It has been 99 years since the African American historian and author Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week, a yearly event that would later grow to become Black History Month, marked every February.

Over decades, Black pride swelled in tandem with increased opportunities though the road to equality in the U.S. has long been fraught. Now, new headwinds after U.S. President Donald Trump banned diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government and many private employers followed suit.  

Joining the discussion: 

• Jacquie Luqman is Coordinator for the Black Alliance for Peace DC.
• Imani Cheers is an Associate Professor of Digital Storytelling at The George Washington University.
• Joseph Williams is a Former Senior Editor for “U.S. News and World Report.”
• Niambi Carter is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Policy at University of Maryland.

The Trump administration has taken sweeping actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, sparking significant debate and uncertainty across the U.S. Learn more. https://t.co/JILzqNl5hh

— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) January 27, 2025