Black History Month acts as a gauge of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an event that began as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has developed a commercial tone, expanding to include events where Black people are paid to talk to Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The surge has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Observance
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in the second month, but also in the tenth month in the Britain, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has transformed since those days, giving reduced attention to the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the month is commemorated is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it evolves is a valuable example in how assimilation leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Few things illustrate how critical it is to rethink Black History Month more than the current time in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform party is ahead in surveys. In the summer we observed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. the Conservative leader, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a elected representative gains confidence to say that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a source of worry. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a entirety.
In the US, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A campaign to scrub Black history and legacy from the records is ongoing. One of the former president's first executive orders aimed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
Against this backdrop, the observance represents how little it can be influential if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the present. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is needed. An academic expert, a professor at a learning establishment, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the celebration. “The issue with adopting a symbolic stance”, she stated, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for equal rights and acknowledgment in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with events including Black History Month altogether, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an period that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of racial movements – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an framework that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as various establishments are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and allows opportunity for people, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What use is simple recognition of the bygone era when it ignores the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Organizations who mark it should not be pacified with the neutral terminology of implicit prejudice and alertness to minor insults, but challenged by the dangers that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and adaptive. It could be that an total re-identification is in order – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
