This Is How Vice President Mike Pence Managed To Make Black History Month About A White Man

At the start of Black History Month, a celebration devoted to recognizing the phenomenal accomplishments, achievements and culture of the African-American community, the newly sworn-in Vice President celebrated by honoring a White man. Vice President Mike Pence sent a tweet on Wednesday recognizing former President Abraham Lincoln.

As #BlackHistoryMonth begins, we remember when Pres. Lincoln submitted the 13th Amendment, ending slavery, to the states #NationalFreedomDay

— Vice President Pence (@VP) February 2, 2017

Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news. Pence, just one of many controversial selections in the new administration, received harsh criticism on social media about how he approached the annual celebration. And rightfully so. Not only is Pence centering a white man and honoring him for the flawed 13th amendment, he’s also assuming that Black history began after emancipation.

@VP emancipation is not black history. It did not free slaves, just deligitimized slavery. Black history is what we did for America.

— Chris Chandler (@cjchandler77) February 2, 2017

can't wait for women's history month when Pence & Tr*mp thank the brave dudes who let us have a month outside the kitchen

— Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) February 2, 2017

What the hell is wrong with Mike Pence and the Trump Administration? This is just down right stupid. I implore you RAISE THE BAR. https://t.co/Km5RU1WqQv

— Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) February 2, 2017

Of course Mike Pence would celebrate Black History Month with a tweet about a white guy. https://t.co/RYyDFZk34i

— ameliamagritte (@xoamelia) February 2, 2017

Happy Black History month!