Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that started out as a commemorative event of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are remunerated to address predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has crested, producing a diluted aftermath of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Background of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in winter, but also in the tenth month in the Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Holland.
The month has developed since those days, placing less emphasis on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and increasingly on influential individuals of color in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the manner the observance is commemorated is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a instructive case in how appropriation leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month more than the current time in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform party is ahead in surveys. In the summer we witnessed the largest far-right rally in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a elected representative gains confidence to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a whole.
In the America, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A effort to erase the history of people of color and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a “concerted and widespread effort to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the celebration illustrates how insufficiently it can be effective if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content commemorations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The issue with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a fleeting performance rather than a agent of progress.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a difficult task. There is a inclination to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month entirely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are vestiges of an time that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an foundation that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not shy away from politics, and provides room for citizens, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What use is basic knowledge of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Institutions who celebrate it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and awareness of minor insults, but challenged by the risks that face all if opposition to discrimination is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, urgent, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
