This February marks the 100th Black History Month. While the month is typically a time of both celebration and reverence, the event feels more somber due to changes in DEI policies and removal of historical markers since Trump took office.
Trump’s disrespect toward Black history and his constant insults toward Black leaders creates an atmosphere that emboldens racist activity and causes those championing Black history to tone down their celebrations and events.
Trump’s second presidency has proved to be tumultuous for Black history. With changes in DEI policies and new negative connotations around Black history, teachers and advocates struggled to spread the message of resilience that Black history month typically provides, according to AP.
Racist, untrue claims from the Trump administration also makes this month more somber than in recent years. Trump’s statement that teaching Black history teaches individuals to “hate the country” reinvigorated calls to remove Black history month activities from schools, according to the AP.
The administration also removed Black history landmarks from national parks. They most recently took down an exhibit on slavery in Philadelphia, according to AP.
Trump acts not only with blatant irreverence for history, but also with disrespect for Black leaders in the present. His recent social media post depicting the Obamas as primates sparked controversy from Democrats and Republicans, which caused Trump to take down the post shortly after its release, according to PBS.
Activists are less likely to celebrate this year due to potential reactions from the government despite this year marking the centennial of the month, according to AP. This creates an environment where people not only feel less free to celebrate, but they may also forget the teachings of Black history and its significance.
Events that were previously annual traditions have also been canceled or moved. There are not any scheduled Black History Month events at the Kennedy Center after Trump recreated the Board of Directors to fit his goals last year. The annual “Living the Dream… Singing the Dream” concert was moved to a new venue this year and replacement events have yet to be announced, according to The Washington Post.
Despite recent setbacks in the fight for Black history recognition and ongoing political crises in the U.S., individuals should still take time this month to celebrate Black history with reverence and joy for the communities formed around it.
Leaders in Wisconsin began Black history month celebrations at the Capitol with the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus. The Black Caucus will unveil the year’s policy agenda this month after spending a year touring the state to understand issues facing Black communities. The caucus will also host Black Advocacy Day and report on the “State of Black Wisconsin,” according to The Wisconsin Examiner.
In a current political climate filled with tension and fear brought on by the Trump administration, celebration may feel out of place. But, joy is vital to sustain continued political activism.
This is the basis for the concept of Joy as Resistance that continues to gain traction in online spaces. The idea originates from an essay by Audre Lorde about how joy can transform communities and give people the strength to overcome their oppression, according to NPR.
While there is debate about the usage of the phrase and the context to which it applies, the general concept of celebrating achievements or community moments without forgetting about the fights for justice and equality that must continue should be considered by activists and individuals today.
This concept should be considered when understanding the hesitancy to celebrate Black History Month this year. We must reframe our mindset that joy is only a feeling that can be achieved in times of political or social harmony.
Instead, we must use the celebrations and education surrounding Black history as a moment to reflect and prepare for what is next. By understanding how others fought injustices in the past and celebrating culture, we will find strength and guidance for the future.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed the issue of finding hope in times where it feels as though the future is unstable and scary. She explained that it is necessary to find joy, especially through everyday moments, to continue the political fight, according to NPR.
Thus, this month, while we must continue to fight back against the injustices facing communities around the country, we must also make space to celebrate Black voices through community events and media.
Uplifting positivity in our communities provides us with a physical outlet for the fear and uncertainty we may feel by celebrating creativity, culture and hope. This does not mean ignoring current events, but rather taking time to see the impact of community despite the Trump administration’s effort to isolate us through hate.
U.W. students should consider attending an event hosted by the Black Cultural Center as their 2026 Black History Month theme is Black Love. This will provide students with the necessary time to learn Black history and celebrate with their community. Students will then be prepared to continue to fight for justice and equality on campus and around the country.
