February, which is recognized as Black History Month in the United States, has been divisive this year, as black celebrities break records within the entertainment industry alongside the Trump administration’s targeting of DEI programs designed to aid minority groups including African Americans.
Black History Month was created by author Carter G. Woodson as week-long celebration, and was eventually recognized as month-long by President Gerald Ford. It has since been commented on by all succeeding presidents of the United States, according to AP.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which decides the theme of every Black History month, has announced that this year will focus on African Americans and labor, according to AP.
While Donald Trump continued the tradition of acknowledging Black History Month through an appearance at a celebratory event at the White House, he has faced criticism due to his administration’s policies targeting DEI, which stands for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, an initiative that helps multiple minority groups, including African Africans, according to AP.
This rollback on DEI programs has directly opposed this year’s Black History Month theme of African Americans and labor by making it more difficult for African Americans to find and maintain equal labor opportunities.
Despite this, there have been multiple records broken by African Americans in the entertainment industry during the month of Feb., which has been a highlight of this year’s Black History Month.
Some of the biggest records broken this Feb. can be attributed to Kendrick Lamar, a rapper from Compton, Ca.
Lamar won five Grammys in multiple categories during the 2025 ceremony, including song of the year for “Not Like Us,” which is only the second rap song to win in the category, according to Billboard.
Additionally, Lamar became the first rapper to ever have a solo performance at the Super Bowl halftime during the 59th Super Bowl, according to USA Today.Lamar has broken several other records since the start of Feb., and appears to be on track for even more.
There have also been wins for black women this Feb., including rapper Doechii, who won rap album of the year, becoming the third woman to do so, and singer Beyoncé, who won album of the year and became the first black woman to win as the lead artist in the 21st century, according to Billboard.
Finally, Zaya Wade, daughter of NBA champion Dwyane Wade, was featured on the cover of Teen Vogue, the first black trans teenager to do so, according to Teen Vogue.
With records being broken by black men, women and queer individuals, this Black History Month had many moments of celebration despite ongoing policy.
However, after this year’s celebration, things may not be as public, with Google announcing Google Calendar will no longer display Black History Month to users, according to USA Today.
This decision has solidified the uncertainty surrounding this year’s Black History Month, as accomplishments are met with apparent pushback from both the Trump administration and Google.
Though the following years may change the publicity Black History Month receives, it is no less important to American history and culture.
