This commemorative month is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, an celebration that began as a commemorative event of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, expanding to include gatherings where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to address white audiences about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests sparked an increase in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The surge has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in February, but also in October in the UK, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has developed since those days, placing less emphasis on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to shape the country. It is in schools where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the celebration is observed is a manifestation of the political moment. How it evolves is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the specific period in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament gains confidence to declare that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, far-right parties are growing in Europe as a complete entity.
In the United States, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A campaign to erase Black history and narrative from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the political figure's early administrative commands aimed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the observance represents how little it can be effective if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the realities of the present. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is needed. An academic expert, a prof at an educational institution, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend efforts for equal rights and acknowledgment in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just discontinue events including Black History Month completely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an period that has been ineffective.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an infrastructure that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is distributed through the year (as various establishments are already beginning to do), elements of its material (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in educational programs. It would also be a era that does not avoid political issues, and leaves space for citizens, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What value has mere awareness of the past when it fails to address the present reality of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Establishments who observe it should not be comforted with the passive language of hidden discrimination and awareness of minor insults, but confronted with the threats that impact society if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
