February is Black History Month, a celebration of accomplishments by African Americans and their role in U.S. history. It is a tribute to African Americans who overcame great adversity to achieve their rightful place in American society.
Its origin dates back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson led the effort to proclaim the second week of February Negro History Week. The week was selected to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. As the week grew in popularity, it became Black History Month, officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.
I grew up on the far south side of Chicago and attended Mt. Carmel High School, both of which were racially diverse. Unfortunately, there were occasional tense racial situations, but one man who cut through all of that was English teacher Roscoe Lindsey, an African American.
A Navy veteran, Mr. Lindsey was beloved by all. He was equally hard but also had fun with all races. He saw potential in all of us, and none of us ever wanted to let him down. Regardless of any ill feelings between any races, there was harmony in Mr. Lindsey’s class. Somehow after class, any tension usually subsided. That was the Lindsey effect.
Many years later, I reconnected with Mr. Lindsey on social media. In one message he sent, he wrote he knew I would eventually find my way to writing in some form. As usual, he was right. I would often send grammar questions to him. We would also send grammar jokes to each other.
A few years ago, Mr. Lindsey passed away unexpectedly. We lost a good man. I lost my favorite teacher. I miss our communications.
I think about him often, especially during this month. I recently learned his birthday was Feb. 12, which is so fitting.
Happy birthday, Mr. Lindsey, and rest in peace. You made a difference.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
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Nov 5, 2024Don’t Miss Idaho’s Upcoming Fall, Winter Activities and Events
Boise, Idaho, welcomed a new education center, Philip E. Batt Education Building, this October. Named in honor of former Idaho Governor Phil Batt for his contribution to human rights in the state, the building houses offices for Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, along with a classroom, meeting space, catering kitchen, research library, exhibitions room, gift shop and a human rights-themed art gallery showcasing works from Idaho artists. Here, visitors can explore immersive experiences, including a virtual reality tour of Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and an A.I.-powered interactive display featuring Holocaust survivors’ stories.
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Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
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Nov 5, 2024Set Off on a Tour of Extraordinary Mechanical Clocks Around the World
It’s approaching 3 o’clock in the afternoon in Bern. Jutting slightly into view at the end of the uneven stone street in the Swiss city’s historic heart stands a medieval tower adorned with the famous 15th-century “time bell,” Zytglogge. A small gathering forms at the tower’s base as the clock prepares to announce the hour — an event heralded by the crowing of a golden rooster, music and a dance of mechanical figures that include an assortment of jolly bears.
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Nov 5, 2024Arlo Washington DC to Debut Nov. 18
Arlo Hotels is slated to make its Washington, D.C., debut. Arlo Washington DC will open its doors in the heart of downtown D.C. on Nov. 18. Situated in the city’s oldest surviving apartment building, the property boasts 445 rooms, plus a 12-story addition.
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Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
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Nov 5, 2024AlUla Designated as Gulf Cooperation Council’s First-Ever Dark Sky Park
AlUla, Saudi Arabia, is officially the first destination in Gulf Cooperation Council’s to be designated a Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This destination continues to commit to minimizing light pollution, preserving and protecting the nighttime environment, and ensuring its skies remain crystal clear for stargazers.
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Nov 4, 2024New Boutique Hotel Collection Comes to Tulum
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Nov 1, 2024SWISS First Lounge Named World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining
Swiss International Air Lines recently ranked No. 1 in the World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining category for its first-class lounge in Terminal E at Zürich Airport in the 2024 World Culinary Awards.
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Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
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Nov 1, 2024A Helping Hand
As we edge our way toward winter, I want to remind you how lucky we have been and how we can help those who have not been as fortunate. Please continue to donate to the American Red Cross, which stands ready in any disaster to provide items people need such as water, clothing, food and other supplies.
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