Black History Month acts as a gauge of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an celebration that started out as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are remunerated to talk to Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests generated a rise in the industry 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 History of Black History Celebration
First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in the second month, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the Holland.
The period has evolved since those days, focusing less on the narratives of the slave trade across the Atlantic and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the way the month is observed is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it progresses is a valuable example in how co-option leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month better than the specific period in which it falls this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we witnessed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in Europe as a complete entity.
In the America, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A campaign to scrub Black history and legacy from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, claiming they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the month represents how little it can be effective if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered commemorations of historical achievements, rather than addressing the realities 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 prof at an educational institution, expressed it perfectly when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a inclination to just eliminate events including Black History Month completely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an period that has been ineffective.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an foundation that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in educational programs. It would also be a time that does not avoid political issues, and leaves space for people, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the past when it fails to address the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Institutions who mark it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and awareness of minor insults, but confronted with the risks that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not approached earnestly. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and responsive. It could be that an total re-identification is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
