Restoring America's Soul: A Tale of Two Libraries

As the U.S. struggles to reclaim its democratic values, stories from Alabama and Ukraine reveal the country's past and present

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This article explores two personal stories that shed light on the state of American democracy and its standing in the world. The first story recounts the integration of the Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library in Alabama in 1952, while the second story describes the author's interactions with a Ukrainian government official who expresses disappointment in the U.S. under the Trump administration. The piece argues that upholding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the American democratic ideal, and that the country must work to reclaim its reputation as a beacon of freedom and democracy.

Why it matters

The article raises important questions about the state of American democracy and its global reputation. It suggests that the country's commitment to core democratic values has been called into question, both domestically and internationally, and that restoring faith in the 'soul of America' is crucial.

The details

The first story describes how the Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library in Alabama was integrated in 1952, becoming one of the first public facilities in the state to do so. This act of desegregation transformed the library into a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive space. The second story recounts the author's conversation with a Ukrainian government official, Olena Skrypka, who expresses disappointment in the U.S. under the Trump administration, stating that the country has lost the respect it once commanded as a champion of democracy and human rights.

  • In 1948, the Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library was built as a whites-only facility.
  • In 1952, the W.C. Handy Library, which served the Black community, had a leaking roof that was too costly to repair.
  • In September 1952, the library board proposed merging the Handy Library collection with the Florence-Lauderdale Library and opening it to all citizens.
  • On November 1, 1952, the Florence-Lauderdale Library was integrated, likely becoming the first public facility in Alabama to do so.
  • In 1997-98, the author served as a budget policy advisor to Ukraine's Ministry of Finance, with Olena Skrypka as his assistant.

The players

Stanley Rosenbaum

The father of the author's childhood friend, who proposed the integration of the Florence-Lauderdale Library.

Olena Skrypka

The author's assistant at the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance, who is now a refugee in England.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is proper to contest any government program that you think is not working. But if you do not believe in the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, you do not believe in America.”

— The author

“That's okay, David, we understand that most Americans are good people. It is just that you now have a corrupt, racist, fascist president. What is sad for us is that the United States used to be the country we looked up to, one that stood for democracy in the world and helping people everywhere. Now it has become a country we can no longer respect or rely on.”

— Olena Skrypka, Ukrainian government official

What’s next

The article does not mention any clear next steps, as it is a reflective piece on the state of American democracy.

The takeaway

This article highlights the importance of upholding democratic values such as diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to restore America's reputation as a beacon of freedom and democracy in the world. It suggests that the country must work to reclaim its soul and regain the respect it has lost on the global stage.