Media :
Availability:
Sorry, this programme is not available to play . (why?)
Last broadcast on Tue, 19 Jan 2010, 04:32 on BBC World Service (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
While a nation waits for Obama to deliver his State of the Union Address, Americana asks why wait? We deliver our own State of the Nation programme.
Kevin Connolly hears from the celebrated Haitian American author Edwidge Danticat to learn more about what life is like in Haiti and the view from the United States.
James Fallows, national correspondent for The Atlantic, joins us to discuss the long-term outlook for United States, and attempts to answer the question 'Can America rise again?'
The United States Census just launched its 2010 campaign. Its work will have a last political, social and economic impact on the country. Census Director Robert Groves explains how the survey works and what powers he has to say 'no' to the man in the White House.
We also hear from some of the nation's newest citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Richmond, Virginia. At a time when so many in the US feel demoralized about the country's future, Americana hears what makes these newbies feel optimistic about officially joining the country.
There is one US citizen who continues to inspire Americans around the nation, even though he is no longer with us. On Monday the United States observes a national holiday in honour of Martin Luther King Jr. Americana hears from third graders in Illinois about what they'd ask Martin Luther King Jr if they had the chance.
Haitian in America: Part 1
Kevin Connolly talks to author Haitian American author Edwidge Danticat for a better understanding of the view of Haiti from the United States. Danticat’s vivid writing speaks eloquently and often heartbreakingly of life on the island. She lives in Miami Florida where she is an advocate for the Haitian community and has spoken for the halt of repatriation of Haitians currently in the United States.
James Fallows
Kevin Connolly talks to James Fallows, National Correspondent for The Atlantic. The two discuss how Haiti fits into America’s international diplomacy agenda and about what domestic issues may move into the spotlight going forward.
The US Census
The 2010 US Census has kicked off its efforts to learn more about every person living within the borders of the United States.
Americana speaks to US Census director Robert Groves about the goals for the 2010 investigation and how the results may influence the distribution of federal support for communities around the nation.
America’s newest citizens
Americana meets some of the nation's newest citizens at this week's naturalization ceremony in Richmond, Virginia.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday is Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. While many around the world are taking up his call to action by lending money, supplies and time to Haiti, across the United States some Americans will observe the national holiday (a day off from work) by spending time doing community service and reflecting on the civil right’s leader’s goals for the US.
Chicago-area independent producer David Green surveyed his class of third graders and found they had questions they would ask Martin Luther King Jr. if they’d had the chance.
Useful links: The Big Count Archive
"A hallmark of each decennial census is the high priority goal of engaging the public and motivating full participation in "The Big Count." The Big Count galleries provide glimpses of films, videos, photographs and audio from a cross-section of decennial census promotional efforts - all of which highlight the benefits of completing the national census form".
http://2010.census.gov/mediacenter/the-big-count/index.php?v,n2
Broadcasts
-
Mon 18 Jan 201012:32
-
Mon 18 Jan 201016:32
-
Mon 18 Jan 201023:32
-
Tue 19 Jan 201004:32
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~47~RS~){kind=small}