The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an celebration that began as a festivity and recollection of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has taken on a corporate feel, expanding to include events where African descendants are remunerated to talk to Caucasian groups about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. However, that period has concluded. The surge has crested, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has developed since those days, placing less emphasis on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and increasingly on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and broadly celebrating the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the month is commemorated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it develops is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we saw the largest far-right rally in British history. Kemi Badenoch, 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 place where a legislator feels empowered to say that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Simultaneously, far-right parties are surging in Europe as a whole.
In the America, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the state. A effort to scrub African American heritage and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's early administrative commands focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Against this backdrop, the observance illustrates how insufficiently it can be effective if it is limited to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered festivities of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the situation of the current era. It also reveals how its short period means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is required. An academic expert, a educator at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just do away with events including Black History Month altogether, believing they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an era that has failed to deliver.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an foundation that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month look like? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out across all seasons (as certain organizations are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a era that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What use is mere awareness of the past when it ignores the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Establishments who celebrate it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and alertness to minor insults, but confronted with the threats that face all if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, urgent, and adaptive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Black History is Now Month.