Uprooted: Rediscovering American history

Uprooted: Rediscovering American history is a Brookings series that examines how the contributions of marginalized communities are being erased from our national story and how systemic racism continues to shape America’s institutions, policies, and lived realities. Through evidence-based analysis across five key themes, the series reclaims overlooked histories, advances racial equity, and offers policy solutions to help build a more inclusive and resilient democracy. Sign up to get updates on new research here.

Governance Studies

Inclusion and cultural politics

Learn how religion, trade, the arts, and cultural movements have shaped political progress and policymaking in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 02: U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a chart while speaking during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Touting the event as “Liberation Day”, Trump is expected to announce additional tariffs targeting goods imported to the U.S. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

U.S. Trade Policy How Trump’s tariff policies have shifted economic opportunity for Black Americans

James C. Benton

October 1, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 19: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, on Sept. 19, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Society & Culture How cultural expression shapes policymaking and why it matters for democracy

Elene Charkviani, Keon L. Gilbert

October 1, 2026

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 21, 2024.

Campaigns & Elections Michigan voters can shape the future of prison pay-to-stay

Brittany Friedman

October 1, 2026

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MARCH 31: Parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Patrick take part in Easter Sunday mass on March 31, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Religion & Society How multiracial churches are depoliticizing Black Americans

Ryon J. Cobb

October 1, 2026

AUSTIN, TEXAS - AUGUST 20: Texas Republican Rep. Marc LaHood views a map during a House meeting in the State Capitol on August 20, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Texas lawmakers continue convening during a second special session over a newly introduced plan to redraw Texas' congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

U.S. Democracy Recent SCOTUS decisions threaten to uproot communities’ voting power

Gabriel R. Sanchez, Keon L. Gilbert, Rashawn Ray

October 1, 2026

Migration and immigration: Explores how the movement of people within and into the United States continues to enrich American society.
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Civic engagement and community power: Upholds the American promise of free speech and collective action built on a foundation of social movements.
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Inclusion and cultural politics: Features narratives central to democratic values, and represents the unique cultures, ideas, and community norms that contribute to policy and political conversations.
Community health and well-being: Explores the foundations of America’s health crisis including social and physical environment and social institution’s influence on communities.
Technology and innovation: Advances a human-centered experience in the age of the digital revolution and reimagines the role that vulnerable populations play in digital inclusion through new sociological research questions and culturally responsive interventions.

Inclusion and cultural politics

This series explores how religion, trade, the arts, cultural movements have shaped political progress and policymaking in the U.S.

Civic engagement and community power

This series examines how social movements have upheld the American promise of free speech and collective action.

Migration and immigration

This series explores how the movement of people within and into the United States continues to add value to American society.

Celebrating the legacy of Rosa Parks

Civil rights and social justice are still central issues in American life 70 years after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. This series honors her commitment to social change, inspiring women to lead policy and community organizing.