Trump Honors Tubman, Sowell, Thomas in Black History Month Proclamation

President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Jan. 30, 2025. Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Jan. 31 recognizing February as Black History Month to honor the contributions of “black American patriots who have indelibly shaped our Nation’s history.”

“Throughout our history, black Americans have been among our country’s most consequential leaders, shaping the cultural and political destiny of our nation in profound ways,” Trump said in his proclamation.

The proclamation cited the contributions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, social activist Harriet Tubman, economist Thomas Sowell, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, calling them “American heroes” who have “monumentally advanced the tradition of equality under the law in our great country.” Trump said that these leaders have continued to serve as an inspiration to all Americans.

Trump also honored the achievements of professional golfer Tiger Woods, describing him as one of the “American greats” who have “pushed the boundaries of excellence in their respective fields” and paved the way for others to follow.

The president extended his “tremendous gratitude” to black Americans for “all they have done to bring us to this moment” and any future contributions they will make as the country advances “into a future of limitless possibility” under his administration.

All Americans, including public officials, educators, and librarians, were urged to observe this month “with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities,” according to the proclamation, without elaborating.

The White House issued the proclamation on the same day as the Defense Department announced that official resources will no longer be used to host celebrations or events related to “cultural awareness months,” including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month.

The Pentagon said that service members are still allowed to attend such events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours, while installations and offices are also encouraged to celebrate the success of military heroes of all races and genders.

“We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics,” the department said in a Jan. 31 statement.

The origin of Black History Month traces back to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson created the first Negro History Week to educate the public about African American history. He chose the month of February to coincide with the birthdays of Douglass and former President Abraham Lincoln, both regarded as symbols of freedom. Woodson also founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915, which will set a theme for the observation every year.

The initiative later gained broad recognition, and President Gerald Ford was the first president to issue a message recognizing Black History Month in 1976 to honor the contributions of black Americans.

Speaking to reporters on Jan. 29, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that the Trump administration has no plan to discontinue the tradition of honoring Black History Month.

“As far as I know, this White House certainly still intends to celebrate, and we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed, have made to our great country,” Leavitt told reporters.