According to NBC News many federal agencies have banned celebrations related to DEI initiatives; MLK Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month and more are a part of these banned celebrations. Federal agencies were charged with complying with President Trumps executive order to ban DEI initiatives. President Trump’s executive order changed the rules of celebration for those who work at intelligence agencies, in the military and various other departments. A memo was sent out by the Defense Intelligence Agency on what holidays to pause activities on. There were 11 holidays listed as well as employee networking groups.
The Trump administration has made it their immediate focus to stop all programs that they believe are related to DEI. Other holidays included were Juneteenth, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and LGBTQ Pride Month. Many agencies and federal workplaces are now stuck with figuring out what is considered DEI and what is not.
As Black History Month is being recognized across the country, the idea, discussion, and implementation of federally banning it, is not just an attack on Black people, but an attack on progress, truth, and justice. Many know, Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements, struggles, and resilience of Black people in the United States. It was already a difficult process to have the month be dedicated to Black History and now for it to be taken away is a slap in the face. Erasing the recognition of Black History Month would mean pushing Black people further back, their contributions are already ignored and or made small in mainstream media.
Black history is American history, and those stories deserve to be continuously told. The United States was built on the backs of Black people. From their labor to their intellect, to their sacrifices. Slaves built the foundation, and other Black leaders have shaped the society. If the history is not acknowledged, the United States fails to understand itself. The removal of Black History Month sends a clear message that Black contributions do not matter, and it continues the repeated cycle of exclusion and ignorance. This federal ban particularly affects Black youth. Representation matters. As generations go on the history is starting not to be passed down, learning about those who paved the way is a way to preserve history.
Not only do Black people benefit from learning Black history, but all people. Erasing Black History is a conscience decision to erase the truth. At this current time where racial disparities continue to exist in education, wealth, and criminal justice, it is most important to acknowledge Black history. Rather than banning it, the nation should commit to teaching it year-round. It is important to understand that Black history is not a threat but an important part of America’s identity.
[Photo: flickr]
