Last week, President Donald Trump held a reception to recognize Black History Month.
State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) traveled to Washington, D.C. for the event at the White House, his first visit.
In an interview about his experience, Paschal stressed what an "honor" it was for him to be on the limited guest list. He wasn't aware if anyone else from Alabama was invited or in attendance.
Paschal described meeting like-minded people from around the country, saying there were "great patriots" in attendance.
He dismissed claims from leftist activists and the mainstream media organizations who attacked Trump for holding the event. The Associated Press headline was, "Trump holds Black History Month event amid anti-DEI push." Politico piled on as well, saying, "Trump holds Black History Month celebration amid his administration's war on DEI." Their story on the event started with a statement saying, "Trump spent that month abolishing decades of diversity efforts throughout the federal government and beyond, removing many Black employees from the federal workforce, and leading a culture war on "woke" diversity, equity and inclusion policies he disparaged as "dangerous" and "immoral" race-based programs."
Paschal argued that he "doesn't see the connection from logic" between Black History Month and DEI. He pointed to Trump's success in attracting new black voters this past election.
He said he agrees "100% with what Trump is doing," believing that "people should be advanced based on merit and qualifications, not their skin color."
On January 31, Trump issued a proclamation, saying, "Today, I am very honored to recognize February 2025 as National Black History Month. Every year, National Black History Month is an occasion to celebrate the contributions of so many black American patriots who have indelibly shaped our Nation's history."
Paschal enjoyed his trip, saying he hopes to be invited back during President Trump's term.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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