The Department of Defense announced on January 31 that celebrating “identity months” is dead for the agency. The latest victim

A formal memo from the Maryland National Guard's Joint Operations Center, dated Feb. 7, said the reserve component would be "unable to support the event for a flyover, band, military vehicles and troop presence.

After the Department of Defense called "identity months" like Black History Month "dead," National Guard units reportedly refused to participate in a parade honoring Frederick Douglass.

The message prompted organizers to cancel the parade portion of the 207th Birthday Celebration of Frederick Douglass and Civil Rights Heroes Day, said Tarence Bailey Sr., a descendant of Douglass. The event was scheduled for Feb. 22 in Easton, during Black History Month.

The Maryland Department of Transportation on Thursday unveiled a roadside plaque in honor of Frederick Douglass at the intersection of Tanners Corner Road and Lewiston Road, marking a significant location in the life of the abolitionist and equal rights activist. It's a partnership between MDOT and the Maryland Historical Trust.

After the Department of Defense declared “identity months” like Black History Month “dead,” National Guard units reportedly declined to participate in the parade.

The Maryland National Guard will not participate in the Frederick Douglass parade due to guidance set by the Department of Defense, according to a memo. In a Facebook post on a group page ran by relatives of Douglass,

The Maryland National Guard will not participate in this weekend’s Frederick Douglass celebrations in Easton, a decision that event organizers say is tied to recent policies from the Trump administration.