This commemorative month is a reflection of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it appears it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an observance that began as a festivity and recollection of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has developed a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate functions where Black people are remunerated to talk to Caucasian groups about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established 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 evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in winter, but also in autumn in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has developed since those days, giving reduced attention to the narratives of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and increasingly on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the month is observed is a reflection of the current political situation. How it develops is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to dismantling: the reshaping of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to tackle embedded and established prejudice.
A Disconcerting Period
Hardly anything shows how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform party is leading the polls. In the warmer months we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. At the same time, far-right parties are expanding in the EU as a whole.
In the US, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts 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 early administrative commands focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institution, claiming they of a “concerted and widespread effort to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the observance represents how little it can be effective if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than confronting 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 professor at a learning establishment, put it best when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Determining how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a difficult task. There is a urge to just do away with observances such as Black History Month altogether, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an era that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of activism for racial justice – community-based BLM initiatives, inclusion and equity efforts, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an framework that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month appear as? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already starting to implement), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not evade governmental matters, and leaves space for individuals, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What use is basic knowledge of the history when it fails to address the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Organizations who celebrate it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and awareness of minor insults, but faced with the dangers that impact society if fight against prejudice is not treated with importance. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and reactive. It could be that an total re-identification is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
