Trump took the video down from his social media platform after bipartisan outrage, but refused to apologize for sharing it. This should come as no surprise, as Trump has been unapologetic in his leadership of MAGA’s anti-Black campaign. He is always strategic in his moves, so for the racist images to be released during this storied month is no accident.

There are numerous examples of Black erasure under the MAGA regime. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), often associated with promoting Black excellence, has been demonized by Trump. Academic and corporate programs that promoted diversity and received federal funding were summarily dismantled.

The MAGA monsters have revised or eliminated verbiage about race and racism on websites, federally funded institutions like the National African American History Museum. The bust of Dr. Martin Luther King was removed from the Oval Office. The National Park Service was forced to end its free admission on Dr. King’s holiday and on Juneteenth. The Service dismantled a revered exhibit on slavery at Philly’s Independence National Historical Park. The mural at Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington was demolished. Books by and about Black people, such as The Color Purple by Alice Walker, have been banned.

Federal agencies have been ordered to remove exhibits and materials that emphasize past and present racial injustices. These agencies must comply with Trump’s demands. Sadly, many other programs and institutions have voluntarily scrubbed their websites and eliminated programs in fear of retribution from the Trump administration. The chilling effects of these actions cut deep into the soul.

All this racist damage is a result of Trump’s Executive Order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The facts are that he is burying the truth and that his actions reflect an insane and desperate man, whose legacy smacks of narcissism and despotism. His obsession is to rewrite American history that elevates white superiority and that casts Black history as anti-American.

One thing I know about my people is that this is an area where we don’t seek white validation. Black people’s active recognition of Negro History Week is what has allowed it to grow and evolve. We celebrated Juneteenth and Dr. King’s birthday long before Congress declared them national holidays. As part of the Congress of African People, which first popularized Kwanzaa in the early 1970s, I witnessed how Black self-determination manifested despite established traditions.

The vicious attacks on Black bodies, our history, our culture, and our very existence are harmful and far-reaching. Most of us are here to stay. Our investment in this country is too great to ignore. Our contributions to this country’s economic strength and moral fabric are undeniable. We know we are not alone in our struggle for equity, justice, and inclusion in this society. There are many “others.”

The Trump administration has made it clear that everyone who is not a white billionaire is unwelcome in his version of America. We who believe in democracy have the obligation to save ourselves and the country.