Black History Month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an event that started out as a festivity and recollection of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are paid to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what promoting consciousness 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 a week of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in October in the UK, Deutschland, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it progresses is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform organization is leading the polls. In the summer we observed the largest far-right rally in British history. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a elected representative feels emboldened to declare that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the America, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the country. A campaign to scrub African American heritage and legacy from the records is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Given these circumstances, the observance represents how little it can be effective if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the realities of the contemporary world. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The issue with adopting a symbolic stance”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with things like Black History Month entirely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are vestiges of an era that has been ineffective.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an infrastructure that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is distributed throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already commencing), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into academic syllabi. 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 value has simple recognition of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Organizations who observe it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to “microaggressions”, but faced with the threats that affect everyone if anti-racism is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and adaptive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
