Trump Honors Black History Month, Recognizes Iconic Leaders

On January 31, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month, expressing gratitude for the contributions of Black Americans and highlighting figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Tiger Woods. He referred to Black Americans as 'among our country’s most consequential leaders' and praised their achievements in advancing equality. Trump's statement, however, sparked controversy due to his use of a lowercase 'b' when referring to Black Americans, which some journalists found disrespectful, arguing it minimizes racial identity. Despite this, many Black individuals continue to use the lowercase 'b' in their personal expressions. The proclamation encouraged all Americans to honor the month through appropriate activities and ceremonies. The Pentagon noted that service members could participate in related events outside of official duties, promoting an inclusive celebration of history.