This commemorative month serves as a mirror of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an event that began as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has developed a commercial tone, expanding to include gatherings where African descendants are compensated to talk to Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The wave has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in February, but also in October in the UK, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The period has developed since those days, focusing less on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the month is commemorated is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it evolves is a good lesson in how co-option leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how important it is to rethink Black History Month more than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the Britain, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the summer we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a elected representative feels emboldened to say that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. At the same time, extreme conservative groups are surging in Europe as a entirety.
In the United States, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the country. A drive to scrub African American heritage and experience from the historical documents is under way. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders aimed at the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the celebration represents how insufficiently it can be effective if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered celebrations of historical achievements, rather than addressing the situation of the present. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is needed. Denise Miller, a professor at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to adapt, revise and extend efforts for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a difficult task. There is a urge to just discontinue things like Black History Month altogether, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an period that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an framework that a considerable labor has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out across all seasons (as various establishments are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) integrated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves simple recognition of the past when it fails to address the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Institutions who mark it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and alertness to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the risks that impact society if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and responsive. Perhaps an total re-identification is necessary – Black History is Now Month.
