Gandhi & the Amritsar Massacre: How a Tragedy Turned the Tide

Bullet marks on a preserved wall at Jallianwala Bagh as a memorial to the Amritsar Massacre

What pivotal moment happened in Amritsar in 1919? How did Gandhi respond? For Mahatma Gandhi, the Amritsar Massacre marked a critical point in India’s fight for freedom. It highlighted the tension between nonviolent resistance and the British government’s harsh tactics. Gandhi’s approach to this tragedy showcased his commitment to truth and peaceful protest. Read on to discover how Gandhi’s response to this event shaped the course of India’s independence movement.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement: Unite & Defy

A map of India published by British Information Services in 1944 illustrates the non-cooperation movement

What motivated Gandhi to propose the non-cooperation movement? How did this strategy aim to unite different religious groups against British rule? Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement emerged from a meeting of religious leaders in 1920. It encouraged people to reject and boycott British government rules. The movement aimed to address both the Khilafat question and the broader struggle for Indian self-governance. Read on to discover how Gandhi’s innovative approach to resistance shaped India’s fight for independence and influenced interfaith relations.

How Sy Montgomery Gained a Passion for Animals

A Scottish terrior and an Australian emu staring at each other

What sparked Sy Montgomery’s passion for animals? What type of dog did she have growing up? Sy Montgomery explains that she was drawn to animals and nature since she was a child growing up as a general’s daughter on different US Army bases in the 1960s. Several key relationships with animals fostered her interest in the natural world, leading her to find her calling as a nature writer.  Below, we’ll look more closely at two connections she made: with her childhood dog and with wild emus on her first research expedition.

Viola Davis’s Finding Me: A Memoir (Book Overview)

A woman with a ponytail sitting at an outdoor cafe and reading a book

Do you struggle with self-doubt and feeling unworthy? How did a Hollywood star overcome poverty and trauma to achieve success? Viola Davis’s memoir Finding Me takes readers on an inspiring journey from her challenging childhood to her rise as an award-winning actress. She shares her experiences with poverty, abuse, and racism while exploring themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of dreams. Keep reading for our overview of Viola Davis’s Finding Me: A Memoir.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Kheda Satyagraha: A Sad Tale of Death & Taxes

Mahatma Gandhi when he led the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918

What was the Kheda Satyagraha, and what caused it? How did Gandhi empower farmers in Kheda? Mahatma Gandhi’s Kheda Satyagraha was a significant moment in India’s struggle for independence. In 1918, farmers in the Kheda district faced crop failures, famine, and plague. They sought tax relief but were denied, leading to a non-violent protest led by Gandhi. Discover how this peaceful resistance unfolded and how it left a lasting impact on India’s fight for freedom.

The Code Breaker: Book Overview (Walter Isaacson)

A woman reading a book in a study with a strand of DNA coming out of the book.

Have you heard of CRISPR and wondered what all the fuss is about? How could this groundbreaking technology change the world as we know it? The Code Breaker, a book by Walter Isaacson, explores the fascinating world of CRISPR gene editing technology. The book lays out its development, focusing on Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna’s contributions, and examines the moral quandaries and potential applications of this revolutionary scientific tool. Continue reading for an overview of this important book.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha: A New Era

Gandhiji and Sub-Inspector Qurban Ali during Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha in 1917

What was the Champaran Satyagraha? How did it help solidify Gandhi’s role in India’s independence movement? Gandhi’s first Satyagraha campaign in India took place in Champaran in 1917. It addressed the exploitation of indigo farmers by British planters. The peaceful resistance strategy involved investigation, civil disobedience, and providing essential services to the community. Read on to discover how Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha became a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom.

Viola Davis’s Childhood: A Story of Deep Love & Profound Trauma

The back of a young black girl watching television in 1975

How did Viola Davis’s childhood experiences shape her identity? What was her dream as a child? Viola Davis’s early life was marked by poverty, racism, and family struggles. Her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a celebrated actress is a story of resilience and self-discovery. She decided to forge a path to healing and self-acceptance. Keep reading to learn how Viola Davis’s childhood experiences influenced her life and career—and how she transformed adversity into strength.

Ron Stetson: Viola Davis Recalls Her Acting Mentor

A drama instructor, seen from behind in silhouette, in a theatre

How did Ron Stetson impact Viola Davis’s life? What role did the Upward Bound program play in her journey? Ron Stetson, Viola Davis’s acting instructor during her formative years, became a pivotal figure in her life. He taught her acting fundamentals and instilled a sense of self-belief. The Upward Bound program provided Davis with opportunities to explore her talents and connect with supportive mentors. Keep reading to discover how these early experiences shaped the acclaimed actress’s path to success.

Who Is Jennifer Doudna? Her Life & Career (Walter Isaacson)

An image of Jennifer Doudna at the World Economic Forum

Who is Jennifer Doudna? How did she develop CRISPR technology, and how did the breakthrough launch her career? Jennifer Doudna’s journey from a curious child in Hawaii to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist is nothing short of inspiring. Her work on CRISPR, alongside colleague Emmanuelle Charpentier, has transformed the field of gene editing and opened up new possibilities in medicine and biotechnology. Read on to discover how Doudna’s early experiences shaped her career, the challenges she faced as a woman in STEM, and the intense competition that surrounded the development of CRISPR technology.