Black History Month serves as a mirror of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has developed a corporate feel, growing to encompass functions where individuals of African heritage are compensated to talk to white audiences about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the Britain, Deutschland, Éire and the Netherlands.
The month has transformed since that time, placing less emphasis on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it evolves is a instructive case in how co-option leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the shape of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, 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 position where a member of parliament gains confidence to state that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a whole.
In the America, a significant offensive against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to erase Black history and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's early administrative commands aimed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
Against this backdrop, the month represents how little it can be effective if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized festivities of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the situation of the current era. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is needed. Denise Miller, a educator at an educational institution, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand 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 things like Black History Month completely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an era that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an foundation that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not merely to decline as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out across all seasons (as some institutions are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) integrated into academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not avoid political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves simple recognition of the bygone era when it ignores the current situation of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Organizations who observe it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and alertness to “microaggressions”, but faced with the risks that impact society if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and adaptive. Maybe an total re-identification is necessary – Contemporary Black History Month.
