Remembering Rwanda

As grim footage from Bucha, Ukraine was revealed by U.S. news outlets, the world was reminded that this week was also the start of the horrific genocide in Rwanda 28 years ago. On April 7, 1994, Hutu extremists in Rwanda started a campaign of terror, killing Tutsis (an ethnic minority) and their political opponents. Tensions had been building for months, but the world largely ignored the obvious signs of impending disaster. What lessons can we apply now to prevent future atrocities?

HRHPixie CarlisleApril 8, 2022Bold and Bookish, Rwanda, Africa, Genocide

A Royal Rumble in Eswatini

King Mswati III, the head of Africa's last absolute monarchy, has faced pro-democracy protests since June 2021. Largely led by high school and university students throughout Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), the protests aim to unseat the monarchy and institute free education. How has the international community responded?

7053Pixie CarlisleOctober 22, 2021Eswatini, Africa

Are Diamonds a Girl's Best Friend?

Tiffany & Co. was likely surprised by the backlash to their new campaign with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Paying tribute to Audrey Hepburn's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" promotional photos, the campaign showcases Beyoncé wearing the iconic yellow Tiffany Diamond that was "discovered" in 1877 in South Africa. Since the announcement, conversations about "blood diamonds" have taken flight on social media. What are "blood diamonds" and does the Kimberley Process ensure that consumers are not purchasing them?