History professors, teachers, and students across the United States are celebrating Black History Month in a time of crisis.

“Feb. 1 is the beginning of Black History Month, which for decades has recognized the contributions of Black people to American civic life and culture with festive luncheons, serious lectures, profitable merchandise lines and staid White House receptions,” according to The New York Times.

“But a month that was officially recognized nearly five decades ago by a Republican president, Gerald R. Ford, is dawning this year with new significance amid President Trump’s furious assault on diversity programs inside and outside the federal government.

“Suddenly the study of Black history — or at least the dark corners of slavery, segregation and bigotry — appears to be an act of defiance.

“‘Black History Month existed long before presidents endorsed it, and it will continue, even if presidents do not,’ said Martha Jones, a professor of history and a presidential scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Nonetheless, she added, ‘there’s a great deal to lament and even to decry’ about the suppression of American history.”

Many state governments, municipal governments, and universities continue to celebrate Black History Month.

President Trump has signed a proclamation recognizing Black History Month, although his support seems very tentative.

However, the Trump administration is acting to dismantle recognition of Black History across the federal government.

The Department of Defense, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and some other federal agencies have reportedly barred their departments from recognizing Black History Month or other designated historical months.

The New York Times reports on Black History Month. NBC News and Politico report on the bans on Black History Month.