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President Donald Trump honoured Black History Month by pledging to add statues of over 10 Black icons in the Garden of American Heroes. The garden will include statues of notable figures like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr.
The garden will include statues of notable figures like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr.
UPDATED: Feb 21, 2025 21:16 IST
President Donald Trump took the opportunity during Black History Month to pledge his support to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans. During a White House event celebrating Black History Month, he shared plans to feature more than 10 Black icons in the historical Garden of American Heroes.
Addressing a crowd of guests in the East Room, Trump said, "We're finalizing the location now. It's between various states that want it very badly. We'll honor hundreds of our greatest Americans to ever live, including countless Black American icons."
This announcement comes amid recent controversy over a series of executive orders that reportedly banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal workforce and military.
Who will be added to the Garden of American Heroes?
Trump said that incredible women like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and Coretta Scott King will be featured in the Garden of American Heroes. The audience applauded the announcement.
He also mentioned the iconic Black men whose statues will be part of the Garden. Among those are: Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Muhammad Ali. He added that the NBA legend, Kobe Bryant, will also be commemorated.
Trump hails Kobe Bryant
President Trump praised Kobe Bryant, saying, "People love Kobe Bryant," before turning his attention to Tiger Woods, who was present at the event. Trump stated that he would receive a statue at another time.
He added that we celebrate these heroes during Black History Month because they are true American icons who inspire us.
Earlier in January, the US president revised his executive order regarding the Garden of American Heroes. The project was to finish before July 4, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. However, the revised order now emphasizes completing the project "as expeditiously as possible."
A large group attended the East Room gathering. Civil right activists, renowned singers and sports persons were present at the occasion. The attendees include professional golfer Tiger Woods, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, prison reform advocate Alice Johnson, former NFL player Jack Brewer, and rap artists Kodak Black and Lil Boosie.
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Feb 21, 2025
