© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Book traces American celebration of freedom and denial of it

Season 2026 Episode 122 | 6m 56s

The United States is preparing to mark 250 years since its founding, a milestone often framed as a celebration of democracy, freedom and national promise. But Eddie Glaude Jr. argues that America’s anniversaries have always been shadowed by a deeper contradiction. Geoff Bennett sat down with Glaude to discuss his new book, "America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries."

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Trump wants 'control of everything,' GOP strategist says as Congress faces pressure
News Wrap: Tropical Storm Arthur brings flooding threat to Gulf Coast
June 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
U.S. officials reveal key terms of agreement to end Iran war
What Warsh’s first meeting as Fed chair signals
Middle East experts weigh terms of U.S.-Iran deal and who came out ahead
How a pregnancy complication reshaped an Arkansas woman’s view of abortion bans
Trump stalls confirmation process of his own national intelligence nominee
'The Price of Exclusion' explores lasting impact of racial inequality in medicine
Maritime security expert weighs U.S.-Iran deal's impact on global shipping