This commemorative month is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an celebration that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a commercial tone, growing to encompass functions where Black people are remunerated to talk to white audiences about “unconscious bias” and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Month
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in October in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has transformed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and more on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the manner the month is celebrated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it progresses is a valuable example in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how important it is to rethink Black History Month more than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament feels emboldened to state that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, extreme conservative groups are surging in Europe as a complete entity.
In the United States, a significant offensive against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, frequently with success, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A effort to remove Black history and experience from the archives is in progress. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the celebration illustrates how insufficiently it can be influential if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content festivities of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the situation of the present. It also demonstrates how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is needed. An academic expert, a prof at University of Greenwich, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month becomes a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month completely, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an period that has failed to deliver.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an framework that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? To begin with, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is spread out across all seasons (as some institutions are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) included in educational programs. It would also be a period that does not avoid political issues, and provides room for citizens, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What use is simple recognition of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the contemporary truth of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Establishments who mark it should not be reassured with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and sensitivity to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the risks that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and reactive. Maybe an total re-identification is necessary – Black History is Now Month.
