Rebellion and activism have always been necessary to move America toward progress, with always-present obstacles to overcome, including violent opposition from those with their own view of what makes the country great. That truth, with all the contradictions that arise when ideals fail to match reality, is explored in “We’ve Been Here Before: How Rebellion and Activism Have Always Sustained America.”

When mythmaking threatens to replace history, this book, by Angela P. Dodson and Michael I. Days, is an essential and timely present for America’s 250th birthday. Co-author Dodson joins Equal Time to talk about the heroes and the hard work.