Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
It's Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that began as a festivity and recollection of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate events where Black people are remunerated to speak with white audiences about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
Originally observed 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 multiple days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in February, but also in October in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has evolved since those days, giving reduced attention to the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and increasingly on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it develops is a good lesson in how co-option leads to dismantling: the reshaping of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how critical it is to rethink Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the Britain, a resurgent right in the shape of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the summer we saw the largest far-right rally in British history. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament feels emboldened to declare that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in Europe as a entirety.
In the United States, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the state. A effort to erase the history of people of color and narrative from the historical documents is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives focused on the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Given these circumstances, the observance illustrates how minimally it can be effective if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the conditions of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. A university professor, a educator at a learning establishment, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden efforts for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a inclination to just eliminate things like Black History Month completely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an period that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and heritage of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an infrastructure that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not merely to decline as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), 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 certain organizations are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not avoid politics, and leaves space for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to share their anxieties and narratives. What value has mere awareness of the past when it fails to address the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Establishments who mark it should not be comforted with the neutral terminology of implicit prejudice and sensitivity to minor insults, but challenged by the dangers that face all if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is in order – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
