Black History Month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it feels like it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, an event that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has adopted a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate events where Black people are compensated to talk to Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Initially celebrated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in October in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has developed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and more on influential individuals of color in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and broadly celebrating 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 celebration is celebrated is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a good lesson in how co-option leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to address structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how important it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the guise of the Reform party is leading the polls. In the warmer months we witnessed the largest far-right rally in British history. the Conservative leader, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels emboldened to say that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the US, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A effort to scrub Black history and narrative from the archives is in progress. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the observance symbolises how minimally it can be impactful if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the situation of the current era. It also reveals how its short period means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. A university professor, a professor at an educational institution, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just do away with observances such as Black History Month completely, assuming they are inadequate for current needs, or are vestiges of an era that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of activism for racial justice – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an foundation that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out through the year (as certain organizations are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not avoid political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What value has basic knowledge of the past when it ignores the contemporary truth of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Organizations who mark it should not be comforted with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and sensitivity to subtle slights, but confronted with the dangers that affect everyone if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and responsive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
