This commemorative 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 Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an event that began as a festivity and recollection of heritage, traditions and links between global Black communities, has taken on a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate gatherings where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and “allyship”. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests sparked an increase in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The surge has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Celebration
First commemorated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month grew out of this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in the second month, but also in autumn in the Britain, Deutschland, Éire and the Netherlands.
The observance has developed since its inception, focusing less on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and more on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the month is observed is a reflection of the political moment. How it develops is a good lesson in how co-option leads to erosion: the reshaping of Black History Month has stymied the point of it, which is to tackle embedded and established prejudice.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the summer we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the Conservative party, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a source of worry. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are surging in the EU as a whole.
In the America, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the country. A drive to remove the history of people of color and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, claiming they of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the month illustrates how little it can be influential if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered festivities of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the present. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. Denise Miller, a professor at an educational institution, put it best when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend actions for equal rights and acknowledgment in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just eliminate events including Black History Month entirely, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an time that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an framework that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed through the year (as some institutions are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a era that does not shy away from politics, and provides room for individuals, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What value has mere awareness of the past when it fails to address the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Establishments who mark it should not be pacified with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but challenged by the threats that impact society if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Black History is Now Month.
