Black History Month acts as a gauge of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Throughout its history, an event that started out as a festivity and recollection of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, expanding to include functions where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests created a surge in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in February, but also in the tenth month in the Britain, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in schools where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Hardly anything shows how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the warmer months we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a legislator gains confidence to declare that the absence of Caucasian individuals in specific city neighborhoods is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in the European continent as a entirety.
In the US, a significant offensive against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the nation. A effort to scrub African American heritage and experience from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's initial presidential directives targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the month represents how little it can be effective if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the conditions of the current era. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, put it best when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a inclination to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month entirely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an era that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an framework that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out across all seasons (as various establishments are already commencing), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) included in educational programs. It would also be a period that does not evade political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What value has simple recognition of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Institutions who mark it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and alertness to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the threats that impact society if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.