The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate events where African descendants are compensated to address predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The tide has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with a week of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this initiative 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 UK, Germany, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since those days, placing less emphasis on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and increasingly on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with talks and cultural events. But the method the observance is commemorated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it progresses is a valuable example in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the reshaping of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. the Conservative leader, the African descendant in charge of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a place where a elected representative feels emboldened to say that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in Europe as a whole.
In the United States, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A campaign to remove African American heritage and narrative from the historical documents is in progress. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the observance represents how minimally it can be impactful if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, 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 detached from the more extensive continuous action that is required. Denise Miller, a educator at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The difficulty with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a transient display rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adapt, revise and extend actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just eliminate things like Black History Month entirely, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an era that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of racial movements – community-based BLM initiatives, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an foundation that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not evade governmental matters, and allows opportunity for people, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What use is basic knowledge of the past when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Organizations who mark it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and awareness of minor insults, but confronted with the dangers that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. To summarize, Black History Month should be made current, urgent, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
