OUR SERIES IMMIGRATION - THE STORY OF AMERICA’S PEOPLE, CONTINUES.

October 10, 2007 - PEOPLE came for economic or social opportunity. If you were poor in Europe at this time, you and your family probably would remain poor. Rich people owned most of the land, so your chances of making...more >

By JAMSIN K. WILLIAMS

October 9, 2007 - Today's page gives a brief look at the history of one of the world's greatest cities - ours. The first New Yorkers were native tribes, Lenape, Manahattoes, Raritan and Canarsee. The...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

October 5, 2007 - Fifty years before Sputnik, Dr. Robert Goddard dreamed of sending rockets into space. In his autobiography, Robert Goddard wrote about an inspiration he had as a boy of making a device that...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

October 4, 2007 - Fifty years ago today, on Oct. 4, 1957, the former Soviet Union launched a 184-pound satellite into space and into history. The space race was on. TODAY, space missions are so...more >

OUR SERIES IMMIGRATION - THE STORY OF AMERICA’S PEOPLE, CONTINUES.

October 3, 2007 - IN 1492, when Christopher Columbus landed in what is now the Dominican Republic, he touched off explosive settlement and immigration to this part of North America. The Spanish, French, Dutch...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

October 2, 2007 - The city of Tokyo came into existence in 1603. It was once a woody marshland called Edo. The settlement of Edo was a result of the decisive victory by Ieyasu Tokugawa in the Battle of...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

October 1, 2007 - The predecessor of that cute little cellphone in your pocket was a communication device created by Alexander Graham Bell. Today's page takes a look at his life of invention. Alexander...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 28, 2007 - Just what does one have to do to get a river named after him? Henry Hudson knew. Read on to see how this famous navigator earned the honor. Henry Hudson was a man on a mission. Hudson was...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 27, 2007 - Today’s page looks at this world-famous clock which is also a landmark in London, England.
THE clock famously known as Big Ben began with the destruction of the Palace of Westminster by...more >

OUR SERIES IMMIGRATION - THE STORY OF AMERICA’S PEOPLE, CONTINUES

September 26, 2007 - FROM prehistoric times to the present, North America has been an attractive destination for people from many cultures. It’s a remarkable continent, after all, with lush lands, rivers, and trees. As...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 25, 2007 - It seems that Baghdad is in the news every day as a result of the war in Iraq, but once upon a time, this ancient city was a leading world center of culture and education. Here's a brief look...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 24, 2007 - Today's page looks at Britain's great and tough-as-nails prime minister, who now has the title of Greatest Briton. Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill was born on Nov. 30, 1874, at...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 21, 2007 - Long before we lived here, New York State was home to the powerful Iroquois. Today's Classroom Extra takes a look at this Native American nation, which formed a powerful confederacy...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 20, 2007 - These architectural marvels allow us to travel safely across water, but the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota reminds us of just how important and fragile they are. Here’s a quick look at...more >

September 19, 2007 - You are a 19-year-old Jewish boy in Russia in 1904. Your country has discriminated against you and treated you badly, but now you hear that the army of that same country is coming to take you to...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 18, 2007 - Famous for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and fabulous food, this legendary French city started as a small fishing village more than 2,000 years ago. Here's a brief look at its history...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 17, 2007 - Unofficially known as the Little Corporal and the Corsican, Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the world's greatest military leaders. NapoleoN Buonaparte was born on Aug. 15, 1769, in...more >

September 12, 2007 - America is like a tapestry - beautiful, colorful threads woven into a work of art. The people who have come to America throughout its history have blended together to form this country. And still...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 11, 2007 - Home to kings, queens, lawn tennis and fish and chips, today's page looks at Britain's famed city. The city of London began as a military outpost used by the Romans in 43 A.D. In 61...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 10, 2007 - We love the adventures of Harry Potter and his pals. Here's a look at the author who brought our favorite kid wizard to life. Joanne Rowling was born in South Gloucestershire, England...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 7, 2007 - Yesterday, the music world lost one of its most brilliant voices. Luciano Pavarotti died of cancer at age 71. He's probably not on your iPod, but he should be. Why? Because he was one...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 6, 2007 - You’re sitting in class and the teacher is explaining the lesson. You can’t catch it all at once - and there’s a quiz on Friday. You don’t have a private tutor. So what’s the next best thing?more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 5, 2007 - Summer is over and it's time to hit the books again. The new school year will bring new learning challenges. WELCOME back to Classroom Extra. This year, in addition to featuring current...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

September 4, 2007 - Summer is over and it's time to hit the books again. The new school year will bring new learning challenges. Welcome back to Classroom Extra. This year, in addition to featuring current...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 17, 2007 - Summertime and vacations are perfect for taking lots of pictures. Digital cameras are are just the thing for the job. Here's how they work. Everybody loves pictures. We love taking them...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 16, 2007 - Picture phones, lasers and Belgian waffles. These were just some of the amazing things at the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadow, Queens.
IF you wanted to see the latest gadgets or...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 15, 2007 - Tigers, snakes and alligators - oh my! Imagine working with them for a living. Jeff Corwin does. With nature shows on Animal Planet and a book, he's walking on the wild side. Jeff...more >

August 14, 2007 - Appearing as floating figures, fiery sunset streaks or rolling fog, clouds are a major player in mother nature's sky show. Today's Classroom Extra page takes a look. CLOUDS begin to...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 13, 2007 - The land that became the city's communal playground was home to Manhattan's first community of African-American property owners - Seneca Village. Before Harlem was known as the...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 10, 2007 - If you thought the sky was boring, think again. Our galaxy is full of surprises. Here's a quick rundown of the exciting things that happen up above. Our sun is the hottest thing in our...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 9, 2007 - We love tennis. Today's page gives you a brief history and some tips from tennis champ Monica Seles on how healthy and fun playing this wonder sport can be.
IT’S not always...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 8, 2007 - You'll see plenty of ant colonies this summer - and you'll notice that while you're enjoying the warm weather, these little critters are hard at work. ANTs are among the highest...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 6, 2007 - Pigeons and sparrows aren't the only birds that live here. Here are a few other feathered creatures that consider the Big Apple their nest. It's amazing how much we know about...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 3, 2007 - Pets add so much joy to our lives and they don't ask for much in return. Today's Classroom Extra takes a look at our four-legged, winged and water-loving friends. WHAT could be cuter than...more >

BY JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 2, 2007 - They might have scared the stuffing out of Little Miss Muffett, but there's nothing to fear - really. FIRST of all, spiders are not insects. They are predatory invertebrate animals...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

August 1, 2007 - Ever wonder how a big metal airplane shares space with the sparrows? Read on to see how these winged marvels make it in the air. Man envied the birds for a long time. The first man to...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

July 31, 2007 - Bees depend on nectar and pollen from flowers for survival. We depend on them for one-third of what we eat. THE bees are busier than ever. These tireless insects work all summer in...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

July 30, 2007 - Imagine a towering column of air, whirling at speeds of more than 100 mph. Tornadoes are among the deadliest and most destructive storms on Earth. Tornadoes occur all over the world, but...more >

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: WHAT HAPPENED TO MONKEY KING

July 27, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: Unrepentant, indestructible, and still a troublemaker, Monkey is given one chance to...more >

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: MONKEY CAPTURED

July 26, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: When the Magician Lang fails to defeat Monkey, the Goddess Guan-yin flings down a...more >

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: GODDESS GUAN-YIN'S IDEA

July 25, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: With the defeat of his army, and Monkey still free, Jade Emperor listens to the...more >

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: MONKEY UNDER ATTACK

July 24, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang
Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy
STORY SO FAR: Jade Emperor, learning of Monkey’s great mischief, sends Vaisravana, his best general...more >

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: MONKEY AT THE PEACH BANQUET

July 23, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: Monkey, disguised as Lotus-Feet Immortal, tries to sneak into the Jade Emperor'...more >

CHAPTER TWELVE: MONKEY GOES TO A BANQUET

July 20, 2007 - The Monkey King Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: Monkey, head of the Celestial Peach Garden, has been eating the...more >

CHAPTER ELEVEN: MONKEY IN THE CELESTIAL PEACH GARDEN

July 19, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: After complaints by Dragon King, Jade Emperor invites Monkey to Heaven. To...more >

CHAPTER TEN: MONKEY VISITS JADE EMPEROR

July 18, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: Monkey, has acquired a magical staff, from the undersea Dragon King. Now thinks he is...more >

CHAPTER NINE: MONKEY GOES TO THE SEA

July 17, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang

Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy

STORY SO FAR: Monkey, having saved his clan from the Demon of Havoc, brings the monkeys home...more >

CHAPTER EIGHT: MONKEY MEETS A DEMON

July 16, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: After years of study, Master Subhodi sends Monkey away because of his disobedience...more >

CHAPTER SEVEN: MONKEY TRANSFORMS HIMSELF

July 13, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: Monkey learned some powers and tricks from Master Subhodi, but it went to his head...more >

CHAPTER SIX: MONKEY BECOMES A STUDENT

July 12, 2007 - STORY SO FAR: Seeking immortality, Monkey travels to Master Subhodi's cave. But when Monkey insists upon easy lessons, the master strikes him three times and goes away. AT three o’...more >

CHAPTER FIVE: MONKEY MEETS A SAGE

July 11, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: The Monkey King, in pursuit of a sage who can teach him the secrets of life, wanders...more >

CHAPTER FOUR: THE MONKEY KING GOES SEARCHING

July 10, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy
STORY SO FAR. Stone Monkey, having led the monkey clan through the waterfall to the Cave of The Water...more >

CHAPTER THREE: MONKEY BEHIND THE WATERFALL

July 9, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: Stone Monkey comes to the Monkey clan. They challenge him to go through the Great...more >

CHAPTER TWO: MONKEY ACCEPTS A CHALLENGE

July 6, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale By Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy STORY SO FAR: In China, thousands of years ago, amidst a terrible storm, Stone Monkey is created...more >

CHAPTER ONE: MONKEY IS BORN

July 5, 2007 - Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang
Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy Thousands of years ago in China, in the province of Ao-lai, there stood a towering mountain the...more >

TOMORROW OUR COUNTRY MARKS ITS 231ST BIRTHDAY. IT'S THE NATION'S BIGGEST PARTY. HERE'S A BRIEF LOOK AT HOW THIS CELEBRATION GOT STARTED.

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

July 3, 2007 - ON July 4, 1776, members of the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to draft the Declaration of Independence in which our nation formally withdrew from Great Britain. The Declaration was...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

July 2, 2007 - Summer is officially here and that means thunderstorms. THE summer season means plenty of thunderstorms. They can pop up anytime, with rainfall lasting from a few minutes to hours. These...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 27, 2007 - You've worked hard all year, now it's time to enjoy your vacation. Summer's here and there are endless possibilities for you and your family and friends to enjoy the fun...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 26, 2007 - It’s not a state, but it’s where all the action is in terms of our nation’s government. The district is home to the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court and the White House...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 25, 2007 - This lovely group islands became our 50th state on Aug. 21, 1959. Geographically, it's the fourth-smallest state, with its islands collectively covering 6,423 square miles. The capital is...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 22, 2007 - Spring means flowers and flowers mean butterflies. Classroom Extra takes a look at these fanciful creatures. There may be no more beautiful sign of spring than butterflies, who...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 21, 2007 - THE Bering Land Bridge in western Alaska was a thoroughfare for people coming into the northwestern part of North America. Alaska natives include the Inuit, Tingit and Haida tribes. The first...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 20, 2007 - Our nation's 48th state is the fifth largest, covering 113,642 square miles. Arizona joined the union on Feb. 14, 1912, and its capital is Phoenix. The first Europeans to arrive in what...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 19, 2007 - Our 47th State joined the Union on Jan. 6, 1912. It’s the fifth-largest state, covering 121,365 square miles. The capital city is Santa Fe. THE land that would become New Mexico was home to...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 18, 2007 - Fighting fires of any kind is a tough job. Only the bravest need apply. Imagine jumping out of a plane and into a wildfire. This is what a select group of National Park Service...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 15, 2007 - Roller coasters entertain us- and scare us half to death. But we love it. Here's a history of how they got started. Who would think that this amusement-park favorite actually got...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 14, 2007 - The nation's 46th state joined the Union on Nov. 16, 1907. It covers 69,919 square miles and the capital is Oklahoma City. Tulsa was once known as the "Oil Capital of the World."...;more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 13, 2007 - It's a mystery worthy of Agatha Christie. Honeybees are disappearing in droves, sending beekeepers into a panic and threatening crop production. BEEs do so much more than just make...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 12, 2007 - Our nation’s 45th state joined the Union on Jan. 4, 1896. It covers 82,168 square miles and the capital is Salt Lake City. THE land that would become Utah was home to the Shoshones, Utes...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 11, 2007 - Tomboy? Definitely. In an age where good girls didn't sweat, Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias sweated. She ran faster, jumped higher, threw farther and hit the little dimpled white...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 8, 2007 - Wyoming became our nation's 44th state on July 10, 1890. Geographically, it's the 10th-largest state, covering 97,105 square miles, but it is the least-populated state, with only about 500...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 6, 2007 - Long before there was a Disneyland, Brooklyn's Coney Island was the world's largest amusement center. It's still a fun place to play. There are a few theories on how Coney...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 5, 2007 - The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled America’s size overnight. Someone needed to check out the newly acquired land. Enter Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. IN a real-estate deal that...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 4, 2007 - Famous for its hospitality and potatoes, our nation's 43rd state joined the union on July 3, 1890. It covers 83,557 square miles and the capital is Boise. Idaho was the last of the 50...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

June 1, 2007 - Picture phones, lasers and Belgian waffles. These were just some of the amazing things at the 1964 World's Fair in Flushing Meadow, Queens. If you wanted to see the latest gadgets or...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 31, 2007 - Named for our first president, Washington became our nation's 42nd state on Nov. 11, 1889. It covers 71,342 square miles and the capital city is Olympia. The first people to live in the...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 30, 2007 - The eloquent leader of the Nez Perce tribe led his people with unparalleled grace and dignity in the face of the permanent loss of their homeland. Chief Joseph was born in 1840 in the...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 29, 2007 - Montana became the nation's 41st state on Nov. 8, 1889. It's the fourth-largest state, covering 145,556 square miles. The capital is Helena. THE territory that would become...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 25, 2007 - From California and Florida to New Jersey, wildfires can pop up anywhere. You've no doubt been reading about the wildfires that have plagued California. No woodland area is immune...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 24, 2007 - The Dakota Territory was divided into North and South, both of which became states on Nov. 2, 1889. South Dakota is the 40th state, covering 75,898 square miles. The capital is Pierre. SOUTH...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 22, 2007 - North Dakota became our nation’s 39th state on Nov. 2, 1889. It covers 68,994 square miles and the capital is Bismarck.
NATIVE Americans settled the area that would become the Dakota...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 21, 2007 - The great Sioux leader fought for the rights of his people to keep their land and their way of life until the end. The leader and holy man known as Sitting Bull was born in 1831 in South...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 17, 2007 - Colorado became the nation's 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876. It's the eighth-largest state, covering 104,185 square miles. Its capital is Denver. THE land that would become Colorado was...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 15, 2007 - This rich farming state was once called part of the ‘‘Great American Desert’’ by European explorers. It became our nation’s 37th state on March 1, 1867. It covers 77,122 square miles and the...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 14, 2007 - The child prodigy became a sensation at the age of 12. The super-talented singer, songwriter and producer is one of the world's greatest musicians. Steveland Morris was born on May 13...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 10, 2007 - Nevada joined the Union on Oct. 31, 1864, becoming the 36th state. It's the seventh-largest state, covering 109,806 square miles and the capital is Carson City. BEFORE the arrival of...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 8, 2007 - The only state formed as a direct result of the Civil War, West Virginia joined the Union on June 20, 1863, becoming our 35th state. It covers 24,087 square miles and the capital is Charleston...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 7, 2007 - Much of what's on your iPod right now has probably been influenced by James Brown. Today's page looks at the career of this musical giant. Godfather of Soul. Hardest Working Man in...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 3, 2007 - Kansas joined the Union on Jan. 29, 1861, as our 34th state. It covers 81,823 square miles and the capital is Topeka. THE territory that would become Kansas was dubbed "The Great American...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

May 1, 2007 - Oregon became our nation’s 33rd state on Feb 14, 1859. It covers 96,003 miles and the capital is Salem.
AMONG the first Europeans to explore the territory that would become Oregon...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 30, 2007 - It's safe to say that you'll more than likely be reading Harper Lee's classic American novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Here's a look at the literary masterpiece and its reclusive...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 26, 2007 - Minnesota joined the Union on May 11, 1885, becoming our 32nd state. It covers 79,617 square miles and the capital is St. Paul THE territory that would become Minnesota was explored by...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 24, 2007 - Known for its giant sequoias, infamous earthquakes and movie stars, California joined the Union on Sept 9, 1850 as the 31st state. It's the third largest, covering 155,973 miles. The capital...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 23, 2007 - We love our planet - and we must take care of it. This year marked the 35th anniversary of Earth Day. Here's how it got started. The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, but...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 19, 2007 - Famous for its cheese and football's Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin joined the Union on May 29, 1848, as our 30th state. It covers 54,314 miles and the capital is Madison. Wisconsin is indeed...more >

FAMOUS FOR ITS RICH FARMLAND, IOWA JOINED THE UNION AS THE 29TH STATE ON DEC. 28, 1846. IT COVERS 55,875 MILES AND THE CAPITAL IS DES MOINES

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 17, 2007 - Famous for its rich farmland, Iowa joined the Union as the 29th state on Dec. 28, 1846. It covers 55,875 miles and the capital is Des Moines.
THE Upper Mississippi Valley region that...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 16, 2007 - This prolific pianist, composer and bandleader was a founding father of the American music style - better known as jazz. Jazz is often referred to as America's classical music, as it is...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 13, 2007 - Fiorello La Guardia was one of the greatest and most beloved mayors New York ever had. Nicknamed the “Little Flower,” he was no shrinking violet. Here's the story of this great New Yorker...more >

TEXAS IS THE NATION'S SECOND-LARGEST STATE, BEHIND ALASKA, COVERING 261,914 SQUARE MILES. ITS CAPITAL IS AUSTIN.

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

April 11, 2007 - THE territory known as Texas has changed hands many times in its history. It was part of Spain, France and Mexico, and was an independent republic for a decade before becoming part of the United...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 30, 2007 - Sandra Day O'Connor served on the Supreme Court for 24 years. She cast the deciding vote in some of the country's biggest decisions and became one of the country's most...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 28, 2007 - On March 3, 1845, the peninsula of Florida became the 27th state to join the union. It covers 53,997 square miles. The capital city is Tallahassee. Legend has it that on Easter Sunday in...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 26, 2007 - The great contralto broke racial barriers with her magnificent voice and quiet dignity. Marian Anderson was born on Feb. 27, 1897, in Philadelphia. She began singing at the Union Baptist...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 23, 2007 - This tireless fighter for the poor - especially children - made history in Congress and at the Democratic National Convention. Shirley Anita St. Hill was born in Brooklyn on Nov. 30, 1924...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 21, 2007 - Michigan became our 26th state on Jan. 26, 1837. It covers 56,809 square miles and the capital is Lansing. Michigan is named for Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes. The state has a...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 19, 2007 - As New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton bids to become America's first female president, today's page looks at the woman who tried it first - 135 years ago. Victoria Claflin was...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 16, 2007 - "Sometimes I'm asked when I became a feminist, and I usually answer, 'The day I was born.' " - Bella Abzug Bella Savitzky was born in The Bronx on July 24, 1920. Her...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 14, 2007 - Arkansas joined the Union on June 15, 1836, becoming our 25th state. It covers 52,075 square miles and its capital is Little Rock. The first European to explore the territory that would...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 12, 2007 - LUPE Anguiano was born in La Junta, Co., on March 12, 1929 to Jose and Rosario Anguiano. She was one of six children. Her mother was Spanish and her father was Mexican. Her father worked for the...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 9, 2007 - It's impossible to think of New York City without Greenwich Village. The famous neighborhood was almost history until the community, led by Jane Jacobs, fought back - and won. To...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 7, 2007 - Missouri joined the Union on Aug. 10, 1821, becoming the nation’s 24th state. It covers 68,898 miles and the capital is Jefferson City. THE first Europeans to explore the territory that...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 5, 2007 - Today's page looks at the popular American singer, dancer, actress and comedienne who took Europe by storm after fleeing racism at home. Josephine Baker was born Freda McDonald on June...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

March 2, 2007 - As the country’s secretary of labor, Frances Perkins made life better for every working person in America. RANCES Perkins was a prim and proper Boston schoolgirl in the late 1800s, but...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 28, 2007 - Famous for lobsters and its great outdoors, Maine joined the union on March 15, 1820. The state covers 30,215 miles and its capital is Augusta. In the far northeastern region of our country...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 26, 2007 - Today's page looks at the infamous Scott vs. Sanford case and its shameful conclusion. Dred Scott was born a slave in Virginia in 1795. He was owned by Peter Blow, and traveled with the...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 16, 2007 - Today's Classroom Extra Page celebrates one of the most creative periods in American history. Music, art, literature and social thinking all came alive during the Harlem Renaissance...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 14, 2007 - Alabama became our nation’s 22nd state on Dec. 14, 1819. The capital is Montgomery. ALABAMA, which covers 52,423 square miles, was home to the Chickasaw, Choctaw and Creek Native American...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 12, 2007 - As Illinois Sen. Barack Obama hopes to become the nation's first black president, today's page looks at the man who became the nation's first black senator more than 130 years ago...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 9, 2007 - Jane Bolin had a habit of making history. Jane Bolin was born on April 11, 1908, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the youngest of four children born to Gaius Bolin and Matilda Emery Bolin. Her mother...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 7, 2007 - Illinois became our 21st state on Dec. 3, 1818. It covers 55,593 square miles and its capital is Springfield. he land that would become Illinois was home to several native nations, which...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 5, 2007 - Today's page marks the end of the 2006 Black History Month celebration. Read about Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who started this celebration of black history and culture. Black History Month...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

February 2, 2007 - The Civil War draft sparked one of the worst riots in history. Read about five days of violence that terrorized New York's African-American citizens. President Abraham Lincoln's...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 31, 2007 - This land of cotton became the 20th state on Dec. 10, 1817. Mississippi is just slightly larger than New York state, at 46,914 square miles. The capital is Jackson. The state would become...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 29, 2007 - This Founding Father was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. He did so with a flourish that is world-famous. John Hancock's flamboyant signature was the first to appear...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 26, 2007 - Today Classroom Extra salutes New York's great Central Park as one of the world's most famous playgrounds. Central Park is one of the best things in New York City. Thousands of...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 24, 2007 - On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana became our nation's 19th state. Indiana covers approximately 35,870 square miles. The state capital is Indianapolis. The name Indiana means "Land of the...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 22, 2007 - If you love scary stories, then Edgar Allan Poe is for you. His wonderfully creepy tales like "The Raven" and "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" will curl your hair. Edgar...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 19, 2007 - The Post is known for its colorful pages. Here's a brief look at one of its most brilliant editors. William Cullen Bryant had a few careers before...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 17, 2007 - The state known for po boy sandwiches, Mardi Gras and jazz became our nation's 18th state on April 30, 1812. The area that would become Louisiana was settled by Native Americans some 10...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 12, 2007 - Today's page celebrates the life of the great Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King was born on Jan. 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Ga., to Martin Luther King and...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 10, 2007 - Ohio joined the Union on March 1, 1803, becoming our nation's 17th state. THE nickname comes from the many buckeye trees that once covered the plains. Present-day Ohio covers...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 8, 2007 - This child prodigy became one of the most popular and prolific classical composers of all time, having written more than 600 pieces of music in his short lifetime. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 5, 2007 - Peter Cooper believed that education should be as free as air. His Cooper Union makes sure that happens. Peter Cooper was born in Feb. 12, 1791 in New...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 3, 2007 - Tennessee, which earned its nickname during the War of 1812, became the 16th state on June 1, 1796. It covers 42,169 square miles and its capital is Nashville. The area that would become...more >

By JASMIN K. WILLIAMS

January 2, 2007 - You've seen his face on the hundred-dollar bill. That's why they're called Benjamins. Here's a quick look at the amazing life of founding father Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin...more >