Since childhood, my family has emphasized the importance of remembering our history. They taught me to honor the legacies of trailblazers like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Bessie Coleman—reminding me that their struggles and triumphs continue to shape our future.
To me Black History Month was a way to celebrate my family, my Black friends, my community, and most importantly, me. It was also a time to really understand our history whether that was by watching documentaries like “Hidden Colors” or watching Black movies together. Black history month really helped to stabilize my identity because there were times when I felt out of place and that I wasn’t Black enough, but being able to celebrate with my loved ones really ensured my place and my culture.
My brother always instilled that it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor—you should always try to strive to help and uplift the Black community. I think it’s when I entered university when I really understood this calling that what you do does in fact impact your community.
Black History Month holds heightened significance in the current political climate, particularly in light of recent actions by the Trump administration to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” effectively eliminating all DEI programs within the federal government, including positions like Chief Diversity Officer, as well as equity-related grants and contracts.
The rollback of DEI initiatives underscores the critical importance of Black History Month as a time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the necessity of preserving programs that promote diversity and inclusion. In an era where such initiatives are under threat, observing Black History Month becomes an act of resistance against efforts to erase or diminish the significance of Black history and culture.
A Century-Old Celebration of Black Excellence
Black History Month is celebrated every February. According to the Civil and Human Rights Organization, it was first observed as Negro History Week in 1926, but its origins trace back even further, rooted in a series of inspiring events, discoveries, and celebrations of Black excellence.
In 1915, American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson attended the national celebration of the 50th anniversary of emancipation in Washington, D.C.
Later that year, he collaborated with A. L. Jackson, William B. Hartgrove, George Cleveland Hall, and James E. Stamps to establish the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History—now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Their mission was to educate the public about the achievements, inventions, and progress of Black Americans. The organization launched The Journal of Negro History in 1916 and introduced Negro History and Literature Week in 1924.
In 1926, he announced the creation of Negro History Week, strategically choosing February for both tradition and reform. According to ASALH.org, the month was picked specifically because of the birthdays of two influential figures in Black history—Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Black communities had been honoring Lincoln’s birthday since his assassination in 1865, and since the late 1890s, celebrations of Douglass’s birthday had taken place across the country. By aligning Negro History Week with these pre-existing traditions, Woodson encouraged the public to deepen their study of Black history rather than create a new tradition from scratch.
More than a century later, Black History Month is about more than just celebrating the past—it is also about embracing the future. It honors those who continue to advocate for higher education, entrepreneurs who break barriers, and individuals who tirelessly fight for the Black community while bringing attention to the injustices we still face today.
Resisting Through the Power of Recognition
Due to Trump’s rollback of DEI initiatives, which eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in large corporations, cherishing Black History Month is more important than ever. In many ways, Black History Month serves as a grassroots form of DEI, created by and for the Black community to affirm our existence and honor those who have made incredible contributions to society. However, with the growing ideology that differences hold us back, initiatives like Black History Month could be undermined or even erased. The decision threatens the visibility and recognition of Black achievements, making it crucial to continue celebrating and advocating for our history.
The new executive order has had a ripple effect, influencing private sector companies to reassess or even retract their own DEI efforts. Major corporations such as Walmart, McDonald’s, Ford, and Target have either scaled back or dismantled their DEI programs in response to the administration’s stance.
This initiative would further exacerbate challenges for Black people in securing jobs and forming collaborations, such as those within Black-owned small businesses. Additionally, it would make it more difficult for Black student clubs and organizations to secure funding from universities, hindering their ability to support and amplify Black voices and initiatives on campus.
This year’s Black History Month showcased resistance, responding to the president’s decision. A prominent example is Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show during this year’s Super Bowl in Louisiana. He pointed out how America often exploits Black culture as entertainment, yet when it comes to its authenticity, it is dismissed as “ghetto,” noisy, and outrageous.
Another example is La Porte Independent School District (ISD) in Texas, where students engaged with the “La Porte Colored School” museum. They learned about the history of segregation and the contributions of Viola DeWalt, the district’s first Black teacher.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, grassroots movements coordinated an “economic blackout” on February 28, encouraging consumers to support local Black-owned businesses and avoid major retailers, thereby promoting economic empowerment within the community.
According to AP News, President Donald Trump made an appearance at a Black History Month reception at the White House. During his remarks, he said, “Today, we pay tribute to the generations of Black legends, champions, warriors, and patriots who helped drive our country forward to greatness. And you really are great, great people.” However, I don’t believe the slightest that his words were genuine. I think it’s a tactic to make people believe that his agenda is acceptable and even admirable.
So What Can Students Do to Continue Uplifting Black Students and the Community?
Now, I personally know that change doesn’t happen overnight. However, change can start small, and I believe it begins with us—the students at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. One of the most important things we can do is educate ourselves about the ways Black individuals have impacted our communities.
For example, in Hawaiʻi, Alice Ball, a graduate student at UH Mānoa, developed an effective treatment for leprosy, which not only helped those in the islands but also had a global impact. Carlotta Stewart was the first Black teacher and later became the first Black principal at Kō‘olau Elementary School. Anthony D. Allen was a trusted steward and confidante of King Kamehameha the Great and constructed the first carriage road up Mānoa Valley, building a school, starting the first bowling alley, and running Honolulu’s first hospital for American seamen.
Additionally, there are many student organizations on campus dedicated to supporting Black students and fostering a sense of community. The Black Student Association provides a space for Black students to discuss their experiences on campus, support mental health, and connect through Black culture. Sister Circle Mānoa creates a supportive hub for Black and Indigenous women to connect and share experiences related to racialized and gendered microaggressions. Black Grad celebrates Black students graduating at every level, from undergraduate to master’s programs. These groups not only give back to the Black community but also uplift the next generation of thinkers, educators, and leaders.
To me, Black History Month is about more than just recognition—it’s about seeing Black people as people, not anomalies. For me, every day is Black History Month, and I am grateful every single day to be Black. To me, Black is beautiful, and I hope that one day, everyone will recognize the beauty of our culture, our people, and our minds.
