White House Black History Month gala speakers praise Trump, crime crackdown, school choice

President Donald Trump hosted a Black History Month reception at the White House Wednesday that featured praise for school choice, his crime crackdown and his efforts to improve the country.

“Today’s gathering was, without question, one of the largest and most diverse crowds I have witnessed in recent memory, a powerful cross section of leadership from across the country,” posted Armstrong Williams, a media owner and talk show host.

Noted speakers at the event, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, included Forlesia Cook, a Washington, D.C., resident who lost her grandson to murder. Cook spoke forcefully in favor of the Trump administration’s tough-on-crime policies in D.C. and other cities, known as Make America Safe Again.

“One thing I like about him, he keeps it real, just like grandma,” said Cook, referencing her own nickname. “I can trust him, because he tells exactly how you feel and what he thinks. Thank God for this president.”

Cook explained how she held rallies after her grandson’s death but “nobody heard me” until Trump sent people to interview her at her home. She later testified twice before Congress to support the One Big Beautiful Bill, which contained money for law enforcement and help for crime victims.

“I love him,” Cook said before embracing Trump. “I don’t want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff. And don’t be looking at me on the news hating on me because I’m standing up for somebody that deserves to be stood up for.

“Get off the man’s back. Let him do his job. He’s doing the right thing. Back up off – and Grandma said it.”

Equally passionate was Greta Alexander, a Texas mother who lost her son after he got involved in drugs in public school. She sent her daughter to private school with a grant from ACE Scholarships, where the young woman is “thriving” and wants to become an anesthesiology nurse.

“I’m so grateful to ACE Scholarships and all the doors that the president is opening for education,” she said, referencing the national school choice program Trump championed that will start next year. “I’m here today to just show my appreciation for all the moms around the world. We have a choice now. This choice is so important to mothers.

“Changing education changes everything. In my ZIP code, it feels like we were being locked in a cage and can’t get out, and because of all of the things that you’re doing for education now, we can get out and soar. Our children can have a chance to be prosperous, just like other children. And I thank you for that. This is a great opportunity.”

Other speakers included a black small-business owner who praised economic reforms, including no tax on tips, and Alice Johnson, Trump’s “pardon czar,” whom Trump said he “fell in love” with when they first met, which made his wife “very upset.”

“Thank you, Mr. President, the feeling was mutual,” said Johnson, who served 21 years of a life sentence for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense. “I fell in love with this man, with his heart for this country, with his heart to really bring America back to the form of greatness that it deserves. And that’s exactly what he has done.

“My story is truly a Joseph story. This president right here, President Donald Trump, brought me from the prison pit to the White House. Only in America could there be a story like my story, and President Trump is the only president who would have had the courage to bring someone like me, someone who received a second chance – but who knows more than someone who (was) sent among the captives than someone who has been in captivity themselves?”

Trump addressed the audience, acknowledging the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed Tuesday. He also praised the work of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, who was recommended by Dr. Ben Carson, who was also present.

Trump announced Carson would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.