The Catalyst Perspective

President Trump posted a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes on February 5th.

During Black History Month. ​
He refused to apologize (NBC News, Feb. 6, 2026).

And people are acting shocked.

This is the same president who called for the execution of the Central Park Five (exonerated in 2002, never apologized), called Haiti and African nations "shit-hole countries" in 2018, and pressured the DC mayor to demolish the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural (The Hilltop, March 17, 2025). Just months ago, he demanded Texas redraw redistricting maps to restrict Black and Brown voting power.

He's been showing the world who he is for years.

And what happens at the federal level doesn't stay there.​
​Federal racism emboldens local racism. I know because I've lived it.

During Trump's first presidential term, I served as Mayor of Kankakee. In honor of Black History Month, I wore African attire to city council meetings. A White male council member thought it was a joke. Others called me unprofessional.

That same leadership resisted when I pushed for infrastructure improvements for the two wards with the most Black residents.

Infrastructure that had been neglected for more than 50 years.
Decades of flooding.
Poor lighting.
No sidewalks.

Several White male mayors in the region voted to defund it at a meeting, when I wasn't there.

I found out. I rallied the community. I confronted the regional mayors. I demanded a re-vote in my presence and the money was restored.

So if you're thinking about how to lead during Black History Month when the president posts racist propaganda, understand this: performative outrage changes nothing.

Policy does.

The Power Move: Strategy & Perspective

Here are 3 SCALE™ strategies for municipal leaders:

S: Strengths-Based Community Affirmation - Issue a proclamation recognizing specific Black leaders and their contributions. Tell their stories throughout the community and especially at your public meetings.

If your community lacks Black representation or has a small demographic of Black residents, recognize Black leaders who have contributed to your region or state.

Invite Black leaders to speak.
Partner with neighboring diverse communities for joint celebrations.

A: Aligned Policies That Protect People - Review your hiring, contracting, vendors, and community engagement. Are they truly inclusive? Don't just talk about values; legislate them.

E: Ecosystem Building Across Jurisdictions - Connect with other municipal leaders committed to equity. Build a network that holds each other accountable when federal leadership fails us.

Ally in Action: A Note for Men on This List

Being an accomplice means speaking up when decisions affecting Black communities happen without Black leadership in the room.

Back equity policies even when it's uncomfortable.

That's how you move from ally to accomplice.

Final Words

When the president posted racist images of the Obamas during Black History Month, how did your municipality respond? You likely have Black employees, neighbors, and stakeholders - right?

And, you have more power than you think.

When they criticize you for celebrating Black culture, celebrate louder.
When they try to erase Black contributions, uplift Black residents.
Use proclamations to set a record in your municipality of their contributions.

Don't just embrace the parts of Black culture that entertain you—the music, the sports, the style. Protect Black futures through budget allocations, hiring practices, vendor selections, and policy decisions.

Federal racism will continue to embolden local racism.
​But you have the power and the position to lead the charge in making sure it doesn't take root in your municipality.

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In partnership and purpose,