Story perspectives

Activists Push Back Against Trump's Black History Attacks

2/2/2026

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Center

Mckesson Advocates Education

U.S. President Donald Trump faces criticism for attacks on Black history.
Activists like DeRay Mckesson launch campaigns to develop educational materials.
New works include Angélique Roché's graphic novel on Opal Lee and Jarvis Givens' book on Black History Month.
Mckesson says teaching Black history faces cyclical resistance and informal networks continue to advocate its importance.

History

Ford Establishes Black History

In 1976, U.S. President Gerald Ford established February as Black History Month.
Historian Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week in 1926 to counter erasure of Black contributions.
Critics, including U.S. President Donald Trump, say negative history focus is divisive.
The Trump administration has removed slavery-related exhibits.
More than a dozen states led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enacted laws restricting Black history discussions in schools.

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Mckesson Advocates Education

U.S. President Donald Trump faces criticism for attacks on Black history.
Activists like DeRay Mckesson launch campaigns to develop educational materials.
New works include Angélique Roché's graphic novel on Opal Lee and Jarvis Givens' book on Black History Month.
Mckesson says teaching Black history faces cyclical resistance and informal networks continue to advocate its importance.

1 / 2