This commemorative month serves as a mirror of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an observance that started out as a festivity and recollection of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a commercial tone, growing to encompass gatherings where individuals of African heritage are paid to address predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests sparked an increase in the enterprise of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in October in the UK, Germany, Éire and the Holland.
The month has developed since those days, placing less emphasis on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a reflection of the political moment. How it progresses is a good lesson in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to address embedded and established prejudice.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform organization is leading the polls. In the warmer months we saw the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a situation where a legislator feels emboldened to state that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are growing in Europe as a whole.
In the United States, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the nation. A campaign to erase the history of people of color and legacy from the records is in progress. One of the former president's initial presidential directives targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the celebration represents how insufficiently it can be impactful if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the conditions of the current era. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. Denise Miller, a prof at University of Greenwich, put it best when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month entirely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an era that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of racial movements – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an infrastructure that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is spread out through the year (as some institutions are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the present reality of far-right rallies in the street? Establishments who mark it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of “unconscious bias” and alertness to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the threats that impact society if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
