Radio Atlantic

The Black Patriots Pushing for a Better American Future

2026-07-06

The military has historically been a powerful force for integration in America—even as its top ranks have been slow to reflect the racial makeup of the country. Host Adam Harris speaks with the Atlantic staff writer Clint Smith, who wrote in the July issue of the magazine about what it means that the gradual, visible racial progress in the military is being degraded as Black officers are pushed out. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited acces...