Historian Eddie Glaude Jr. discussed how race shadows the celebrations of the U.S. 250th anniversary during a recent interview on MS NOW [1].
These reflections come as the United States marks a milestone anniversary [1]. Glaude, a professor at Princeton University, said the occasion serves as a mirror for the country's ongoing struggle with its racial identity and the gap between national myths and lived reality [2].
Throughout the discussion, Glaude said that true national strength does not reside in mythologized narratives of the past. He said, "The power of the country is in the people" [3]. This perspective shifts the focus of the anniversary from government institutions to the citizens who shape the nation's direction [3].
Addressing the emotional weight of the milestone, Glaude expressed a deep disconnect from the traditional celebrations of the state. He said, "I do not love America, and never have, especially now" [3]. This sentiment highlights the tension between those celebrating 250 years [1] of history and those who view that history through the lens of systemic inequality [2].
Glaude further described the current state of the U.S. as a reflection of deep internal conflict. He said, "The divided soul of the nation is in full view" [2]. He said that the 2026 anniversary [4] provides a critical moment to examine how the history of race continues to shape the American experience [2].
By focusing on the people rather than the state, Glaude said that the path toward a more unified future requires acknowledging these historical fractures. He said that the anniversary should be an exercise in truth-telling, rather than a simple celebration of longevity [2, 4].
“"The power of the country is in the people."”
The 250th anniversary of the United States serves as a catalyst for a broader national debate over historical memory. By challenging the traditional celebratory narrative, Glaude highlights a growing intellectual movement that views national identity not as a finished product to be honored, but as an ongoing struggle for equity and democratic realization.
