No one should fear a history that asks a country to live up to its highest ideals. By Lonnie G. Bunch III. From the December 2023 issue.

Want to share unlimited access to The Atlantic with your loved ones? Give a gift today at theatlantic.com/podgift. For a limited time, select new subscriptions will come with the bold Atlantic tote bag as a free holiday bonus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices