The Department of Defense canceled any so-called identity months or any celebration of a person's cultural heritage, and it's not just Black History Month.

The Trump White House has issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month around the same time the Defense Department issued guidance declaring “identity months dead.”

President Trump recognizes Black History Month and pays tribute to influential Black American leaders in a proclamation.

Feb. 1 marks the first day of Black History Month, and suddenly the study of the Black experience may feel like an act of defiance.

Gerald Ford in 1976 became the first president to issue a message recognizing February as Black History Month. Since then, presidents have made annual proclamations marking the month as a celebration of Black history, culture and education.

WASHINGTON — Beginning Feb. 1, schools, museums and communities across the nation will mark the start of Black History Month –- a celebration of Black history, culture and education. The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created history in itself.

New defense secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled all cultural awareness months in the Department of Defense, including Black History Month.