Black History Month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an event that started out as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has developed a commercial tone, growing to encompass functions where African descendants are compensated to speak with Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s generated a rise in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Month
First commemorated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in autumn in the Britain, Germany, Éire and the Netherlands.
The month has developed since that time, giving reduced attention to the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the observance is observed is a manifestation of the political moment. How it progresses is a instructive case in how co-option leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the current time in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the recent season we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Simultaneously, far-right parties are surging in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the America, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A drive to erase Black history and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders focused on the museum of African American legacy, and the Smithsonian Institution, claiming they of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month illustrates how minimally it can be impactful if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered festivities of historical achievements, rather than challenging the situation of the contemporary world. It also shows how its short period means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. A university professor, a educator at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just eliminate events including Black History Month altogether, believing they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an time that has not worked.
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, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an framework that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out across all seasons (as certain organizations are already beginning to do), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not evade politics, and leaves space for citizens, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What value has mere awareness of the history when it fails to address the contemporary truth of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who observe it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and sensitivity to minor insults, but challenged by the risks that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and reactive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
