The Declaration of Independence and the Push for Racial Equality

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