By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This year marks a momentous occasion in the tapestry of our Nation’s journey: we commemorate 250 years of American independence. From our very inception, we have been graced with an array of black American heroes who have made indelible contributions to our government, laws, military, economy, workforce, and culture. With this rich legacy in focus, I assert as President that “black history” is not a separate entity from American history — rather, it is an essential chapter in our grand narrative as a nation.
The foundation of America is built upon the conviction that each man, woman, and child is created equal, “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” and free to pursue happiness. For two and a half centuries, these principles have fueled our independent, bold, and pioneering spirit. It is this unwavering belief in equality that has propelled black American icons to help actualize the promise of these ideals. Our steadfast commitment to liberty continues to propel our Nation’s greatness forward.
This month, we reflect on the notion that our strength is derived not from our differences, but from our unified commitment to freedom under the banner of one magnificent American flag. For far too long, the progressive movement and certain far-left politicians have tried to sow division among our citizens based on race, presenting a skewed and toxic image of our history, heritage, and heroes. This month, however, we do not focus on our differences. Instead, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of black Americans to our national greatness and their steadfast dedication to the American principles of liberty, justice, and equality — the very ideals that liberated the Western Hemisphere from monarchies, abolished slavery, saved Europe, landed a man on the moon, and established the most free, just, and prosperous society ever known to mankind.
Since the courageous Prince Estabrook became the first black man to shed blood for our nascent Nation at the Battle of Lexington over 250 years ago, heroic black Americans have valiantly fought for our liberty on battlefields, in the sanctity of our churches, and within our communities. Across generations, legendary black Americans have fiercely defended the principles enshrined in our Declaration of Independence and have played a pivotal role in making our Republic the greatest nation in history. From the unwavering faith of Lemuel Haynes and the eloquent verses of Phillis Wheatley to the resolute spirit of Harriet Tubman, the monumental intellect of Frederick Douglass, the fearless athleticism of Jesse Owens, and the brilliance of Katherine Johnson and Thomas Sowell, countless black patriots have stood as champions of our freedom — earning their place among the most heroic figures in American history.
As President, I am dedicated to restoring the Nation that these titans helped forge, striving to make America greater than ever before. In their honor, and in recognition of 250 years of American liberty, I have initiated the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes, a new statuary park that will celebrate our greatest Americans, including iconic black figures such as Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Coretta Scott King, Muhammad Ali, and many others. Last spring, I also signed an Executive Order aimed at promoting excellence and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, ensuring that the next generation of leaders in the black community can learn from these remarkable American examples. I am committed every day to making our neighborhoods safer, groceries more affordable, and the American Dream more accessible for all Americans.
My Administration will persist in its efforts to ensure that our country, and every future generation of American citizens, remains guided by the timeless truth: We are one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as National Black History Month. I urge public officials, educators, librarians, and all citizens of the United States to observe this month with suitable programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
