As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, Eddie Glaude Jr.'s new book confronts the deep-rooted tensions between the nation’s ideals of freedom and its historical exclusion of marginalized groups. In 'America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries,' he traces how celebrations of democracy have often overlooked the realities faced by Black Americans and other communities of color. The work underscores that the promise of inclusion has been consistently undermined by systemic racism, challenging the myth of a unified national journey toward liberty.
Through a conversation with Geoff Bennett, Glaude unpacks how race continues to shape public memory and national identity. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge the contradictions embedded in American history—between declared freedoms and lived inequalities. These milestones, while significant, reflect a selective narrative that excludes many. The discussion calls for a more honest reckoning with the past, one that aligns national symbols and commemorations with the diverse experiences of all citizens.