Black Americans Facing Threats to Hard-Won Progress

As Black History Month ends, concerns grow over attacks on diversity and inclusion efforts

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In an opinion piece, Dr. John E. Warren, publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint newspaper and chairman of the NNPA, warns that Black Americans are facing a 'Black History Crisis' as efforts to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives gain momentum, similar to the 'Jim Crow' attitudes of the past. He calls on the Black community to get more engaged in the political process and re-evaluate spending habits with companies that do not reflect their values.

Why it matters

The attacks on diversity and inclusion programs, along with the removal of historical acknowledgments, threaten to reverse hard-won progress made by the Black community since the Civil Rights era. Voter engagement and economic activism will be crucial to combating these trends and ensuring continued advancement.

The details

Dr. Warren argues that the current efforts to 'wipe out books, monuments, [and] remove us from historical acknowledgements' are reminiscent of the post-Reconstruction 'Jim Crow' era, but without the explicit legal framework. He urges the Black community to get more involved in the political process, noting that too many are still not registered to vote. Warren also calls on Black consumers to re-evaluate their spending habits with companies that do not reflect their values, citing examples like Target, Pepsico, McDonald's, and others.

  • Black History Month is drawing to a close in February 2026.
  • The 2026 primary election season is approaching.

The players

Dr. John E. Warren

Publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint newspaper and chairman of the board of directors for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

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What they’re saying

“As Black History Month draws to a close, Black Americans, in many ways, are being steered backward towards segregation and inequality similar to what followed reconstruction after the Civil War.”

— Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper; Chairman, NNPA (aframnews.com)

“Now the question is where do we go from here? We need to look very closely at how we are spending more than 2 trillion dollars a year as our contribution to the American economy and getting nothing back.”

— Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper; Chairman, NNPA (aframnews.com)

What’s next

As the 2026 primary election season approaches, Dr. Warren urges the Black community to get more engaged in the political process by registering to vote and making their voices heard.

The takeaway

This opinion piece highlights the critical need for the Black community to remain vigilant and actively engaged in the fight against efforts to roll back hard-won progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Economic activism and political participation will be key to ensuring continued advancement and protecting Black history and heritage.