Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an celebration that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has developed a commercial tone, growing to encompass events where individuals of African heritage are compensated to speak with Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in the second month, but also in October in the UK, Germany, Éire and the Netherlands.
The period has evolved since those days, placing less emphasis on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and increasingly on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and extensively acknowledging the impact 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 way the observance is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it evolves is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the recent season we observed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, far-right parties are expanding in Europe as a whole.
In the America, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A campaign to erase the history of people of color and experience from the records is ongoing. One of the political figure's early administrative commands focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the month illustrates how minimally it can be effective if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered celebrations of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the situation of the contemporary world. It also demonstrates how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. An academic expert, a professor at an educational institution, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the month. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend actions for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a challenging endeavor. There is a inclination to just do away with events including Black History Month completely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an time that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an foundation that a considerable labor has been invested in. 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 contemporary active Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed through the year (as some institutions are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) included in school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not shy away from governmental matters, and provides room for people, particularly youth, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves basic knowledge of the past when it ignores the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Institutions who celebrate it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of implicit prejudice and alertness to minor insults, but challenged by the risks that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and responsive. Perhaps an complete renaming is in order – Contemporary Black History Month.
