Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so how do we revamp 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 observance that started out as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has taken on a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate events where African descendants are remunerated to talk to predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The surge has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in October in the UK, Deutschland, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since those days, giving reduced attention to the histories of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and more on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the observance is commemorated is a reflection of the political moment. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the point of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how critical it is to rethink Black History Month more than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the guise of the Reform party is ahead in surveys. In the summer we witnessed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, far-right parties are expanding in Europe as a whole.
In the America, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the state. A campaign to remove the history of people of color and experience from the records is in progress. One of the political figure's first executive orders targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the observance illustrates how little it can be impactful if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or depoliticized commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the realities of the current era. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is required. Denise Miller, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the celebration. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a inclination to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month altogether, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are relics of an era that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an foundation that a lot of work has been invested in. 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 new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is dispersed through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not evade political issues, and leaves space for individuals, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves simple recognition of the bygone era when it fails to address the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Establishments who observe it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and sensitivity to minor insults, but challenged by the dangers that impact society if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
