This is America

06/21/2024

05/12/2024

Mother's Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It was primarily the result of efforts by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her own mother and set aside a day to honor all mothers because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world." In 1908, Jarvis organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia.

Following her successful promotion of the holiday, Jarvis campaigned to have Mother's Day recognized as a national holiday in the U.S. Her efforts succeeded, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially established the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. The day quickly became commercialized, much to Jarvis's dismay, who believed that the day's sentiment was being sacrificed for profit. Despite her protests, Mother's Day became widely celebrated with the giving of gifts, flowers, and cards.

05/11/2024

30-year-old Saquan Cummings has been arrested following an attack on a young girl outside the Lexington Avenue 116th Street subway station in East Harlem. Charged with assault and weapons possession, Cummings is accused of slashing an 11-year-old in the back of the head. The girl, who was visibly shaken, received non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at Harlem Hospital. The arrest came after a chaotic scene at the station, with local residents and an MTA employee intervening to detain Cummings.