As Feburary 26, 2026 officially marks the 100th year anniversary of Black History month, it’s crucial for us to understand what it means, what it represents, and how its overall significance has shaped black culture in the United States today. Not only has Black History month shown immense growth, strength, and determination throughout the black community, but it has served as the “base” for various black achievements in our modern day era. Many of the Smithsonian’s in D.C. have been a prime example of this, showcasing black art in a way that’s both meaningful and educational—however, President Donald Trump has been more than displeased with these museums, stating how the content is too “woke” for the general public, and how it needs to be “evaluated” immediately. Similar criticisms from the President have targeted other federal holidays celebrating the achievements and history of Black Americans, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. Trump’s insistence on sticking to this belief that black history should only be represented partially in our society—and with everything that’s going on now, how could this impact the future of black culture in the country?
Recently, President Donald Trump has vocalized some of his concerns surrounding the Smithsonian museums in D.C.—specifically, the National Museum of African American History and Culture caught his eye. As it provides individuals with a “deep dive” into African American history, it also emphasizes the importance of advocating for a better future. Each exhibit is meant to tell a different story; even stories that may be considered as “out of control” according to Trump’s standards (NPR). As stated by The White House (Washington), Donald Trump signed the executive order: “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” on March 27, 2025 to survey, or review the contents of, the Smithsonians. Museums like the National Art Gallery and the National Museum of American History are only a few examples of some of the Smithsonian’s that have been marked for “review”. According to The White House (Washington), they’ve responded to the public’s divide in opinion, saying that “President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable”, going along with President Trump’s wishes. Sticking to this theme, President Donald Trump has also removed MLK Day and Juneteenth as “fee-free” days in national parks, instead adding specific dates like his birthday (June 14), Constitution Day (September 17), and Teddy Roosevelt’s birthday (October 27), as mentioned by Mountain Journal. In immediate defense of Trump’s acts, The Department of the Interior said that “[He’s] commit[ed] to making national parks more accessible, more affordable, and more efficient for the American people”, though it doesn’t have any correlation to the federal holidays that were removed.
Since the start of Trump’s second presidential term, he has aimed to “Make America Great Again”, plastering the slogan all over the country and igniting American patriotism. However, it heavily encourages these communities to normalize the idea of promoting racism—and with President Donald Trump posting AI-generated videos that depict both the Obama’s as apes on Truth Social, it poses a great danger to black communities. Even if it’s labeled as an “internet meme video” that’s been backed up by the White House, it still speaks great volumes. Rather than clinging on to these ideals, learn to appreciate black culture for what it really is. Create a bigger voice for those around you, and continue to fight for the inclusion of your peers opposed to preaching for division.
