John L. Stevens (1820-1895) WHO S/HE WAS: Ambassador John Leavitt Stevens was a United States ambassador to Paraguay, Uruguay, Sweden, Norway and Hawaii during the second half of the nineteenth century. WHAT S/HE SAID: The Hawaiian pear is now fully ripe, and this is the golden hour for the United States to pluck it. WHY
Queen Liliuokalani (1838-1917) WHO S/HE WAS: Queen Liliuokalani was the last monarch and only queen regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii. She assumed the monarchy after the death of her brother, King David Kalakaua, in 1891. WHAT S/HE SAID: Hawaii for Hawaiians WHY S/HE MATTERED: Queen Lilíuokalani was the sitting monarch at the time of
Eduard de Stoeckl (1804-1892) WHO S/HE WAS: Eduard de Stoeckl was a Russian diplomat best known today for having negotiated the American purchase of Alaska on behalf of the Russian government. He occasionally used the bogus title of Baron. WHY S/HE MATTERED: On March 30, 1867, the United States reached an agreement to purchase Alaska
William H. Seward (1801-1872) WHO S/HE WAS: William H. Seward was a statesman and politician who served as Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. His tenure saw the acquisition of Alaska from Russia and diplomatic efforts to prevent European intervention during the American Civil War. WHAT S/HE SAID: Arguing that California be admitted
Matthew Calbraith Perry (1794-1858) WHO HE WAS: Matthew Calbraith Perry was a Commodore in the United States Navy who played a pivotal role in opening Japan to the outside world. His negotiation skills and naval presence led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, ending Japan’s isolationist policies. WHAT HE SAID: Reflecting
Jane Addams (1860-1935) WHO S/HE WAS: Jane Addams devoted her life to social and political reform and to the betterment of the economic condition of the masses. She worked for women’s rights, to help the poor and to stop the use of children as industrial laborers. She founded Hull House in Chicago, a center which
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1836) WHO HE WAS: Rudyard Kipling was a prolific British author and poet known for his literary contributions that captured the essence of the British Empire. His works, including “The Jungle Book” and “If—,” offered insights into themes of imperialism, national identity, and human nature. WHAT S/HE SAID: “If you can keep your
Cordy Tindell Vivian, usually known as C. T. Vivian (born July 30, 1924[1]), is a minister, author, and was a close friend and lieutenant of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Vivian continues to reside in Atlanta, Georgia and most recently founded the C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute, Inc. He is a
In his speech President Kennedy responds to the threats of violence and obstruction on the University of Alabama campus following desegregation attempts, explaining that the United States was founded on the principle that all men are created equal. The President asks Congress to enact legislation protecting all Americans’ voting rights, legal standing, educational opportunities, and
Continue Reading “President Kennedy’s Report to the American People on Civil Rights, June 11, 1963”
Years of Lightning, Day of Drums This rare filmed tribute to John F. Kennedy offers an inspiring view of the fallen president from the perspective of the mid-1960s. Produced by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and narrated by Gregory Peck, the program highlights the main achievements of JFK’s New Frontier: the Peace Corps, the
