A sea of white flags on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is meant to remind visitors of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have died from COVID-19. Individual flags in the unusual art installation bear the names of victims of the virus and, sometimes, their stories. Listen to visitors react to the moving exhibit, and hear the artist explain the effect she hopes her work will have on those who experience it.
Story Length: 4:52
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September 13, 2021
5:53
Students around the country are returning to school, many in person for the first time in a while. In this audio story, a public health expert looks at how far we have come in the fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic and at the challenges that lie ahead, including in schools. He is encouraged by the effectiveness of the vaccine and says high vaccination rates can help protect kids who are too young to get the shot. Listen to hear an expert’s view on the current state of the pandemic and learn what schools can do to keep students and community members safe.
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2020
5:57
Latinx communities have been hit hard by the coronavirus. The vast majority of those who have contracted COVID-19 in Marin County, CA are Latinx. Many work low-wage jobs and live in crowded conditions, making it especially difficult to take the necessary steps to stay safe. The disproportionately high rate of infections in Latinx communities has highlighted the large gaps in income and access to healthcare in the U.S. Listen to hear about the challenges faced by a Latinx community in California and learn what one nonprofit is doing to address the health crisis.
Read MoreNovember 15, 2018
5:13
The Smithsonian has selected a design for its National Native American Veterans Memorial to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The artist is Harvey Pratt, a Native American veteran from Oklahoma, and his design is called “Warriors’ Circle of Honor.” It aims to engage all Americans in appreciating and learning about the tradition of Native American service. Listen to hear the artist’s reflections on the meaning of his design, how he hopes people will experience it, and why honoring veterans is an important part of his heritage.
Note: Since this story aired, the National Native American Veterans Memorial has opened.
Read MoreMay 9, 2018
5:35
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice opened in Montgomery, Alabama. This memorial is devoted to the more than 4,000 African Americans who were lynched between 1877 and 1950. Killing for an alleged offense and without a legal trial was allowed in some parts of the South during this time period. Visitors are reminded of what happened in our past and encouraged to confront America’s continued racial divide. Listen to this story about this memorial that helps us to remember the thousands of Americans who were killed because of racism.
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