Archive - Persisters

'My name is Bill, and I'm a Persister'

By persisting to find a solution and founding Alcoholics Anonymous 91 years ago, Bill W. and Dr. Bob changed millions of lives across the world.

Jun 10 • Petula Dvorak

'A Republican said that?'

On the anniversary of D-Day, let's remind ourselves how united we were in morality and ideology 82 years ago.

Jun 6 • Petula Dvorak

Which town banned Rock 'n' Roll 70 years ago?

It's not where you think...

Jun 3 • Petula Dvorak

Trump tagged the Kennedy Center. Here's the woman who wasn't having it.

Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio filed the lawsuit that challenged the venal, illegal name change

Jun 1 • Petula Dvorak

May 2026

She never said "Ain't I a Woman?"

The iconic speech that Sojourner Truth gave 175 years ago today is widely misquoted

May 29 • Petula Dvorak

This Memorial Day tribute hits hard — right at home

Some small towns are posting banners with photos of their “Hometown Heroes”. It’s a gutpunch.

May 25 • Petula Dvorak

How 2.5 seconds in a cabbage patch sent humans to the moon

This is the only commencement speech you need - Dr. Wendy Freedman on rocketry, Goddard and the strength of Persisters

May 22 • Petula Dvorak

The grandparents at college graduations - walking across the stage.

College graduates in their 70s, 80s and even 90s are the Persisters finally having their moment.

May 15 • Petula Dvorak

I thought I hated my birthday sister

But the pink Cadillac make-up peddler was a damn impressive Persister

May 12 • Petula Dvorak

She put 62 'godchildren' through college.

What Sharon Lockwood did went way beyond rich-people charity.

May 8 • Petula Dvorak

Memorials in D.C. began with a $5 donation. From a woman born into slavery.

Charlotte Scott started it all, funding the first memorial to Lincoln with some of the cash she earned in her new freedom.

May 6 • Petula Dvorak

Is the National Mall closed?

Trump's trying to remake Washington. He's painting a pool, demolishing history and proposing a (tragic) Triumphal Arch. This woman saw it coming.

May 4 • Petula Dvorak