Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that began as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass events where Black people are paid to talk to predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The surge has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The History of Black History Observance
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in the second month, but also in the tenth month in the UK, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and more on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the method the celebration is observed is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it progresses is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has stymied the point of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the shape of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to declare that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a reason for concern. At the same time, far-right parties are growing in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the United States, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the nation. A campaign to remove African American heritage and narrative from the historical documents is in progress. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the month represents how little it can be influential if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized festivities of historical achievements, rather than challenging the conditions of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is needed. Denise Miller, a educator at University of Greenwich, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month altogether, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an era that has been ineffective.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an foundation that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), 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 across all seasons (as various establishments are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not avoid politics, and provides room for people, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What value has mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Institutions who mark it should not be reassured with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and alertness to subtle slights, but faced with the threats that affect everyone if anti-racism is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and responsive. Maybe an total re-identification is required – Contemporary Black History Month.