As Federal Diversity Programs End,
You Can Help Us Continue to Share the Good News about Our Neighbors
Let’s Start with Black History Month
LATE ON FRIDAY, new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proudly issued a directive across all branches of America’s armed forces, headlined “Identity Months Dead at DoD.” For decades, American military facilities around the world had showcased the contributions of minorities in a series of such themed months. Armed forces media professionals had routinely posted inspiring photographs, videos and stories from such events that were shared via the Internet for millions of viewers and readers around the world. Now, those signature programs are gone from the vast Department of Defense—and are disappearing from other federal departments as well.
On Saturday, The Washington Post reported that this diversity “purge” is targeting more than these programs themselves. The purge also is targeting for removal those employees—for example within the Department of Education—who simply participated in past diversity programs “such as diversity training, an affinity group, or other programs inside the department aimed at creating a more inclusive workplace.”
Then, on Saturday in The New York Times, Clyde McGrady wrote:
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. 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.
On Sunday, our own ReadTheSpirit magazine’s internationally respected Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton wrote:
Given the many years that we have dedicated to seeing, deeply appreciating, and respecting all of the colors and traditions of our neighbors and our world, it is hard to imagine squashing out something so vital and, also, so beautiful. These types of observances are what make us human. They are what unites us. They show how we can peacefully share culture with one another. … These observances each year are, in some way, efforts to bridge our differences and create a universal language. We will keep doing what we do, because we know how much it matters.
And, together with you, our readers, we will.
For our part, Stephanie and all of our other columnists will continue publishing weekly stories about cultural and religious diversity. For your part, simply sharing those stories across social media, or via your email to friends, will continue spreading good news that brings people together in peaceful ways. You don’t have to add any political comment—just share that good news we publish and the world will be a little better place.
Learning more in Black History Month
IN 2025, this annual observance is themed to emphasize the many connections between African Americans and the labor movement. Our story about this thematic emphasis includes 2 short documentary videos about one such leader, who was based in Detroit, Michigan. These videos—and many educational materials you can find online—are not hosted by the federal departments that, as of this week, are removing diversity content from their websites. If you find this story intriguing, use the social media buttons at the top of the column to share this good news with friends. You don’t need to make a political comment. Just continue to spread the good news about our neighbors’ diverse cultures as this year unfolds.
And—consider visiting a Black Church
MSU BIAS BUSTERS FOUNDER JOE GRIMM writes about how his journalism students visited with Black Church leaders and what they learned from respectfully visiting Black congregations.
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From our writers—
Poet Jeffrey Munroe’s words soar in ‘Murmuration’
THANKS TO THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY MAGAZINE, we get to hear writer and editor Jeffrey Munroe read his new poem, Murmuration, and then talk about the creative process of developing this poetry.
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Does AI artwork qualify for a U.S. Copyright?
THIS WEEK in our Front Edge Publishing column, we’ve got news about the way popular Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for generating artwork are regarded—as 2025 begins—by the officials in charge of protecting artists’ rights under copyright law. The answer to this basic question is more nuanced than you may realize. We’ve got both a quick summary—and a link to read the entire report.
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And, More Holidays & Festivals
Prayag Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest peaceful gathering.
HOLIDAYS EXPERT Stephanie Fenton reports on the complex issues involved in this Hindu gathering that already has topped 100 million people and is expected to continue growing before it ends in late February.
With the Triodion, Eastern Christians prepare for Lent
THE START OF LENT is still weeks away, but as Stephanie reports, a rich tradition of pre-Lenten preparation begins with the opening of liturgical books called Triodion.
And speaking of pilgrims …
CATHOLIC PILGRIMS from around the world always are on the move to mark the annual Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. No, they don’t come in numbers that rival Kumbh Mela, but thousands do flock to the site of the 1858 vision of Mary.
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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com
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Faith & Film
Hollywood’s Best on Dr. King
AS PART OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH, we are continuing to feature the following list of “Ed McNulty’s recommended films related to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Our online magazine has specialized for many years in covering news about religious and cultural diversity as reflected in new books, holidays & festivals and films. In 2024, our long-time Faith & Film columnist Edward McNulty died and we mourned his passing. As we start 2025, we will be publishing occasional columns in this space contributed by our many writers—as well as links to some of Ed’s past reviews as those films become timely again.
RUSTIN—Ed enthusiastically recommended this 2023 film.
SELMA—Similarly, Ed gave a full 5 stars to Ava DuVernay’s inspiring feature film about the courageous march in 1965.
KING—Even though it was a TV production made way back in 1978, Ed always recommended Paul Winfield’s performance as Dr. King in this NBC feature.
THE LONG WALK HOME—For context, Ed urged his readers to include this 1990 drama in any film series about King and the civil rights movement.
SELMA, LORD, SELMA—Especially for younger viewers, Ed included this Disney production from 1999.
THE VERNON JOHNS STORY—Finally, Ed highlighted this often overlooked feature starring James Earl Jones as the prophetic preacher who played a key role in Dr. King’s career. Amazon Prime users can stream the film for free right now. If you’re seaching for it, the movie sometimes is titled The Road to Freedom.
And here’s an indie documentary worth seeking out
LEAP OF FAITH—Gail encourages all of us who care about bridging the chasms in American culture to learn more about the documentary Leap of Faith—no, not that old 1992 comedy by Steve Martin. This is a relative new, indie film by Nicholas Ma and Morgan Neville and it’s well worth the effort to find—or to schedule—a showing.
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