Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defence, sparked controversy with his stance on banning Black History Month within the military. He argued that the observance of the month, which honors the contributions and history of African Americans, was divisive and could undermine the military’s unity and cohesion. Hegseth’s comments were met with significant backlash, with critics pointing out that such a move could erase an important aspect of American history and the struggles that black service members have faced.

Advocates for keeping Black History Month argue that it serves as a reminder of the nation’s ongoing fight for equality and provides a platform for education and reflection, ultimately strengthening the diversity and inclusivity that the military prides itself on, detractors see all of that DEI nonsense as racist.

Published in Star and Stripes the Pentagon put out a statement saying: “Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department’s warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force — to put one group ahead of another — erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution,”

I believe the time has come to end the offensive concept of Black History Month everywhere not just in the military. Some people argue that BHM serves as a crucial tool in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. According to advocates, its purpose is to highlight the historical contributions, struggles, and achievements of black people that have often been marginalized or omitted from mainstream narratives.

They argue that in the context of DEI, Black History Month plays a role in providing visibility to underrepresented communities, fostering understanding, and educating individuals on racial equity. This view gives no credence to how offensive it is to other groups who do not get entire months to be front and center in the unfolding America Saga.

We are told one of the core functions of Black History Month is education. By dedicating an entire month to black history, schools, organizations, and communities create a space to learn about the rich history of African Americans, beyond stereotypes and misconceptions. Additionally, they argue that Black History Month provides a platform for the celebration of DEI allowing marginalized groups to see their identity and heritage honored publicly. The people who hold this view suffer from a magniloquent unawareness that is so prodigious they cannot see the destruction left behind by DEI, its concepts, and its policies.

While Black History Month has noble intentions, like everything with good intentions, it goes wrong. There is nothing more damaging or dangerous than a group of people with good intentions. Black History Month has become a performative or tokenistic month-long parade that has no place in a meritocracy. This could perpetuate the very division that people aim to combat, as it might imply that there’s a need to highlight and celebrate black history separately, rather than as an ongoing part of collective history.

Additionally, Black History Month could be criticized for allowing people to check off the box of “learning about black culture” for the year. For many, the month may serve as an excuse to focus on issues surrounding race for only a brief period, without fostering a sustained, year-round effort of solidarity.  Black History Month can sometimes create a false sense of accomplishment. Celebrating black history once a year may overshadow the need for ongoing education and deep structural change that we need today. Not to mention the whole concept is inherently racist.

Another concern is that Black History Month can unintentionally perpetuate the idea that black history is separate from American or global history. The reality is that black history is deeply intertwined with the overall development of modern civilization and separating it into a month of observance inadvertently reinforces the notion that black contributions are “other” or exceptional rather than foundational.

Critics of BHM suggest that rather than isolating black history to one month, efforts should be made to integrate black stories and achievements throughout the year. After all, America has two federal holidays highlighting the black experience with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, we are not sweeping anything under the carpet despite what the DEI types want to tell you.

C. Rich

CRich@AmericaSpeaksInk.com

C. Rich

C. Rich is the voice behind America Speaks Ink, home to the America First Movement. As an author, poet, freelance ghostwriter, and blogger, C. Rich brings a “baked-in” perspective shaped by growing up on the streets and beaches of South Florida in the 1970s-1980s and brings a quintessential Generation-X point of view.

Rich’s writing journey began in 2008 with coverage of the Casey Anthony trial and has since evolved into a wide-ranging exploration of politics, culture, and the issues that define our times. Follow C. Rich’s writing odyssey here at America Speaks Ink and on Amazon with a multi-book series on Donald Trump called “Trump Era: The MAGA Files” and many other books and subjects C. Rich is known to cover.

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