Black History Month serves as a mirror of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it appears it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an celebration that started out as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has developed a commercial tone, expanding to include functions where Black people are remunerated to address white audiences about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The surge has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The observance has evolved since that time, placing less emphasis on the narratives of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and more on influential individuals of color in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to shape the country. It is in schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the way the month is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it progresses is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to confront embedded and established prejudice.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the guise of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the summer we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent 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 cause for alarm. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a complete entity.
In the US, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the country. A effort to erase Black history and legacy from the archives is in progress. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institution, claiming they of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the month represents how little it can be impactful if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than confronting the conditions of the current era. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is required. A university professor, a prof at a learning establishment, put it best when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just discontinue events including Black History Month altogether, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are relics of an era that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, inclusion and equity efforts, and indeed, including corporate presentations – constitute an framework that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not shy away from governmental matters, and leaves space for individuals, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What use is basic knowledge of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the public spaces? Organizations who celebrate it should not be pacified with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and alertness to “microaggressions”, but challenged by the dangers that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not treated with importance. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, urgent, and adaptive. It could be that an complete renaming is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
