National Black History Month, 2026
This Presidential Proclamation establishes February 2026 as National Black History Month, framing the celebration within the context of the Nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
The action asserts that Black history is an indispensable part of the grand American story, citing numerous historical Black American heroes who fought for liberty and equality.
Furthermore, the President connects this recognition to current efforts, including the National Garden of American Heroes and support for HBCUs, concluding with a call for the nation to observe the month with appropriate activities under the unified belief in American principles.
Arguments For
Reinforces the inclusion of Black American history as integral to the broader American narrative, especially during the 250th anniversary of independence.
Highlights historical contributions of Black Americans across governance, military service, and culture as foundational to the nation's success.
Connects current administration actions, such as the National Garden of American Heroes and support for HBCUs, to honoring this legacy.
Emphasizes a unified national identity based on shared principles of liberty and equality, countering perceived divisive narratives.
Arguments Against
The proclamation frames historical narratives by emphasizing unity and specific founding American principles, which critics may argue downplays ongoing systemic inequalities faced by Black communities.
Listing specific historical figures and recent administrative actions might be perceived as politically motivated cherry-picking of historical context.
The specific date (February 2026) is set in the future, which is unusual for a proclamation unless this is a template or an advance declaration.
Focuses heavily on past achievements while potentially overlooking the contemporary need for specific civil rights or economic policy interventions.
Presidential Actions
This heading indicates that the following content is an official action taken by the President of the United States.
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This standard introductory language signifies the document is a Presidential Proclamation, which is a formal declaration by the President that carries the force of law or serves the purpose of creating a public observance.
This year, we celebrate the most significant milestone in our Nation’s history: 250 glorious years of American independence. From the very beginning, our country has been blessed with countless black American heroes. For more than two and a half centuries, these legends have made timeless contributions to our government, laws, military, economy, workforce, and culture. With their tremendous legacy in mind, as President, I proclaim that “black history” is not distinct from American history — rather, the history of black Americans is an indispensable chapter in our grand American story.
The proclamation opens by noting the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
It asserts that Black American heroes have made continuous, timeless contributions across all sectors of American life for over two and a half centuries.
The President formally declares that Black history should be viewed as an essential, integrated part of the entire American story, not separate from it.
America’s founding was rooted in the belief that every man, woman, and child is created equal, “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” and free to live lives in “pursuit of Happiness.” For 250 years, these principles have inspired and informed the independent, bold, and pioneering American spirit. It is our bedrock belief in equality that drove black American icons to help fulfill the promise of these principles. And it is our unwavering commitment to liberty that continues to sustain our Nation’s greatness.
The text references the core philosophical foundations of the country as stated in founding documents: the belief in inherent equality and unalienable rights, including the pursuit of happiness.
It posits that these founding principles fueled the American spirit over 250 years.
The proclamation credits Black American figures with driving the effort to fully realize these egalitarian principles through their unwavering commitment to liberty.
This month, we are also reminded that the source of our strength is rooted not in our differences, but in our shared commitment to freedom under one beautiful American flag. For decades, the progressive movement and far-left politicians have sought to needlessly divide our citizens on the basis of race, painting a toxic and distorted and disfigured vision of our history, heritage, and heroes. This month, however, we do not celebrate our differences. Instead, we celebrate the contributions of black Americans to our national greatness and their enduring commitment to the American principles of liberty, justice, and equality — the principles that wrested the Western Hemisphere from monarchies and empires, ended slavery, saved Europe, put a man on the moon, and built the freest, most just, and most prosperous society ever known to mankind.
The document contrasts national strength being rooted in shared freedom rather than differences based on race.
It criticizes what it terms the "progressive movement and far-left politicians" for allegedly dividing citizens based on race and distorting history.
The focus for the observation month is shifted toward celebrating Black Americans' contributions to national greatness through their allegiance to liberty, justice, and equality, listing accomplishments like ending slavery and achieving space exploration as results of these principles.
Since the great Prince Estabrook became the first black man to shed his blood for our emerging Nation at the Battle of Lexington more than 250 years ago, heroic black Americans have valiantly fought for our liberty on the fields of battle, in the pews of our churches, and in our shops, restaurants, and businesses. Across every generation, legendary black Americans have fiercely defended the values set forth in our Declaration of Independence and helped to make our Republic the greatest country in the history of the world. From the unflinching faith of Lemuel Haynes, the soaring prose of Phillis Wheatley, and the unmatched resolve of Harriet Tubman to the towering intellect of Frederick Douglass, the fearlessness of Jesse Owens, and the brilliance of Katherine Johnson and Thomas Sowell, countless black patriots have stood as the vanguards of our freedom — and are among some of the most heroic Americans to have ever lived.
This paragraph cites historical examples of Black American bravery and service, starting with Prince Estabrook at Lexington.
It asserts that Black Americans across generations have fought for liberty in military, religious, and economic settings, defending the Declaration of Independence's values.
A list of prominent figures, including Haynes, Wheatley, Tubman, Douglass, Owens, Johnson, and Sowell, are recognized as heroic patriots who championed American freedom.
As President, I am fighting to restore the Nation that these titans helped build, and to make America greater than ever before. In their honor, and to commemorate 250 years of American liberty, I have authorized the construction of the National Garden of American Heroes, a new statuary park honoring our greatest Americans, including black icons like Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Coretta Scott King, Muhammad Ali, and many others. Last spring, I also signed an Executive Order to promote excellence and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities so the next generation of leaders in the black community will learn from these great American examples. And I am fighting every day to make our neighborhoods safer, groceries more affordable, and the American Dream more attainable for all Americans.
The President states an intention to restore the nation built by these historical figures and enhance its greatness.
In recognition, the administration authorized the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes, which will feature Black icons such as Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali.
Additionally, an Executive Order was signed to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The commitment extends to making neighborhoods safer, lowering grocery costs, and ensuring the American Dream is accessible to everyone.
My Administration will never stop working to ensure that our country and every future generation of American citizens remain guided by the same truth: We are one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
This concluding statement from the administration affirms its ongoing commitment to guiding the nation and future generations by the fundamental principle of being one indivisible nation dedicated to liberty and justice for everyone.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as National Black History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
This is the operative section where the President formally enacts the declaration, citing constitutional authority.
Donald J. Trump officially proclaims February 2026 to be National Black History Month.
The proclamation then calls upon government officials, educational institutions, libraries, and the general public to observe this designated month with suitable events and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
This legally formalizes the proclamation, stating the date it was signed: February 3, 2026, which corresponds to the 250th year since American Independence.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This section provides the signatory's name, Donald J. Trump, who issued the proclamation in his capacity as President.
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