February 2nd 2025.
The Army Corps of Engineers has recently made the decision to cancel their Black History Month program in Jacksonville, Florida. This was done in response to a federal pause on celebrations of Black History Month and other important observances, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The cancellation has caused quite a stir, especially for Jacksonville City Council member Rahman Johnson, who was set to speak at the event. As a Black man, Johnson was shocked and disappointed by the news.
According to The Associated Press, the Department of Defense's intelligence agency had already paused observances of various important dates, such as Pride Month and Holocaust Days of Remembrance, in addition to Black History Month. This was due to a previous executive order from former President Donald Trump, which banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal workplace. Despite Trump's recent proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month, it seems that the Department of Defense had already made the decision to pause these important observances.
News 4 Jax reported that Johnson shared his thoughts on the sudden cancellation, expressing his surprise and disappointment. He had been honored to be invited to speak at the event and was looking forward to not only giving a presentation on Black history but also answering questions as an academic. Johnson felt that the cancellation was a blow to not only African Americans but to Americans as a whole.
The Army Corps of Engineers released a statement explaining their decision to cancel the event. They stated that they were directed by the Department of Defense and USACE Headquarters to postpone all diversity, equity, and inclusion-related events and trainings. This was in accordance with Trump's executive order issued on January 20, 2025, which aimed to end what he deemed as "radical and wasteful" government DEI programs. It seems that this decision has put the public study and celebration of Black history in jeopardy.
According to The New York Times, both the public study and celebration of Black History Month are at risk. The month-long celebration, which was originally known as Negro History Week and was created by educator Carter G. Woodson, has expanded to recognize important figures like Frederick Douglass and their contributions to American history. However, as Martha Jones, a professor of history at Johns Hopkins University, pointed out, the celebration of Black History Month does not need to be sanctioned by the White House to continue. It has existed long before presidents endorsed it and will continue to be celebrated regardless of presidential support.
Jones also expressed her concern about the suppression of Black history. She believes that as a nation, we should not shy away from our past, but rather embrace it and learn from it. She stated, "There's a great deal to lament and even to decry" when it comes to the suppression of Black history, which is also American history. Jones firmly believes that we are strong enough as a nation to confront our past and use it as a tool for growth and understanding.
In conclusion, it is clear that the cancellation of the Black History Month program in Jacksonville, Florida, has sparked important conversations about the importance of celebrating and studying Black history. Despite the challenges and setbacks, it is evident that the celebration of Black history will continue to be a vital part of American culture and identity.
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