The day before the start of Black History Month, the Department of Defense issued an official suspension of all events and activities associated with celebrating cultural awareness months.

“Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months,” the guidance from the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said. 

The months include National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National American Indian Heritage Month.

Eliminating this recognition is a blunt disregard of our history and an ongoing fight for racial justice. Black History Month must continue to be celebrated to ensure that lives and voices are heard and never forgotten. 

The debate to end Black History Month has drawn extensive criticism. Many individuals and organizations have voiced strong protests, viewing this move as an attempt to downplay the significance and contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history. This action is perceived by many as a reflection of systemic racism and a disregard for historical injustices. 

Countless individuals, including myself are the direct outcome of Black history’s fight. As a multiracial person who is half black, I recognize the profound significance of this history as it has paved the way for our existence and our rights. Without the relentless struggle and sacrifices of those who came before us, many would not be here today.

However, the legacy of this struggle also means that many of us do not fully know our family histories and where we have come from. To get rid of this honourable time is to also undermine the people who don’t know themselves and their own history that has been lost. 

What our ancestors faced has left gaps in our heritage. Not by choice but by force that was and is fully intentional. The lack of knowledge emphasizes the importance of continuing to honor and learn from Black History, so that the stories of our ancestors are celebrated and preserved. Rather still acknowledged, than forgotten. 

It is sickening to know that getting rid of this month is even an option. It is an absurd and ignorant decision to let history be forgotten. This move would be a stark display of disrespect, undermining decades of progress toward equality and justice.   

Days later, the administration seemed to back pedal their decision, potentially revealing some sort of decency and empathy for historically disadvantaged groups. But, the release is still posted to the official defense website, which issued the following statement: 

Eleven “special observances” are listed in the memo, that were previously recognized in workplaces. Federal agencies immediately implemented these new directives, due to an executive order issued on Inauguration Day mandating the termination of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and personnel within the military.

“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 release read. In short, the statement implies that contributions and service will be recognized over unchangeable characteristics, ensuring recognition based on merit without any reference to race or identity. 

This conclusion comes from President Trump’s Administration’s effort to cut down any programs promoting pluralism in the federal government. Also, the Secretary of Defense is to implement President Trump’s executive order to eliminate all or any measures that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the department.

A final decision was made to keep February as Black History Month but with a different belief. For Trump to gain back his supporters and to appear better but have no actual care for the month itself. Trump acknowledged the historical significance of the holiday, during a speech after his swearing-in ceremony, speaking directly to the Black and Hispanic voters who cast a ballot for him last year. He signed a proclamation declaring that February will stay as Black History Month. In the United States, this proclamation has been signed by every president for 45 years. 

President Gerald Ford was the first to officially recognize the month on Feb 10. 1979 “[To] honor the too-often neglected accomplishment of Black Americans,” Ford said. If Trump decided not to sign, he would change history. It would reshape how young future Americans would learn and understand the race and equality as well as losing a national holiday that has been around for nearly 50 years. 

Regardless of the decision, the Department of Defense will no longer officially recognize it. Some other departments have also stopped officially recognizing identity months, claiming a shift towards year-round inclusivity for all races. Details of how much will be unrecognized is unclear. Nevertheless these months, including National African American/Black History Month, still exist and can continue to be celebrated privately out of the workplace. 

Black Americans have long faced systemic barriers in education, employment, and the justice system, from redlining and job discrimination to mass incarceration and historical censorship. These obstacles have created lasting racial inequities that persist today. 

Yet, some still argue for eliminating Black History Month, an absurd notion given how often Black history is overlooked in mainstream narratives. This month is not about segregation but recognition. Until Black history is fully integrated into education and national consciousness, Black History Month remains essential. It is a time to acknowledge both our struggles and our progress.

Again, it seems that Trump is trying to appeal to a certain base by dismissing the importance of Black History. This act wasn’t about unity or progress; but about self-interest and political strategy. 

By undermining such an important part of American history, Trump is just looking out for his own agenda rather than truly considering the impact on the people and the broader society. He should have considered this into his decisions if he was truly trying to gain more support. This is how far Trump is willing to go, to callously disregard the Black community and its past.