Main content

America鈥檚 hidden histories

Over 150 years since the end of the American Civil War, the battle for how communities memorialise history remains.

It鈥檚 more than 150 years since the end of the American Civil War. But the replacement of a monument dedicated to the Confederate Commander Robert E Lee with a statue of black icon Henrietta Lacks has proved an emotive issue in Roanoke, Virginia.

In a region steeped in the history and trauma of that war, the unveiling of a new memorial has shone a spotlight on the hidden histories of the United States. As Elizabeth Gabriel reports for Assignment, how we remember the past remains a divisive issue.

Produced by Ben Wyatt
Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar
Editor: Penny Murphy
Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

(Photo: Statue of Henrietta Lacks on Lacks Plaza, Roanoke. Credit: David Hungate and the Roanoke Times)

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Thu 12 Oct 2023 19:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 12 Oct 2023 01:32GMT
  • Thu 12 Oct 2023 08:32GMT
  • Thu 12 Oct 2023 12:32GMT
  • Thu 12 Oct 2023 19:06GMT

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes