It felt like just another Friday. The TV murmured in the background as military veteran Joy Carillo-White moved through her house and into the living room. While she carried out her daily organization routine, the news droned on, mentioning Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s controversial declaration: “Identity Months Dead at DoD.”
Carillo-White laughed, unfazed at first. She muttered, “typical white man mentality.”
Eight years in the military had taught her to embrace discomfort, but the more she reflected on Hegseth’s words, the more her disgust grew.
“Our government is discriminating against us. It’s crazy,” said Carillo-White, a former Virginia Army National Guard staff sergeant and 51-year-old Maryland resident. “Who will want to serve in the military and support this country right now, with everything going on?”
For more than a century, Black soldiers like Carillo-White have fought for recognition, often serving a country that did not fully acknowledge their contributions. Black History Month highlights their achievements, providing a time to honor their sacrifices and preserve their stories. Despite its significance, Hegseth recently announced that the Department of Defense will no longer observe cultural awareness months, including Black History Month. This decision angered Black veterans, who believe it undermines their history and the progress they have fought tirelessly to achieve.
This announcement comes after years of the Trump administration actively working to rewrite the history of marginalized groups. From opposing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the aggressive actions of ICE targeting not only undocumented immigrants, but also U.S. citizens, including military veterans, the current administration has made its stance clear on the welfare and rights of Black and Brown communities.
Since then, Hegseth has continuously made efforts to change the face of the military. Last month, he addressed Pentagon staff with his concerns.
“I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is our diversity is our strength,” said Hegseth.
This followed with President Donald Trump firing the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, General Charles Brown Jr., as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With over 40 years of military experience, he has received numerous accolades highlighting his devotion to his country — including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with multiple oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
This abrupt decision aligns with Hegseth’s plan to rid the military of so-called “woke” generals who promote diversity. He seems to believe their influence compromises the strength and purpose of the military.
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and NYC Department of Veterans’ Services did not respond to a request for comment. An anonymous source from another reputable organization voiced concerns about the fear military institutions feel when speaking out as diversity, equity and inclusion services face cuts, endangering the legacy of Black veterans.
The armed forces have long grappled with issues of equality, recognition and representation for Black service members. The Tuskegee Airmen and the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, two distinguished groups of Black soldiers who fought valiantly in World War II, still faced racism despite their exceptional service.
Sergeant Felix Maurice Carswell, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Recon First, 504th Headquarters Company at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, said he endured discrimination during his military service from 1973 to 1983. While having a leading position from age 18, Carswell recalls times when members of his platoon tested his authority. He said he faced challenges while commanding older, white men, especially soldiers whom he claims identified as proud members of the Klan.
“Out of 32 men in the platoon, there were three men of color. Those not of color would place their sheets on and play KKK games in the field,” said Carswell, a 66-year-old New Jersey resident. “This was commonplace, it happened a lot.”
Carswell stands “totally against” Hegseth’s plan for identity months, firmly believing Black people serve as the cornerstone of the military’s success. Rather than feeling defeated, he prides himself on sharing words of wisdom and encouragement to young Black soldiers to gather as one.
“Still fight for your country, but protest,” said Carswell. “But when you protest, protest as a team.”
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week, later known as Black History Month. After the American Historical Association — which overlooked Black history — prohibited him from attending conferences despite his paid dues, the historian made it his mission to create a separate institutional structure. He sought to highlight the achievements of African Americans.
A descendant of Woodson and a Black female combat veteran stresses the significance of knowing and discussing Black history, especially in a time of heightened scrutiny — choosing to remain anonymous to protect her current position.
She grew up with a mother who proudly wore an afro, adorned with a red, black and green-fisted hair pick while protesting in the streets of the Bronx. Every Sunday, their family sat in the living room, staying up past curfew to watch “Roots.” As a mother, she prioritized teaching her children the value of Black love and pride.
“Being a Woodson has brought a different sense of wealth of knowledge,” she said.
In response to Hegseth’s decision to cancel identity month celebrations, she passionately urged Black veterans and active-duty members to read books on Black history and engage in community gatherings to foster solidarity. Her mission centers on educating all generations about the significance of understanding the past, uniting in the present and safeguarding the future legacy of Black people in the military.
“This is something that we have to embrace. We have to honor our history,” she said. “We can’t allow anyone to erase us, erase our accomplishments, erase our triumphs, everything.”