Opinion

Government racism has divided us for 250 years. It’s time to put an end to it

250 years also marks how long race has played a role in this nation — and still does

By Corey Brooks Fox News

Published July 14, 2026 10:00am EDT

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US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey flies over Washington, DC

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche discusses America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C., and why the younger generation needs to understand our country's history on ‘America 250: Celebrating Freedom.’

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Like most Americans, I took part in the festivities over America’s 250th birthday. I found it quite remarkable to reflect on that number. On one hand, America is 250 years old, with so much history. On the other hand, America is still a baby compared to many other countries. I found myself having to pause and think about what was nagging me about that number. Two hundred and fifty years.

Then the answer came to me. Two hundred and fifty years also marks how long race has played a role in this nation — and still does. Those who say race is as much a part of America as apple pie are not entirely wrong. We may not have the Klan riding through the streets, but I’m not talking about that kind of racism. I’m talking about government-sponsored racism. Our government has always tipped the scales when it comes to race. I found myself asking on America’s 250th birthday: Will we ever be free of our own government using race to divide us?

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