Democratic lawmakers marked the beginning of Black History Month this February 1st with tributes to Black American achievements, while some also criticized President Donald Trump’s recent opposition to DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment on Saturday.
Why It Matters
On Friday, Trump recognized that this February is National Black History Month, an annual tradition that presidents have done since 1976.
This year’s celebration comes amid the administration’s efforts to end DEI initiatives in the federal government. Supporters of the policies see them as a way to curb systemic racism and create more diverse spaces while critics see them as discriminatory against white people and favoring factors like race over an individual’s merit.
During Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order titled, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” In the order, he ordered the end of all “discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.”
The following day, the administration sent a memo to department heads in DEIA offices directing them to inform employees that they are being placed on paid leave due to the closure of the offices and warning them against attempting to “disguise” DEI programs in light of Trump’s ban.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense’s intelligence agency has paused observances of Black History Month, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and other cultural or historical annual events.
What To Know
Several Democratic lawmakers took to social media to celebrate the start of Black History Month on Saturday.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Today, we start celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth! Black Americans have significantly impacted and influenced the history of my home state of New York and this entire country.”
U.S. representative and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi of California wrote on X: “February is a celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth to recognize the beautiful diversity and outstanding contributions, achievements and strength of Black Americans. This month and every day, let us recommit to creating opportunity and advancing the promise of America for all.”
U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, wrote on X: “Growing up in the most beautiful, Blackest city in America I was surrounded by love, and a deep sense of community. Detroit birthed movements and raised me to fight for justice. This Black History Month, we honor our Black neighbors who inspire and lead a better future for all.”
Other Democrats on Capitol Hill decided to take a swipe at Trump and other Republicans while wishing a happy Black History Month.
U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas posted some comic art on X depicting her as a superhero.
“Happy Black History Month! America is facing a SUPER villain, but we are the heroes of our own story. With resilience, grace, & unapologetic power, we rise. No villain can dim our light—our magic is unstoppable. My story is Unleashing Black Girl Magic: The Superpower Within!”
Happy Black History Month!America is facing a SUPER villain, but we are the heroes of our own story. With resilience, grace, & unapologetic power, we rise. No villain can dim our light—our magic is unstoppable. My story is Unleashing Black Girl Magic: The Superpower Within! pic.twitter.com/0xfAEdDT9f
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) February 1, 2025
U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts wrote on X: “It’s #BlackHistoryMonth and Republicans want to censor our history and ignore the systemic oppression of Black folks. But Black history is American history, and no amount of white-washing or erasure will change that.”
It’s #BlackHistoryMonth and Republicans want to censor our history and ignore the systemic oppression of Black folks.But Black history is American history, and no amount of white-washing or erasure will change that. pic.twitter.com/L6yF74uBLo
— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) February 1, 2025
What People Are Saying
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a press conference on Tuesday about Black History Month: “As far as I know, this White House certainly stFll intends to celebrate, and we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed, have made to our great country.”
U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in a note he shared on X last Sunday, “DoD ≠ DEI,” adding, “No exceptions, name-changes, or delays. Those who do not comply will no longer work here.”
What Happens Next
Hegseth has announced that more executive orders are on their way, including measures to remove DEI initiatives within the Pentagon.
Several large-scale U.S. companies, including Meta, Walmart and Amazon, have also cut back on their DEI initiatives following Trump’s orders. Costco, meanwhile, standing firm in its DEI initiatives.
The post Black History Month Starts Amid Trump DEI Crackdown. What Lawmakers Say appeared first on Newsweek.
