The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an event that began as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between global Black communities, has taken on a commercial tone, growing to encompass gatherings where Black people are remunerated to address predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. However, that period has concluded. The tide has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in February, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the Holland.
The month has transformed since that time, giving reduced attention to the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and increasingly on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the observance is celebrated is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to address embedded and established prejudice.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the summer we saw the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the Conservative party, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a legislator feels emboldened to say that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Meanwhile, far-right parties are expanding in the European continent as a entirety.
In the US, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A effort to erase the history of people of color and experience from the records is under way. One of the political figure's first executive orders targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the observance illustrates how minimally it can be impactful if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized festivities of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the realities of the current era. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. Denise Miller, a prof at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the observance. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand actions for racial equality and recognition in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a urge to just discontinue observances such as Black History Month entirely, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are vestiges of an era that has been ineffective.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and indeed, including corporate presentations – constitute an infrastructure that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the politics moves on (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 more than a single focused period: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a time that does not evade political issues, and provides room for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who mark it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of “unconscious bias” and alertness to “microaggressions”, but challenged by the dangers that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and adaptive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
