America is turning 250. Reflection shows a nation still divided.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a panel at the University of Maryland made one thing clear: the meaning of that milestone depends on who is asked.

The discussion unfolded Monday inside the Driskell Center’s “America Will Be” exhibit, where contemporary artists used the American flag to examine citizenship, democracy and national accountability. Pieces such as June Edmonds’ “Four Years in the White House” and Gordon Parks’ “American Gothic” echoed the themes raised by panelists. 

One piece, depicting an altered and distressed American flag, underscored the tension between national ideals and lived experience.

Audience reactions — from quiet laughter to visible discomfort — revealed the divisions shaping conversations about race, identity and belonging today.

The event was part of the university’s new Frederick Douglass Dialogues series, which brings together scholars with differing perspectives to examine major questions in a public forum. Inspired by Douglass’ commitment to critical inquiry and debate, the series emphasizes the value of disagreement rather than consensus.

Christopher Bonner, a University of Maryland history professor and panelist, invoked Douglass’ 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” to frame the discussion about who is included in the nation’s promises.

“He’s making a demand … to act like citizens,” Bonner said.

Bonner said Douglass’ message challenged Americans to live up to the country’s ideals and take responsibility for shaping its future.

Meanwhile, Janelle Wong, a University of Maryland professor of American studies and another panelist, expanded the discussion by connecting Douglass’ words to modern questions of belonging.

“Where are you really from?” Wong said, describing a question that continues to shape how Asian Americans and immigrants are perceived. She said claiming a place in the United States also means confronting the country’s full history, including exclusion, inequality and injustice.

At several points during the discussion, Wong reacted visibly to comments about diversity, equity and inclusion, at times rolling her eyes and glancing toward the audience. Those moments came as panelist Larry Thompson, a law professor and former deputy U.S. attorney general, described diversity as a “business imperative,” adding, “I still believe that the Constitution can help right some of the injustices that we all experience.” 

His remarks drew reactions from the audience, including quiet laughter, smirks and moments of discomfort.

During parts of the discussion that focused on recent events and racial justice, including references to protests in Minneapolis and political leadership, Thompson was less engaged, while Bonner and Wong addressed those topics more directly.

Some attendees later questioned Thompson’s comments about how diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are applied.

Bonner said even familiar July Fourth rituals, such as eating a hot dog or going to a baseball game, can become ways people make claims about what the country means to them.

As the panel concluded, Bonner’s remarks returned the conversation to a central question — one that remains unresolved as the nation approaches 250 years: who belongs, and what does that belonging require?