Black History Month is a time for celebration, a time to reflect and honor the contributions, sacrifices, and resolve of Black people. As we commemorate Black history over this month, we would be remiss not to address the cloud of fear and uncertainty hanging over this February, a result of the full-scale attack on Black progress underway.
A Black History Month Under Attack: How the Trump Administration’s Assault on DEI Threatens Black Communities
Over the past three weeks, we have watched the fundamental notions of White supremacy guide the priorities and actions of our federal government. Through a series of Executive Orders, the aim has been clear - to dismantle the existing diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives of the federal government, deeming practices that seek to advance equal opportunity as immoral, radical, and wasteful. By rescinding foundational civil rights measures like the 1965 Equal Opportunity Executive Order that sought to end discriminatory practices in federal government contracting, placing federal DEI staff on leave, and threatening the federal funding of K-12 educational institutions that choose to accurately reflect upon the legacy of White supremacy in the United States, the new administration has shown that its vision for a “great” America lies in the systematic destruction of Black people and Black communities.
The clear intent to erode the safety and stability of Black communities is further evidenced by directives to remove data and information from the websites of federal public health agencies, like the CDC, the effective dissolution of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and the repeal of a Biden-era executive order that sought to increase transparency, accountability, and more equitable outcomes in policing and the criminal justice system. Black Americans, who already face more barriers to healthcare and treatment and are at greater risk for police and community violence, are now without open access to swaths of vital health information and research and have been stripped of a federal advocate for community-oriented policing and gun violence prevention, which will only serve to perpetuate the stark racial inequalities already present in public health and policing outcomes.
While less overt, the racism we are currently experiencing is not new, nor is it shocking. Systemic discrimination is deeply embedded in all facets of American society. As we come together to grapple with what lies ahead, it is important to remember and find strength in the fact that we, as a community, have been here before.
Honoring the Legacy of Black Resilience: Fighting for Justice, Truth, and Liberation in the Face of White Supremacy
From the Civil Rights Movement, to Reconstruction, to the aftermath of the election of our first Black president, Black progress has always been met with intense retaliation and backlash from those seeking to maintain the status quo of racial hegemony. Bearing witness to the degradation of thriving Black neighborhoods, the infliction of unimaginable harm and trauma on Black people and communities through violence, and the extreme gerrymandering of southern states to reduce the voting power of Black people teaches us that White supremacy will not go down without an ugly fight — but it also teaches us about the power of collective organizing and resistance.
Black history provides a beautiful story about the resilience of people who, despite being subjected to unfathomable and relentless torment and trauma, did not shortchange their long-term vision of Black liberation for short-term wins. People who committed and continue to commit themselves to actualizing a vision they know is not likely to be achieved in their lifetime. As we celebrate Black achievement this February, we must reaffirm our commitment to Black liberation and continue this legacy. Rather than simply reacting to the rise of fascism and White nationalism or settling for incrementalism, we must stay focused on our ultimate goal of true freedom and justice.
The attempts to erase and rewrite Black history, weaponize diversity, equity, and inclusion as a racist dog-whistle, and weaken the collective power of Black people will continue, but the commitment to centering and affirming Blackness must remain unchanged. Many organizations, public and private, are struggling to respond and comply with executive orders attacking equity efforts with threats of losing funding and retaliation hanging over their heads. They now face greater challenges in continuing on with their intended missions and adequately serving the communities most impacted. Some entities are attempting to revise their language to cater to the current administration by removing explicit mentions of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ending cultural observances, or ending programs and initiatives that promote diversity and uplift Black and other historically underserved communities altogether. However, prioritizing equity and an unwavering commitment to truth-telling is foundational to creating safety, supporting community well-being, and pursuing Black liberation.
Now more than ever, we cannot afford to bow to the altar of White supremacy at the expense of Black communities. As truth-tellers and justice seekers, we cannot let those who are committed to the destruction of our community and perpetuating falsehoods define our future or control the narrative. This Black History Month and beyond, we are committed and unapologetic in our mission to center and affirm Black communities and to end oppressive systems in all forms.