The ceremony comes as the Trump administration has pushed to eradicate diversity programs from the government, which some agencies have interpreted to end the observance of identity-based months.

President Donald Trump welcomed attendees to the White House Thursday to celebrate Black History and announced the planned National Garden of Heroes that will honor Black Americans and others.

The origin of Black History Month in America goes back more than 100 years. Some may wonder why February, the shortest month of the year, was chosen to be the month to celebrate Black history. Here is the origin of Black History Month and how it is celebrated each year.