President Trump's administration has been busy trying to minimize and erase African American history and contributions to the success of the U.S. in a myriad of ways, including: selectively eliminating aspects of the African American experience from Smithsonian Museums; race neutral curriculum, micromanagement of school curriculum, banning books on African American history and contributions. In addition, in a society that glorifies wars, celebrates war heroes and stresses patriotism, The Pentagon has removed information from its website about the Tuskegee Airmen, and Jackie Robinson's military history. In 2025 Arlington National Cemetery removed website links of prominent Black personnel, including Secretary of State General Colon Powell, the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff.
This removal of history and contributions of African Americans can undermine the self-esteem of Black children as they see limited examples of achievement among members of their group. Overtime this can contribute to early heavy drug use as there is a link between heavy substance use and low self-esteem.
What parents can do in this climate.
Teach your children about Black contributions. If your children are young, start with the poem A Day Without Black People.
As the child ages, introduce them to the book Black People Invented Everything by Dr. Sujan Kumar Dass. While Black people have not invented everything, we've invented enough for children to be proud of those contributions.
Get your children a library card and encourage them to read age appropriate biographies and autobiographies about Black contributors and achievers. This can help to balance what is not being taught in the classroom.
Expose your children to documentaries and movies of African Americans who achieved against all odds.