The Declaration of Independence and the Push for Racial Equality
Thu Feb 05 2026
In celebration of Black History Month, scholars Lucas Morel and Melvin Rogers join to discuss how African American leaders and citizens, such as Prince Hall, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. have invoked the ideas and principles of the Declaration of Independence throughout American history to push for a more free and equal America. Thomas Donnelly, chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall series on February 2, 2026.
Resources
National Constitution Center, "The Declaration Across History" Primary Sources
Lucas Morel, Lincoln and the American Founding
Melvin Rogers, The Darkened Light of Faith: Race, Democracy, and Freedom in African American Political Thought
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Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org
Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr
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More
In celebration of Black History Month, scholars Lucas Morel and Melvin Rogers join to discuss how African American leaders and citizens, such as Prince Hall, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. have invoked the ideas and principles of the Declaration of Independence throughout American history to push for a more free and equal America. Thomas Donnelly, chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall series on February 2, 2026. Resources National Constitution Center, "The Declaration Across History" Primary Sources Lucas Morel, Lincoln and the American Founding Melvin Rogers, The Darkened Light of Faith: Race, Democracy, and Freedom in African American Political Thought Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Explore Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate