Presidential historian Jon Meacham recently put forth the argument that the United States, specifically as a “multiracial, multiethnic democracy,” was not established until 1965. This perspective was shared in the lead-up to the nation's 250th anniversary of its foundational moment.
Meacham acknowledged the traditional understanding of the 250th anniversary, noting it marks the Second Continental Congress's adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the commencement of the Revolutionary War. He detailed how this period ultimately led to the Constitution's framing between 1787 and 1789, George Washington's inauguration, and the genesis of what many recognize as an experiment in self-governance. However, he emphasized a critical caveat: “a lot of people weren’t included in that.”
He elaborated on the Declaration's pivotal phrase, “all men being created equal,” pointing out that “men had a very particular application in that era.” Meacham asserted that a compelling case could be made for 1965 as the true founding year, when a more inclusive, multiracial, multiethnic democracy began to fully take shape. He cited the passage of both the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Voting Rights Act that year as foundational to this shift. “And so we’re really about 60 years old, and we’re a developing democracy in a lot of ways,” he concluded.
Honoring the Founders and Evolving Democracy
Despite his assertion about a later founding date for a truly inclusive democracy, Meacham, who has previously contributed to speeches for former President Joe Biden, expressed reverence for America's Founding Fathers. He viewed them as evidence that “imperfect people can push us toward more perfect outcomes.”
“Let’s remember that we have to honor them by following them. We can’t just preach. We have to practice,” Meacham stated.
In the months leading up to the 250th anniversary of the country’s traditional founding, other public figures have also voiced reservations about the celebratory nature of the holiday, often reflecting on the nation's history with slavery.
Reverend Al Sharpton, for instance, commented in April that the July 4th celebration is “not our celebration” for many Black Americans. He highlighted that while the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, African Americans were not emancipated until 1863. “So I don't know what everybody getting ready for a celebration [for]. You know that it seems crazy for me to have on the birthday hat at your birthday party. That ain't my party,” Sharpton explained.
Juneteenth as a True Beginning
Echoing similar sentiments, commentator Joy Reid noted last month that she knows no Black individuals who plan to celebrate Independence Day. She suggested that Juneteenth represents the genuine beginning of America.
“Whereas Juneteenth to me is the real thing that Fourth of July is, because we really were not a democracy until we ended slavery,” Reid asserted. “And then we were really not a democracy until the people who lost the Civil War were finally forced to affirm and act upon the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, which they were not forced to do until the '60s.”
