Exploring The Importance Of Juneteenth And Black Spirituals

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Flyer for the UW-Whitewater Juneteenth Celebration
Image courtesy of the Black Student Union at UW-Whitewater.

We reflect on the historical origins and significance of Juneteenth. Then, we explore the significance of spirituals — an African American musical genre created during slavery — with a WPR music show host.

Featured in this Show

  • Reflecting On The Significance Of Juneteenth

    Legislators voted to make Juneteenth a federal holiday recognizing the emancipation of enslaved Africans. We examine the historical origins and modern significance with a Marquette University history professor and Black Platteville Community Network member.

  • How Spirituals Tell The Stories Of The Enslaved

    African American religious folk songs known as spirituals were born out of hopes and sorrows of generations of enslaved Africans. We talk with the host of WPR’s “The Road To Higher Ground” about the rich legacy of spirituals in American music history.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • L. Malik Anderson Producer
  • Angelo Bautista Producer
  • Steven Potter Technical Director
  • Robert S. Smith Guest
  • Sakara Wages Guest
  • Dr. Jonathan Øverby Guest

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