This commemorative month acts as a gauge of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an celebration that began as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate events where Black people are remunerated to address predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the enterprise of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The wave has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established 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 second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in winter, but also in autumn in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the Netherlands.
The month has developed since that time, focusing less on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and more on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the manner the observance is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it progresses is a instructive case in how co-option leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform organization is ahead in surveys. In the recent season we observed the biggest extreme right demonstration in British history. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels emboldened to state that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, far-right parties are growing in Europe as a entirety.
In the US, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A campaign to erase African American heritage and experience from the records is in progress. One of the political figure's first executive orders focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the month symbolises how little it can be influential if it is limited to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the situation of the current era. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is detached from the wider consistent effort that is required. A university professor, a professor at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just do away with observances such as Black History Month altogether, believing they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an time that has not worked.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an foundation that a significant effort has gone into. It is there not merely to decline as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already beginning to do), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly the younger generation, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves simple recognition of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who mark it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to minor insults, but challenged by the threats that face all if anti-racism is not treated with importance. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and reactive. Perhaps an total re-identification is in order – Black History is Now Month.
