Well, folks, pack it up. Black History Month had a good run. A whole 28 days to acknowledge centuries of contributions, resilience, and struggle—before being neatly shelved again for the rest of the year. But now? Thanks to the latest crusade against anything resembling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we might as well rename February Nothing to See Here Month.

Because let’s be honest: Black history makes some people very, very uncomfortable. Heaven forbid we discuss the realities of racism, celebrate Black excellence, or acknowledge systemic inequities. No, no—we must spare the fragile sensibilities of those who believe history should be one long patriotic pep rally where nothing bad ever happened, and everyone succeeded through sheer bootstrapping and good vibes.

The War on DEI: A Masterclass in Manufactured Outrage

DEI has become the new public enemy number one. Apparently, acknowledging that racism still exists is “divisive.” Promoting workplace diversity is “woke.” Ensuring equal opportunities is “discrimination.” And hiring Black scholars to discuss Black history? Well, that’s just too much inclusion, isn’t it?

Certain politicians (you know the ones) have now made it their life’s mission to obliterate anything resembling equity. DEI programs are being slashed at universities, workplaces, and even government institutions under the absurd banner of “fairness.” Because what’s fairer than erasing the very policies designed to level the playing field?

Let’s call this movement what it really is: a desperate attempt to turn back the clock. These folks aren’t just trying to shut down DEI—they’re trying to redefine reality. If they can silence conversations about race, rewrite textbooks, and defund initiatives that uplift marginalized communities, maybe—just maybe—they can pretend racism never existed in the first place.

“Colorblind” Until It’s Convenient

Of course, the same people yelling about how DEI is “unnecessary” have no problem upholding systems built on favoritism. Legacy admissions? Fine. Nepotism in corporate boardrooms? Totally acceptable. Gerrymandering districts to dilute Black political power? Hey, that’s just good strategy!

But a Black student getting a scholarship? An employer making sure their hiring practices are inclusive? A company investing in diversity? Suddenly, it’s a scandalous assault on meritocracy. How convenient.

The Bottom Line

So here we are. Black History Month is fading into a performative, sanitized relic, and DEI is being dismantled in the name of “equality.” The irony would be hilarious if it weren’t so infuriating.

But here’s the thing: history doesn’t disappear just because some people are too afraid to face it. The fight for equity isn’t over just because lawmakers want to pretend it doesn’t exist. And no matter how hard they try to erase, distort, or downplay it—Black history, Black excellence, and Black voices are here to stay.

They can cancel programs. They can rewrite policies. But they can’t erase the truth.

Julie Bolejack, MBA

#BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory