‘Queen of salsa’ Celia Cruz to appear on US quarter

Celia Cruz is one of many women being featured on U.S. quarters as part of the American Women Quarters Program. Here are the other women honorees announced for next year’s coins.

Democratic-backed Connecticut bill would ban 'Latinx' term

A group of Hispanic lawmakers in Connecticut has proposed that the state follow Arkansas' lead and ban the term "Latinx" from official government documents, calling it offensive to Spanish speakers.

Black History Month 2023 theme highlights Black resistance in America

Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) chooses the theme for Black History Month.

MLK Day: Rev. Bernice King calls for change, bold action instead of just words

America has honored Martin Luther King Jr. with a federal holiday for nearly four decades yet still hasn’t fully embraced and acted on the lessons from the slain civil rights leader, his youngest daughter said Monday.

Slavery reparations: How the US can follow one town's effort to right dark past

Should Black Americans be compensated for generations of oppression? From local communities to the steps of Congress, a PBS documentary airing on this MLK Day highlights the debate over reparations for slave descendants.

MLK holiday weekend to feature tributes, commitments to race equity

Some notable events include a civil rights training summit for youth and adults, a statue unveiling in Boston, a symposium on police brutality in Ohio, and community service projects nationwide.

Biden signs gay marriage bill at White House ceremony

President Joe Biden signed gay marriage legislation into law Tuesday before a crowd of thousands, a ceremony that reflected growing acceptance of same-sex unions.

Senate passes landmark same-sex marriage bill

The Senate has passed landmark bipartisan legislation to protect same-sex marriages.

Russian Duma gives anti-LGBTQ 'propaganda' bill final approval

The bill would significantly expand restrictions on activities seen as promoting gay rights in Russia, another step in a years-long crackdown on the country's embattled LGBTQ community.

Colorado gay bar shooting suspect facing murder, hate crime charges

The man suspected of opening fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs was being held on murder and hate crime charges Monday, while hundreds of people gathered to honor the five people killed and 17 wounded in the attack on a venue that for decades was a sanctuary for the local LGBTQ community.

Sen. Patty Murray announces $2 million in relief for higher education

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced an additional $2 million in federal relief from the American Rescue Plan to support students pursuing higher education in Washington as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

'We won't accept that': Family seen in viral Sesame Place video accuses park of discrimination

A family accusing Sesame Place of discrimination spoke publicly at a press conference in New York and called for the firing of the employee seen in the viral video with the two girls. 

Sesame Place facing discrimination complaints as more videos are shared

After a video showing two children being seemingly ignored by a character at Sesame Place went viral, more videos are surfacing, sparking discrimination allegations against the Pennsylvania theme park. 

Montana rejects new library logo over similarity to pride flag

The commission that oversees the Montana State Library has rejected a proposed new logo after a member said the main feature brought to mind a rainbow LGBTQ pride flag.

United Way of King County offering free meals for kids this summer

Free summer meals are available for kids and teens at many parks, community centers, schools and faith-based organizations in King County this year.

New law to offer free or discounted hospital care to 4 million Washingtonians

Starting Friday, four million Washington residents will qualify for free or discounted care at hospitals across the state, giving Washington the strongest protections in the country for out-of-pocket hospital costs. 

Abortion battles in state courts after Supreme Court ruling

Abortion bans were temporarily blocked in Louisiana and Utah, while a federal court in South Carolina said a law sharply restricting the procedure would take effect there immediately as the battle over whether women may end pregnancies shifted from the nation’s highest court to courthouses around the country.

House lawmakers introduce Trans Bill of Rights

U.S. Representatives have introduced a resolution for a ‘Trans Bill of Rights,’ with the aim of codifying protections for transgender people into law.

Celebrating 50 years of Title IX

Title IX was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972. Thursday marks 50 years since gender equality in education became a civil right in America, allowing opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers never had.