Black History Month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an observance that began as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are paid to speak with white audiences about hidden biases and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. However, that period has concluded. The tide has peaked, producing a diluted aftermath of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Month
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the February's second week. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in October in the UK, Deutschland, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The month has transformed since those days, giving reduced attention to the narratives of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the month is observed is a reflection of the political moment. How it progresses is a valuable example in how assimilation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month more than the specific period in which it falls this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform organization is ahead in surveys. In the summer we observed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a legislator gains confidence to declare that the absence of Caucasian individuals in certain urban areas is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in the EU as a entirety.
In the United States, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A effort to scrub the history of people of color and narrative from the records is in progress. One of the political figure's early administrative commands focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the month represents how minimally it can be impactful if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or stripped of political content celebrations of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the conditions of the contemporary world. It also shows how its short period means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. Denise Miller, a educator at a learning establishment, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The difficulty with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just do away with observances such as Black History Month entirely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an era that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an foundation that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month look like? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out through the year (as some institutions are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not evade political issues, and leaves space for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to air their fears and experiences. What use is basic knowledge of the bygone era when it ignores the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Institutions who observe it should not be reassured with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and alertness to minor insults, but faced with the dangers that face all if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, urgent, and responsive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
