Citizenship: Notes on an American Myth

Kelsey Timmerman is joined by author and educator Daisy Hernández to discuss her new book, Citizenship, a provocative and intelligent examination of our country’s ongoing debate about what it means to be an American. In their conversation about her work, Hernández braids together memoir, history, and cultural criticism to expose the truths and lies of how we define ourselves as a country and a people. Chapters [00:00] Introduction. [01:32] What those with citizenship don't usually think have to think about. [06:23] Ways in which race and citizenship can have blurred lines. [10:45] Internalized racism in relation to identity. [14:46] Understanding the lexicon of race and citizenship. [24:34] Working to bridge political and cultural gaps. [32:22] How volunteering experiences change lives. [37:51] Connecting volunteerism to community care. [39:39] Daisy's story and dual-citizenship. [52:11] Where hope can be found in citizenship. Original air date: June 27, 2026