The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that started out as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has adopted a commercial tone, growing to encompass events where African descendants are remunerated to talk to predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s generated a rise in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The wave has peaked, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in winter, but also in the tenth month in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of 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 fights for racial justice, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with talks and cultural events. But the way the month is observed is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we observed the largest far-right rally in British history. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a legislator feels emboldened to declare that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a reason for concern. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in Europe as a entirety.
In the United States, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the state. A drive to erase the history of people of color and narrative from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's first executive orders aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the observance illustrates how insufficiently it can be influential if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content festivities of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the conditions of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is detached from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. Denise Miller, a educator at a learning establishment, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The issue with adopting a symbolic stance”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Determining how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just discontinue observances such as Black History Month completely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an time that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and heritage of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an framework that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into educational programs. It would also be a era that does not avoid governmental matters, and provides room for people, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves simple recognition of the past when it fails to address the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Organizations who mark it should not be comforted with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and sensitivity 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 contemporary, pressing, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
