Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an celebration that started out as a festivity and recollection of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has developed a commercial tone, growing to encompass gatherings where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to address Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The wave has crested, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in autumn in the UK, Deutschland, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has evolved since those days, giving reduced attention to the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and more on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. 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 weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the current time in which it falls this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform organization is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament gains confidence to state that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, extreme conservative groups are growing in Europe as a complete entity.
In the America, a significant offensive against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the country. A drive to erase Black history and experience from the archives is ongoing. One of the political figure's first executive orders aimed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Given these circumstances, the observance symbolises how little it can be effective if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or depoliticized festivities of historical achievements, rather than challenging the situation of the contemporary world. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. Denise Miller, a professor at an educational institution, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to alter, change and broaden actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just do away with events including Black History Month altogether, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an time that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, inclusion and equity efforts, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an infrastructure that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (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 through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not evade political issues, and leaves space for people, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it ignores the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Institutions who mark it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but confronted with the threats that face all if anti-racism is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and reactive. It could be that an complete renaming is required – Black History is Now Month.
