June 19, now recognized as the federal holiday Juneteenth, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom. In The World’s Juneteenth special, we examine racial inequalities in higher education in India and South Africa, and consider who benefits from a college education. We also visit Louisiana to explore how the history and legacy of slavery are taught in the United States today. Plus, we speak with Rhiannon Giddens, known as the “banjo auntie,” about her efforts to teach others about the banjo's African origins.

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aims to end regional fighting, but Israel and Lebanon remain key wild cards. Any renewed violence along their shared border could quickly put the agreement at risk. Also, the EU is rolling out the biggest overhaul of its asylum system in years, with reforms designed to speed up asylum decisions and tighten controls at the bloc's external borders. And, nitazenes are an up-and-coming class of synthetic opioids that can be 40 times more potent than fentanyl and far more difficult to track. Plus, the history behind the traditional red drinks that commemorate Juneteenth.

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Leaders from the US and Iran will meet in Geneva Friday to sign an agreement ending months of fighting. Also, a major hang-up to the Iran deal is Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. And, anti-immigration groups in South Africa are stepping up vigilante-style actions aimed at pressuring migrants to leave their country. Plus, Colombia’s national soccer jersey turns political.

Our reporting is independent, inclusive and in-depth. Best of all, it’s listener-supported. Give today to support The World!