Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Throughout its history, an observance that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate functions where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests created a surge in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in the second month, but also in October in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has transformed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and more on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in schools where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the celebration is celebrated is a indication of the current political situation. How it evolves is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to address structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how important it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the recent season we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament gains confidence to say that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a entirety.
In the United States, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A drive to erase Black history and legacy from the records is in progress. One of the former president's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the observance illustrates how minimally it can be effective if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the situation of the current era. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. An academic expert, a prof at University of Greenwich, expressed it perfectly when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just discontinue events including Black History Month altogether, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are relics of an era that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an infrastructure that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves simple recognition of the past when it fails to address the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Institutions who observe it should not be pacified with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and alertness to subtle slights, but confronted with the dangers that impact society if anti-racism is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and reactive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
