Black History Month acts as a gauge of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, an observance that started out as a festivity and recollection of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has developed a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are remunerated to address white audiences about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The tide has crested, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was created in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in February, but also in the tenth month in the Britain, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has developed since those days, focusing less on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and broadly celebrating the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in schools 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 contemporary political context. How it evolves is a instructive case in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the recent season we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a position where a member of parliament gains confidence to say that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a source of worry. At the same time, far-right parties are surging in the EU as a whole.
In the United States, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the state. A effort to erase Black history and experience from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the former president's early administrative commands focused on 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 portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the celebration symbolises how insufficiently it can be impactful if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the current era. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is detached from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. Denise Miller, a educator at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the celebration. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a agent of progress.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just discontinue events including Black History Month altogether, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are relics of an period that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of activism for racial justice – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an infrastructure that a significant effort has gone into. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is dispersed through the year (as various establishments are already beginning to do), elements of its material (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into educational programs. It would also be a period that does not avoid politics, and allows opportunity for citizens, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the past when it doesn’t reckon with the contemporary truth of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Institutions who celebrate it should not be reassured with the passive language of implicit prejudice and alertness to subtle slights, but challenged by the risks that face all if anti-racism is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
