Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States requires an honest appraisal of not only its founding principles but also its racist and imperialist legacy. A clear-eyed assessment shows why many people in the Global South remain cynical about the country’s ability to live up to its ideals.

Adekeye Adebajo uses the country’s anniversary to reflect on its embedded racism and legacy of imperialism.

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States requires an honest appraisal of not only its founding principles but also its racist and imperialist legacy. A clear-eyed…