February has always been my favorite month, not just because I was born on Valentine’s Day, but because of the unique celebrations it brings. Beyond birthdays, Groundhog Day, and a long Presidents Day weekend, February carries something far more profound: Black History Month. This month of reflection and recognition has shaped my identity, deepening my understanding of the struggles and triumphs of those who came before me, and inspiring me to carry their legacy forward in my own pursuits.
Growing up, February was one of the few times my school highlighted Black history. It was then that I first connected with Black voices and legacies, shaping a stronger understanding of my heritage. Outside this month, Black narratives were often limited to slavery and the Civil Rights Movement, reinforcing a narrow view of Black identity. Too often, Black stories are reduced to stereotypes of violence, poverty, or athleticism, ignoring the vast contributions of Black individuals. Black History Month reclaims those narratives, introducing me to the richness of Black excellence — scientists like George Washington Carver, literary giants like Toni Morrison, and leaders like Shirley Chisholm.
I remember learning about visionaries like Harriet Tubman, a fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad. Yet alongside her heroism, I was confronted with the brutal realities of slavery — images of slashed backs, families torn apart, and unimaginable suffering. That contrast, the resilience of those who resisted and the inhumanity they endured, has never left me.
Yet, as Black History Month reminds us of a history rooted not only in struggle but also in strength, innovation, and perseverance, it faces relentless attacks. Politicians seek to erase, rewrite, or dilute the truth of Black history, turning a celebration into a battleground.
Programs designed to address systemic inequities, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and affirmative action, are being dismantled under political pressure. These setbacks highlight the urgent need to reclaim Black history. We must amplify our stories, ensuring education remains a tool of empowerment rather than erasure, and refuse to let our history be rewritten, diluted, or discarded.
DEI initiatives, which promote equitable hiring practices, inclusive education, and workplace diversity, are increasingly being framed by critics — often conservative policymakers, media figures, and the current administration especially — as divisive. They argue that such initiatives promote preferential treatment or create unnecessary divisions, advocating instead for a merit-based approach that overlooks the historical and systemic disparities shaping access to opportunity. This backlash against DEI has led to legislative efforts and corporate rollbacks that threaten the progress these initiatives were designed to achieve.
In 2023, affirmative action, a policy that expanded educational and career opportunities for underrepresented groups, was eliminated by the U.S. Supreme Court, reinforcing long-standing barriers to Black advancement. These barriers — ranging from underfunded schools to hiring discrimination — have historically restricted access to higher education and economic mobility for Black individuals. Affirmative action was one of the few measures designed to address these systemic inequalities, yet its removal reflects a broader effort to roll back policies aimed at racial equity. This growing resistance extends beyond education; the increasing politicization of Black history distorts its true purpose. Once a means to counteract dominant narratives of white supremacy, Black History Month now finds itself at the center of controversy, with efforts to censor discussions of race and systemic oppression further eroding the progress it represents.
With each rollback, the structures of oppression grow stronger, perpetuating the very inequities these programs sought to combat. Despite decades of progress, these programs are now branded as partisan, leading corporations and institutions to distance themselves from Black History Month initiatives. The impact extends beyond February: observances like Holocaust Remembrance Day, PRIDE Month, Juneteenth, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day have been suspended by President Donald Trump just days after he took office. Building on efforts from his previous term, his administration has pushed for sweeping changes — from the Department of Education’s funding for DEI programs to federal agencies’ recognition of cultural celebrations. These decisions not only threaten individual opportunities but also weaken decades of collective progress in the pursuit of social and racial justice.
Why has dedicating a single month to honoring the resilience and achievements of Black Americans become so overshadowed by political biases? History serves as a stark reminder that the discrimination, systemic disadvantage, and oppression Black Americans have endured for centuries did not simply vanish — they evolved. From Jim Crow laws to redlining to mass incarceration, each era has introduced new obstacles to Black progress. Today’s assaults, from the dismantling of affirmative action to bans on teaching Black history, are part of this ongoing pattern. The current administration has been unapologetic in its efforts to dismantle programs designed to protect, uplift, and level the playing field for Black Americans. These discriminatory practices are not new, they are simply an evolved attempt to erase and suppress Black advancement.
To reclaim Black History Month, we must reaffirm its core purpose: honoring the contributions of marginalized communities and advocating for policies that ensure equity and inclusion. This requires defending DEI initiatives that expand access to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. Institutions must commit to concrete actions — investing in diverse talent pipelines, addressing racial disparities in funding, and enacting inclusive policies that support not only Black Americans but also women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minority communities. Preserving Black excellence requires more than reflection — it demands action
While policy change is crucial, real progress also happens at the grassroots level through community initiatives that keep our history alive. We all have a role in reclaiming Black History Month — not just by advocating for DEI programs but by creating spaces that celebrate and uplift.
When I founded Black History Fest two years ago, I envisioned more than a celebration; I saw a platform to uplift Black excellence and bring the community together. What began as a small vision grew into a powerful gathering, drawing hundreds of attendees and awarding scholarships through community partnerships. The fest has featured keynote speakers like the Honorable Ventris Gibson, the first Black female director of the U.S. Mint, and engaging hosts such as Gen Z Historian Khalil Greene and internet personality JulieMango. Spotlighting local talent and businesses, the fest features electrifying performances from local bands and step-teams and showcases Black-owned businesses and youth entrepreneurs. But beyond the celebration, the fest serves a deeper purpose: it provides space for Black individuals — especially youth — to see their worth, embrace their history, and realize their limitless potential.
Now more than ever, initiatives like Black History Fest matter. In a time when DEI efforts are under attack, we need spaces that do more than recognize history — they must create opportunity. Since its founding, the fest has grown beyond its original vision, held at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center — once the only Black high school in my county. I hope to bring this initiative to Harvard and expand it to more institutions nationwide. Black history is not just about the past; it’s about the future we are building.
Black history is American history, and it must be commemorated — not erased. America’s growth and prosperity are deeply tied to the labor, contributions, and sacrifices of Black people. To undo the progress made is to deny our nation’s roots. Dismantling initiatives that amplify Black voices contradicts the very values of justice and equality that America claims to uphold. Black history must be honored through both recognition and action — not just in February, but every day of the year.
