Black History Month will be celebrated in the United States whether President Donald Trump likes it or not! Black people do not need or want his approval or validation; that is the insidious and arrogant nature of white supremacy and white privilege. The deliberate erasure of Black history and contributions in the United States is not a new phenomenon, but recent political actions have amplified this troubling trend. President Donald Trump’s move to eradicate the celebration of Black History Month and to weaponize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts as obstacles to American achievement represents a broader attempt to rewrite or reinvent history marginalizing the role of Black Americans in shaping the nation. This erasure seeks to discount the genius, resilience, and innovation of Black individuals, while perpetuating a false narrative that undermines the very foundation of American progress.
Black history is American history. From the labor of enslaved Africans that built the nation’s economy to the intellectual and cultural contributions that have enriched its identity, the contributions of Black people are inseparable from the story of the United States. Yet, efforts to erase or diminish these contributions are rooted in a desire to maintain power structures that thrive on exclusion and misinformation. By eliminating the celebration of Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring these achievements, such actions send a message that Black excellence is not worthy of recognition or remembrance.
The weaponization of DEI initiatives further exacerbates this erasure. DEI programs aim to create equitable opportunities for marginalized groups, ensuring that voices historically silenced are heard and valued. However, framing these initiatives as barriers to progress ignores the reality that diversity drives innovation and excellence. The contributions of Black Americans, alongside those of other people of color and women, have been instrumental in propelling the United States forward. From George Washington Carver’s agricultural advancements to Katherine Johnson’s critical calculations for NASA’s space missions, history is replete with examples of how inclusion fosters achievement.
The narrative that DEI hinders progress is not only false but dangerous. It seeks to pit groups against one another, fostering division rather than unity. The truth is that America’s greatest achievements have been collaborative efforts that drew on the talents and perspectives of diverse individuals. To deny this is to deny the essence of what makes America strong.
Erasure also has a psychological toll. By discounting the contributions of Black Americans, it sends a damaging message to younger generations: that their history is not worth celebrating and their potential is not valued. This erasure perpetuates cycles of inequality by denying children role models who reflect their identities and by distorting the historical narrative taught in schools.
Addressing this issue requires active resistance against attempts to rewrite history. Black History Month must not only be preserved but expanded as an integral part of American education and culture. DEI initiatives must be championed as tools for building a stronger, more inclusive society. Most importantly, the contributions of Black Americans must be acknowledged year-round—not as an exception, but as a fundamental part of the American story.
In conclusion, the erasure of Black contributions is an affront to truth and progress. It seeks to discredit the genius of Black Americans while ignoring the undeniable fact that diversity fuels innovation and achievement. To move forward as a nation, we must confront these efforts head-on, embracing a more inclusive narrative that honors the profound impact of Black people, people of color, and women on America’s past, present, and future. Only then can we truly claim to be a nation that values justice, equality, and progress for all. While I understand the acronym D.E.I. stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, my beautiful, Black, boldness equates D.E.I. as “Don’t Ever Interrupt!” I know that Donald Trump didn’t grow up with the Black home training that most of us has. We learned as children that when grown, fully functioning adults are speaking, excelling, achieving and transforming the space where we work, learn, live, love, and play, and pray, don’t ever interrupt us. Black History Month is 28 days—a mere microcosm of how Black people celebrate and pass on our brilliance, ingenuity, tenacity to struggle, yet survive and thrive; to be subjugated as “inferior,” and yet pick ourselves up and demonstrate our genius to no matter what, “keep on keeping on;” and when denied, dejected, and discouraged, and yet, by our faith in the God who never fails, can consecrate our chaos and move forward.
As bad as our current situation may seem, our ancestors had to contend with far worse. If you do anything during Black History Month 2025, please do this remember that you are a child of God, and a child of your ancestors, remember who and whose you are, and with that face your adversaries who dare to deny your diversity, equality, and inclusion, and tell them to, “take a seat,” and “Don’t Ever Interrupt” you!
About Dr. Maurice Nutt
Maurice Joseph Nutt, D.Min., is a highly educated and accomplished consultant, motivational speaker, author, professor, and spiritual director based in St. Louis, Missouri. His extensive academic credentials include a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Aquinas Institute of Theology and additional certifications from institutions such as Harvard University and the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction. His professional career spans decades with expertise in preaching, evangelization, and spiritual care, holding leadership roles in numerous organizations such as the New Frontiers in Preaching Academy and Copiosa Care, where he currently serves as a spiritual director. Additionally, he has been deeply involved in both parish ministry and academic teaching, particularly in preaching and Black Catholic studies.
Dr. Nutt is a recognized leader and advocate in the National Black Catholic community, contributing to various boards, initiatives, and councils addressing social, spiritual, and cultural issues. His numerous awards honor his leadership and humanitarian impact, including his historic milestone of being the first African American to earn a Catholic doctorate in preaching. Known for his engaging preaching style and notable speaking engagements, he has delivered sermons at influential events, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Services and other nationally recognized forums. Alongside his work in preaching, spiritual direction, and teaching, Dr. Nutt also provides counseling and guidance as part of the Copiosa Care ministry, which focuses on diverse emotional and spiritual challenges within communities.
#BlackHistoryMonth #DiverseFuture #CulturalInclusion
