Black History Centennial Marks Angst Over Anti-DEI Climate

Activists, academics, and civil rights groups work to expand access to Black history education amid political backlash.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:47pm

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As the nation marks the 100th anniversary of the first observances of Black History Month, advocates are working to expand access to Black history education amid a political climate that has seen attacks on the teaching of African American history. Despite last year's proclamation of February as National Black History Month, the Trump administration has taken steps to dismantle Black history exhibits and lessons, sparking fear and concern among historians and activists. In response, civil rights groups, academics, and artists are launching new initiatives to ensure young people continue to learn about Black history through lectures, teach-ins, and the publication of new educational materials, including a graphic novel about the history of Juneteenth.

Why it matters

The current political climate has created a chilling effect on the teaching of Black history, with states and cities fearful of retribution from the White House for embracing African American studies. This has energized civil rights organizations, artists, and academics to find new ways to engage young people on the full telling of America's story, ensuring the legacy of pioneers like Carter G. Woodson continues to be passed down to future generations.

The details

Despite last year's proclamation of February as National Black History Month, the Trump administration has taken steps to dismantle Black history exhibits and lessons, including removing a slavery exhibit at a national park in Philadelphia last month. This has created a chilling effect, with states and cities nervous about potential retribution from the White House. In response, civil rights groups like Campaign Zero, Afro Charities, and leading Black scholars have launched new initiatives to expand access to Black history education, including working with over 150 teachers on a Black History Month curriculum and publishing a new graphic novel about the history of Juneteenth.

  • Last year, President Trump proclaimed February as National Black History Month.
  • Last month, the Trump administration removed a slavery exhibit at a national park in Philadelphia.

The players

DeRay Mckesson

A longtime activist and executive director of Campaign Zero, an organization focused on police reform.

Angélique Roché

A journalist and adjunct professor at Xavier University of Louisiana who wrote a new graphic novel about the history of Juneteenth.

Jarvis Givens

A professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University who wrote a book about the 100-year journey of Black History Month.

Robert Trent Vinson

The director of the Carter G. Woodson Institute at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Carter G. Woodson

The "father of Black history" who pioneered the first Negro History Week in 1926.

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What’s next

The book "I'll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month" by Jarvis Givens and the graphic novel "First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth" by Angélique Roché are both set to be released on Tuesday, February 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This centennial of Black History Month highlights the ongoing struggle to preserve and expand the teaching of African American history in the face of political backlash. However, the response from civil rights groups, academics, and artists to create new educational resources and engage the next generation of historians demonstrates the resilience of the Black history movement and the determination to ensure these important stories continue to be told.