© 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

A look at the history of racial identity in U.S. politics

Season 2024 Episode 217 | 6m 31s

Earlier this week, while speaking at a gathering of Black journalists, former President Donald Trump questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. Laura Barrón-López speaks with Peniel Joseph, founding director of UT Austin’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, about the history of Black identity, race and racism in American politics.

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
China offers Trump grand welcome, but issues warning on Taiwan
May 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
News Wrap: Senate votes to withhold their own pay during future shutdowns
Supreme Court extends access to mifepristone, for now
Bellevue Literary Review celebrates 25 years of stories on illness and recovery
Florida's controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' expected to close
How reality TV stars seeking office are changing politics
U.S.-China diplomatic reset faces unresolved 'contradictions,' expert warns
Analysts break down Trump-Xi meeting and calls for stability and cooperation
News Wrap: Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as new chair of Federal Reserve