Juneteenth Special

June 19, now recognized as the federal holiday Juneteenth, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom. In The World’s Juneteenth special, we examine racial inequalities in higher education in India and South Africa, and consider who benefits from a college education. We also visit Louisiana to explore how the history and legacy of slavery are taught in the United States today. Plus, we speak with Rhiannon Giddens, known as the “banjo auntie,” about her efforts to teach others about the banjo's African origins.Supported by the Lumina Foundation.

Edited By

Tinku RayTRTinku RayASAdeline SireLex WeaverLWLex WeaverGBGabe BullardAaron SchachterASAaron Schachter
Illustration by Bill Miller/GBH Creative
Juneteenth Special
Rhiannon Giddens discusses the history of the banjo and its African roots
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Juneteenth Special
South African students to continue to fall into an education accessibility gap
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Juneteenth Special
Historians say more details about the lives of enslaved Africans need to be taught
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Juneteenth Special
Challenges under India’s university reservation system
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Juneteenth Special
The Whitney Plantation in Louisiana focuses on the history and contributions of enslaved Africans
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