Celebrate Black History Month

Today is the first day of Black History Month—this month allows us to honor the incredible contributions of Black Americans and reflect on the ongoing struggle against systemic racism in our country in these fraught times.

In 1976, when President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month, he urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Forty years later, President Barack Obama echoed a similar sentiment from the White House.

"Black History Month shouldn't be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington or from some of our sports heroes," Obama said.  "It's about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America," he continued.

This February, Black History Month has a new significance as President Trump’s administration attacks diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at every level of the federal government. In addition to calling for the elimination of government diversity programs, the Trump administration revoked a 60-year-old executive order that protected equal opportunity in employment. He, also, signed an EO titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” which seeks to withhold funding from any schools that teach that the United States is “fundamentally racist, sexist or otherwise discriminatory” signaling a troubling effort to suppress teaching about race and racism.

In yesterday’s press release titled “Identity Months Dead at DOD," the Defense Department announced that beginning immediately, it will no longer recognize several “cultural awareness months,” which include Black History Month, Women's History Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Starting February 1, neither the Pentagon nor the State Department will recognize Black History Month.

WDC dissents.  We honor Black History Month and proudly acknowledge the invaluable contributions Black Americans have made to our nation and the world. While the political landscape may shift, we remain steadfast in our commitment to what truly matters—justice, equality, and unity. However, we recognize the daunting challenges ahead, which is why we’re inviting you to join us for an important discussion on how we can rise and resist.

Join us on February 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Round House Theater in Bethesda for our upcoming program: “Rise & Resist: Mobilizing for Our Future.”

The event will feature political strategist and commentator Simon Rosenberg, Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart, and CASA Public Policy Director Cathryn Ann Paul Jackson. This will be a valuable opportunity for us to come together, strategize, and hear about how we can move forward in the face of these significant challenges. Click HERE to register.

Hope to see you there.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Stay United. 

Tazeen Ahmad, President