This commemorative month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it feels like it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, an observance that started out as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass events where African descendants are paid to talk to predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s generated a rise in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has peaked, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the UK, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has evolved since that time, placing less emphasis on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and greater focus on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the observance is commemorated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it progresses is a instructive case in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to confront embedded and established prejudice.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how critical it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the current time in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season 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 Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a legislator feels empowered to state that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a source of worry. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the European continent as a entirety.
In the America, a significant offensive against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the country. A effort to remove the history of people of color and experience from the records is under way. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the celebration illustrates how little it can be influential if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content celebrations of historical achievements, rather than confronting the conditions of the current era. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is needed. An academic expert, a prof at University of Greenwich, put it best when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the observance. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just do away with events including Black History Month completely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an period that has failed to deliver.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an infrastructure that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed through the year (as various establishments are already beginning to do), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) included in educational programs. It would also be a time that does not evade politics, and provides room for individuals, particularly youth, to share their anxieties and narratives. What value has simple recognition of the bygone era when it ignores the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Institutions who observe it should not be reassured with the passive language of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but challenged by the threats that impact society if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and responsive. It could be that an total re-identification is necessary – Black History is Now Month.
