History

Students reenact Birmingham children's march on its 60th anniversary

4:39pm May 05, 2023

by Kyra Miles

On the 60th anniversary of the Birmingham children's march, students there reenacted the important event which alerted the nation to the police brutality used against those fighting for civil rights.

Julie Chávez Rodríguez at the White House on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Chávez Rodríguez is leaving her job as a senior adviser to run President Biden's reelection campaign.

Julie Chávez Rodríguez grew up in the labor movement. Now she runs Biden's campaign

4:13pm May 05, 2023

by Franco Ordoñez

Chávez Rodríguez is the granddaughter of labor leader César Chávez. President Biden has chosen her to run his reelection campaign.

A general view along the Mall toward Buckingham Palace on Thursday in London.

World News

What to expect at the coronation of King Charles III — and how to watch it

2:58pm May 05, 2023

by Juliana Kim

Britain's first coronation in 70 years is set to begin at 11 a.m. local time or 6 a.m. ET on Saturday. Here's a rundown of the weekend's events and how to watch them.

The Koh-i-noor diamond, set in the Maltese Cross at the front of the crown made for Britain's late Queen Mother Elizabeth, is seen on her coffin at London's Westminster Hall. Camilla, the queen consort, will not use the Koh-i-noor diamond in her coronation crown, but will modify Queen Mary's crown, using diamonds from Queen Elizabeth II's personal collection.

World News

Why the Koh-i-noor diamond won't make an appearance at King Charles III's coronation

3:13pm May 04, 2023

by Lauren Frayer

The royal family has decided to leave the 105-carat gem out of this weekend's coronation ceremony. The Koh-i-noor has become a focus of anti-colonial anger. India wants it back.

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As the U.K. preps for Charles' coronation, what do Britons think of their new king?

5:01am May 04, 2023

NPR's A Martinez talks to Arianne Chernock, professor and historian of monarchy at Boston University, about popular opinions of Britain's King Charles in the days before his coronation.

8th-graders' history and civics scores drop on a national test

4:38pm May 03, 2023

Jonathan Collins, a professor of political science, public policy and education at Brown University, talks about the so-called "Nation's Report Card" on civics and U.S. history.

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World News

Queen Consort Camilla won't be wearing the Kohinoor diamond at Charles' coronation

4:38pm May 01, 2023

by Lauren Frayer

Mined in India, the Kohinoor diamond passed through Persian and Afghan hands before being "gifted" to Queen Victoria. It's a symbol of imperial plunder that you won't see at Charles' coronation.

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How South Africa nearly descended into civil war instead of a multi-racial democracy

1:47pm May 01, 2023

by Dave Davies

Journalist Justice Malala explains how Nelson Mandela and F. W. de Klerk kept the country on a path to peace after the 1993 assassination of Chris Hani. His book is The Plot to Save South Africa.

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'Stiffed' podcast looks back at a 1970s erotic magazine for women

5:03pm April 30, 2023

NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with Jennifer Romolini about her podcast Stiffed, which tells the story of the short-lived women's erotica magazine, Viva.

The lifelong friendship between Harry Belafonte and Martin Luther King Jr.

4:22pm April 28, 2023

by Jeff Sharlet

Writer Jeff Sharlet remembers the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte. While writing a profile on the actor and singer, he says he came to understand Belafonte's life as "part of the long struggle."