Acknowledge Black History Month—50 Years of American Truth

This February marks the 50th anniversary of African American History Month, a month formally recognized in 1976 by Republican President Gerald R. Ford, who called on the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Fifty years later, that call is not only being ignored—it is being actively undermined. Your refusal to clearly and proudly acknowledge African American History Month is not accidental, and it is not harmless. It is part of a broader, deeply troubling effort to erase, distort, and sanitize American history. That effort is unpatriotic, dishonest, and dangerous. A nation that refuses to face its full history—especially the contributions and struggles of Black Americans—cannot claim to stand for truth, liberty, or justice. African American history is American history. The labor, brilliance, resistance, innovation, culture, and leadership of Black Americans built this country—often while being denied its basic promises. To attempt to silence or diminish that reality is to attack the very foundation of the United States. This is not a partisan issue. It was a Republican president who recognized this month. It is enshrined in decades of bipartisan acknowledgment. And it is supported by millions of Americans who understand that confronting history makes us stronger, not weaker. At a time when this Administration is openly targeting educators, censoring classrooms, banning books, and attacking programs that tell the truth about our past, it is more important than ever to celebrate African American History Month loudly, clearly, and unapologetically. Silence is complicity. Evasion is endorsement. And refusal to acknowledge this milestone sends a clear and shameful message to Black Americans and to the world. We demand that the President and Congress: • Publicly and formally acknowledge February as African American History Month • Recognize the 50th anniversary of its national observance • Affirm, without qualification, that Black history is American history • Cease efforts to erase or suppress historical truth Anything less is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of American values. History will remember who stood up—and who tried to make it disappear. Do the right thing. Acknowledge this month. Honor the truth.