America at 250: What will we build next?

America recently marked its 250th anniversary. Here in Evansville, the milestone was recognized with a proclamation ceremony at the Civic Center, where Mayor Stephanie Terry encouraged residents to remember that history is not simply something we inherit, but something every generation helps shape.

The ceremony honored veterans, celebrated patriotism, and recognized Evansville’s own contributions to our nation’s history, particularly its role during World War II. It was a fitting tribute.

But for many Americans, the anniversary was more complicated.

At Our Times, we found ourselves asking a simple question: How do you celebrate 250 years of America when your community has experienced only a portion of those years with full citizenship and equal rights?

Our newspaper was founded to tell the stories of the Black community because, for much of American history, those stories were ignored or omitted altogether. We celebrate our successes, but we also carry the responsibility of remembering the struggles that brought us here.

America declared its independence 250 years ago.

Enslaved African Americans would wait another 89 years before slavery was legally abolished. Even then, there would be a longer wait for citizenship protections, voting rights, and many of the legal guarantees that others often took for granted. Every right would be repeatedly challenged through segregation, redlining, discrimination, violence, and efforts to suppress political participation.

Every generation has had to fight for the promises America said belonged to everyone. It is not fair.

And yet, despite every obstacle, Black Americans have continued to build families, businesses, churches, neighborhoods, schools, movements, and institutions that strengthened this country. We have persevered because perseverance became necessary.

That history leaves many of us feeling tired.

I’ve never marched in the streets during the Civil Rights Movement. I haven’t endured what my parents or grandparents experienced. Still, there is a weariness that comes from watching each generation inherit new versions of old struggles.

My father once told me, “The world has a long way to go, but I can assure you, it is better than it was.”

I believe he was right.

We are not where we were.

But I also understand why many people believe we are not where we should be.

There are still efforts to diminish or erase parts of Black history. There are renewed debates over voting rights. Black workers continue to experience disproportionate economic setbacks during times of uncertainty. Too many young people struggle with literacy, limiting opportunities before adulthood even begins.

These are not simply Black issues. They are American issues.

At the same time, we are entering an entirely new era. Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, business, healthcare, journalism, and nearly every profession. The doctor, lawyer, teacher, engineer, and journalist of tomorrow will be trained differently than those of today. The decisions we make now will influence generations that have not yet been born.

That is why this anniversary matters.

America at 250 should not simply be a celebration of our past. It should be an invitation to ask what kind of nation we want to become.

Will we continue arguing over who belongs in the story, or will we finally acknowledge that America’s story has always been enriched by the contributions of every community?

Will we prepare our children—not just academically, but civically—to lead in a rapidly changing world?

Will we leave behind stronger institutions than the ones we inherited?

History reminds us that progress rarely happens automatically. It happens because ordinary people decide their generation will move the country a little closer to its ideals.

Perhaps that is the real meaning of America’s 250th birthday.

Not that our work is finished.

But that the next chapter is ours to write.