Feb 1, 2025 Story by: Editor
WASHINGTON (AP) — On Friday, January 31, the Trump White House issued a proclamation officially designating February as Black History Month, while the Defense Department simultaneously announced a policy ending the observance of cultural awareness months.
These conflicting actions align with President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the early days of his administration. Trump has criticized DEI initiatives, calling them “discrimination” and advocating instead for a society based on merit.
In its proclamation, the White House encouraged “public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.” However, it did not define what constitutes “appropriate.”
Meanwhile, a Defense Department news release titled “Identity Months Dead at DOD” declared that official resources, including working hours, would no longer be used to recognize cultural awareness months. Among the discontinued observances are Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics,” the Defense Department’s statement read.
Since taking office, Trump has moved to end affirmative action in federal contracting and directed that all federal DEI employees be placed on paid leave before eventually being dismissed. On Thursday, just hours after a midair collision between a military helicopter and an American Airlines plane claimed 67 lives near the White House, Trump linked diversity initiatives to air safety concerns without providing any supporting evidence.
The tradition of recognizing Black History Month dates back to 1976 when President Gerald Ford became the first to issue a proclamation marking February as a time to celebrate Black history, culture, and education. Every president since has followed suit.
Trump’s Friday proclamation highlighted the achievements of prominent Black figures, including abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, conservative economist Thomas Sowell, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. It stated that their contributions “have monumentally advanced the tradition of equality under the law in our great country” and continue to serve as an inspiration.
The proclamation also praised golfer Tiger Woods as an American icon, noting that he was among those who have “pushed the boundaries of excellence in their respective fields, paving the way for others to follow.”
“This National Black History Month, as America prepares to enter a historic Golden Age,” the proclamation stated, “I want to extend my tremendous gratitude to black Americans for all they have done to bring us to this moment, and for the many future contributions they will make as we advance into a future of limitless possibility under my Administration.” Source: US News
