Abdelrahman
In the early weeks of President Trump’s vigorous second term, significant moves to dismantle federal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have notably coincided with February, a month dedicated to honoring and acknowledging Black history across the United States.
For many Black Americans nationwide, the administration’s rapid actions to rescind these diversity programs, despite its promises to celebrate Black heritage, have felt urgent and, to an extent, predictable.
During interviews on Thursday, several Black voters expressed that they anticipated the destabilizing effects of President Trump’s decisions. Supporters welcomed the swift changes, while those who opposed him, as well as some who chose not to vote last November, reacted with shock. While many remained closely engaged with the changes, others admitted to wanting to avoid the unfolding story.
Veronica McCloud, 63
Retired English Teacher, Charleston, S.C.
“As someone who grew up during the 1960s amid the civil rights movement, witnessing these developments feels like a push to revert to a bygone era,” stated Ms. McCloud. “I’m referring to an epoch where Black Americans lacked civil rights in their own nation, and women needed their husbands’ approval to enter the workforce.”
She expressed surprise at the rapidity with which President Trump enacted the executive order that significantly altered diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the federal government.
