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The White House is set to host an annual Black History Month celebration as other federal agencies skip the observance amid President Donald Trump's anti-DEI order, per the Associated Press.
On Thursday (February 20), Trump was scheduled to host a Black History Month celebration featuring Black political figures, activists, and celebrities.
The guest list included Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Republican Rep. John James of Michigan, prison reform advocate Alice Johnson, who Trump pardoned in 2020, Alveda King, a niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Herschel Walker, a former NFL star turned Trump's pick as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas.
Former ESPN host Sage Steele, former NFL player Jack Brewer, and rappers Kodak Black, Lil Boosie, and Rod Wave were also invited to attend Trump's event in the East Room to celebrate Black History Month.
The observance has been recognized by every U.S. president since 1976.
However, Trump's executive order ending the federal government's diversity, equity, and inclusion programs has disrupted the recognition of Black History Month across several agencies.
The Defense Department declared “identity months dead” in the wake of the executive order and said working hours wouldn't be used to mark cultural awareness months, including Black History Month.
Earlier this month, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said his department “will no longer participate in celebrations based on immutable traits or any other identity-based observances.”
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