date the world should never forget. On this day, after a decades-long global vaccination campaign, the World Health Organization officially declared smallpox eradicated. It remains one of the greatest public health achievements in human history — and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the world comes together for the common good.

Established in 1965 under the Social Security Act, Medicaid was born from a national commitment to health justice. It ensures that low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities can access essential healthcare—no matter their zip code.

It began with a simple demand: eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will.

May 1, 2004: A New Era for Europe.

Twenty-one years ago this week, ten countries — Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia — officially joined the European Union, marking the largest single expansion in the EU’s history.

On April 24, 1989, the heart of Beijing pulsed with the chants of thousands of students demanding change. What began as mourning for reform-minded leader Hu Yaobang quickly turned into a bold call for democracy, free speech, and government accountability.

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), often called the Consumer Protection Agency, was born out of the 2008 financial crisis—a time when millions of Americans lost homes, jobs, and savings due to unchecked lending practices and regulatory gaps. In response, the federal government passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010.

“Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
Those words—calm, understated, and broadcast from 200,000 miles away—sent a chill through NASA’s Mission Control and the world. What was meant to be the third manned mission to the Moon quickly became a desperate struggle to bring three astronauts home alive.

On April 10, 1880, Frances Perkins was born — a woman who would go on to quietly reshape American life as we know it. In 1933, she became the first woman in U.S. history to serve in a presidential cabinet, appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as Secretary of Labor during the Great Depression. But she didn’t just make history by being first — she made history by what she did with the role.

April 3, 1968 — On a stormy night in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before a crowd at the Mason Temple and delivered what would be his final public speech: “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”

As March Madness heats up, we’re taking a time-out to honor a true trailblazer whose legacy defines the spirit of the game—Lusia “Lucy” Harris.

March 20 marks what would have been the birthday of Fred Rogers—the beloved neighbor to millions of children across generations. It’s a day to reflect on the kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength of a man who taught us all how to navigate the world with empathy and understanding.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) was established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students and streamline federal education policies. Before its creation, education oversight was scattered across multiple agencies, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in funding and policy implementation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been a cornerstone of public health in the United States since its founding in 1946. Originally established as the Communicable Disease Center, its primary mission was to combat malaria, which posed a significant threat in the southern U.S. at the time. Armed with a small budget and a dedicated team, the CDC focused on controlling mosquito populations and preventing the spread of disease.

March arrives with a promise of renewal, and with it comes Women’s History Month—a time to reflect on the incredible women who have shaped our world. Their stories are woven into the fabric of history, sometimes boldly told, other times hidden in the margins, waiting to be rediscovered.

On February 27, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a unanimous decision that strengthened civil rights protections in community facilities. The case focused on the Wheaton-Haven Recreation Association, a nonprofit swimming pool in Wheaton, Maryland, a predominantly white suburb of Washington, D.C.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, consolidating various foreign assistance programs into a single agency. Its mission was to promote international development while advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives, rooted in the belief that America's security and prosperity were linked to the wellbeing of developing nations.

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Sidney Poitier, a trailblazer whose impact on Hollywood and beyond is immeasurable. Born on February 20, 1927, Poitier shattered racial barriers, redefined representation, and inspired generations with his talent, dignity, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

This week, we celebrate the life and legacy of Arthur Ashe, born on February 6, 1943. Ashe was not only a tennis legend but a trailblazer whose influence extended far beyond the court. As the first Black man to win Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open, he shattered racial barriers in sports and opened doors for countless athletes of color who followed in his footsteps.

On January 29, 1926, Violette Neatley Anderson etched her name into history as the first African-American woman admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. This remarkable achievement not only shattered barriers but also set the stage for countless others to follow in her footsteps. Her story is one of perseverance, excellence, and a deep commitment to justice.

On January 10, 1776, an anonymous pamphlet appeared in the streets of Philadelphia that would fundamentally alter the course of American history. Written by Thomas Paine, "Common Sense" emerged at a crucial moment when colonial America stood at a crossroads, uncertain whether to pursue reconciliation with Great Britain or fight for independence.