February is Black History Month in the U.S., a designation formalized by Congress in 1986 after with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. President Ronald Reagan’s proclamation that all Americans are to be made encapsulates the reasons for this national recognition. This month is dedicated to highlighting the inequalities, injustices and long-standing obstacles that Black Americans have faced and continue to face in the U.S. It is about acknowledging the role of 200 years of slavery, approximately 100 of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation, and those who came before us to fight for the rights and fair treatment of Black Americans served in the foundation of the U.S.
The intentional acknowledgment of the particular struggles of different marginalized groups within our country allows us to reflect on the past and informs us of the reasonings for the present. Black History Month, Women's History Month, Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and numerous other designated periods throughout the year serve to educate us about the historical struggles and ongoing progress of various groups within our nation. Federal agencies and offices have commemorated these observances by organizing events, educational programs and more to play their part in highlighting this nation’s history.
However, under the new president, these recognitions may be in jeopardy. President Donald Trump has issued executive orders calling for the dismantling of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programs in the federal government. The Trump administration claims that DEI programs promote discriminatory behavior toward certain groups, mainly white Americans, groups that have historically dominated workplaces. This impact of the executive order raises concerns about the nation's future and the consequences of eliminating such observances. Trump’s orders not only have directed the dismantling of DEI programs, offices and positions but have extended beyond. are to revise programs, activities and grants to align with the administration’s opposition to DEI. A pause on all agency grants, loans and other financial assistance programs, implemented to facilitate a review of programs, including DEI initiatives, has begun to hinder the recognition of cultural celebrations, such as Black History Month. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered a of all activities related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth, LGBTQ Pride Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day and approximately six other observances. Similar actions have been taken by , including the removal of DEI-related efforts such as gender-identifying pronouns from email signatures and the disbanding of employee resource groups.
While the Trump administration issued a “” recognizing Black History Month, its corresponding executive orders effectively prohibit its practical celebration. The month itself may continue to be officially recognized, but the practical impact of dismantling DEI programs and halting government-sponsored cultural observances could significantly undermine how Black History Month is acknowledged and celebrated, particularly within federal agencies and institutions that have historically played a role in promoting it. Even if private companies, schools and grassroots organizations continue celebrating Black History Month, the lack of federal acknowledgment or support could weaken its visibility and influence. This ordeal should prompt us to investigate our nation's history for ourselves so that we can remain informed.
Why is having a whole month dedicated to Black history even necessary? While many marginalized groups in the U.S. have faced discrimination, the history of Black Americans is uniquely cruel and foundational to the fabric of this country. Forcibly taken from their homelands, enslaved for generations and then subjected to another century of segregation, disenfranchisement and systemic racism, Black Americans are ingrained in the deep history of this nation. Although legal segregation ended in 1964 (only 61 years ago), the long-term effects of this history continue to impact Black communities in substantial ways. Black History Month provides a deliberate opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of Black Americans while also recognizing the enduring hardships and injustices they have faced.
Some may argue that we are in a post-racial society where everyone has equal opportunities, but such a perspective ignores the lasting consequences of generational oppression. When we look at , , statistics and more, it becomes clear that historical injustices do not just simply disappear. Without taking time as a nation to acknowledge this reality, we risk falling into ignorance—seeing struggling Black communities and attributing their condition to personal failure rather than recognizing the systemic barriers that have been in place for centuries. If we do not understand our past, we fail to properly address the inequalities of the present.
The dangers of forgetting history are clear. Consider how, after , the erasure of Black political and economic progress led to the rise of Or how, when schools fail to teach about and, people may assume Black homeownership rates are lower simply due to financial irresponsibility rather than recognizing the historical and legal barriers that prevented Black families from building generational wealth. History informs the present, and ignoring it only allows inequities to persist.
Black History Month is not only a time to celebrate achievements—it is also a reminder of the struggles that have paved the way for the rise of this nation. By understanding history, we ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. In an era where efforts are being made to suppress these conversations, it is more important than ever to seek knowledge, challenge misinformation and advocate for a society where our different identities are celebrated, not oppressed. Diversity is an undeniable characteristic of the United States. While we should be discerning about potentially biased DEI initiatives, it is crucial to examine the original intent behind these observances, the risks of ignoring or downplaying difficult aspects of our nation's history, and how we can, as individuals, become informed citizens despite potentially harmful and restrictive policies that hinder the celebration of the diverse cultures comprising the United States.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.