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    Back to Life Examined

    Life Examined

    How music, dance, and spirituality are integral to the Black resistance movement and Black identity

    Although Juneteenth is familiar to many African Americans, celebrating the day varies. For young Black Americans, leanring about slavery is an intergral part of their history. Some mark the occasion by learning the lyrics and music of spirituals.

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    By Jonathan Bastian • Jun 18, 2021 • 26m Listen

    Although Juneteenth is familiar to many African Americans, celebrating the day varies. For young Black Americans, leanring about slavery is an intergral part of their history. Some mark the occasion by learning the lyrics and music of spirituals. Others celebrate with food and gatherings.

    KCRW’s Jonathan Bastian talks with American University’s Sybil Roberts Williams about how she’ll be celebrating Juneteenth — with a white candle and a plate of traditional foods. They also look at the importance of dance and music to the African American identity.

    The full episode

    1 of 2
    The art and historical legacy of Juneteenth
    1. 0:00How music, dance, and spirituality are integral to the Black resistance movement and Black identityYou’re reading this
    2. 26:58Recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday honors generations of enslaved African Americans
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Jonathan Bastian

      Host, Life Examined

    • KCRW placeholder

      Andrea Brody

      Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

      CultureRace & EthnicityHistoryHealth & Wellness

    The full episode

    1 of 2
    The art and historical legacy of Juneteenth
    1. 0:00How music, dance, and spirituality are integral to the Black resistance movement and Black identityYou’re reading this
    2. 26:58Recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday honors generations of enslaved African Americans
    Back to Life Examined