The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an event that started out as a festivity and recollection of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has developed a corporate feel, expanding to include functions where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to white audiences about hidden biases and “allyship”. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests created a surge in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. However, that period has concluded. The surge has crested, producing a diluted aftermath of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Month
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in the second month, but also in autumn in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has evolved since that time, placing less emphasis on the accounts of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the celebration is observed is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
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 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. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the Conservative party, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a place where a legislator feels emboldened to declare that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a entirety.
In the US, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A drive to scrub Black history and experience from the archives is ongoing. One of the former president's first executive orders aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a “concerted and widespread effort to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Given these circumstances, the month symbolises how minimally it can be impactful if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the conditions of the present. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is required. A university professor, a professor at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with things like Black History Month altogether, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an era that has been ineffective.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an foundation that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for citizens, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the past when it ignores the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the public spaces? Institutions who observe it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to “microaggressions”, but faced with the threats that face all if anti-racism is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, urgent, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is in order – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
