Memorializing African-Americans

Many academic studies have been written about the different cultures that surround the lives of black and white Americans. Karla Holloway has taken that analysis a step further — to examine the cultural difference in how Caucasians and African Americans die.

The black funeral industry had its inception at the beginning of the 20th century. Holloway has studied its development over the past decade. During the course of her research, the subject hit way too close to home, as her own passed away. This hour, Karla Holloway on the distinct way that African Americans memorialize their dead.

Guests:

Karla Holloway, Dean of Humanities at Duke University, author of the new book "Passed On: African American Mourning Stories: A Memorial"