In terms of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), the celebrations of America200 (the Bicentennial in 1976) and America250 (the Semiquincentennial in 2026) will reflect different cultural and societal contexts, leading to distinct approaches in terms of DEI.
America200 (1976):
- Historical Context: The Bicentennial celebration took place in 1976, a time when the civil rights movement had made significant strides, but issues of race, gender, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability rights were still far from being fully addressed. The U.S. was still navigating the aftermath of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the feminist movement had only started gaining significant traction in the 1960s and 1970s.
- DEI Approach: While the Bicentennial celebrations did recognize the achievements of African Americans, women, and Indigenous peoples, there was limited formal focus on inclusivity in the way that would be expected in more recent DEI efforts. The commemoration of U.S. history tended to focus more on the founding ideals and less on the exclusionary practices that existed for marginalized groups at the time of the nation’s founding.
- Representation: The Bicentennial was primarily centered on the traditional, mainstream historical narrative and largely excluded more complex or critical perspectives on the country's founding, especially when it came to the oppression of enslaved people, Indigenous peoples, and women.
America250 (2026):
- Historical Context: By 2026, the U.S. will have undergone decades of progress in addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Movements such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, and other social justice efforts have gained considerable prominence. These movements are influencing national discourse on race, gender, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability rights. There is also a growing recognition of the United States' colonial history and the need to address past injustices.
- DEI Approach: The approach to DEI for America250 will likely be much more explicit and integrated into the celebration. The planning for the Semiquincentennial has already recognized the importance of making the commemoration more inclusive and reflective of the diverse history of the United States. This includes focusing on underrepresented voices, challenging the traditional narratives, and acknowledging the injustices faced by African Americans, Indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized communities throughout American history.
- Representation: America250 is expected to highlight a broader range of perspectives. The efforts around the 250th anniversary will likely include historical reflections on the rights struggles of marginalized groups, such as the abolitionist movement, the fight for women's suffrage, the civil rights movement, and more. It will likely involve representation in leadership roles, inclusive programming, and a deliberate effort to make the celebration reflect the nation’s diversity, both in terms of people and experiences.
Summary of DEI Differences:
- America200 (1976) had a narrower focus, largely centered on traditional, mainstream American history, and excluded or underrepresented marginalized communities in its celebrations.
- America250 (2026) will likely incorporate a much broader, more inclusive focus, with a significant emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The upcoming celebrations are expected to critically engage with historical injustices, celebrate the progress made by marginalized groups, and highlight the ongoing struggles for equality in the U.S.
The difference between the two in terms of DEI largely reflects the evolving understanding of diversity, historical inequities, and the national conversation about inclusion that has developed over the past 50 years.
