The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the prevailing political atmosphere, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
It's Black History Month in the Britain, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that began as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has adopted a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate events where individuals of African heritage are paid to address white audiences about implicit prejudice 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 tide has crested, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy 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 a week dedicated to Negro history by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has developed since its inception, focusing less on the accounts of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the month is commemorated is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the current time in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform organization is leading the polls. In the warmer months we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to declare that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a source of worry. At the same time, extreme conservative groups are surging in Europe as a complete entity.
In the US, a significant offensive against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A campaign to erase Black history and narrative from the archives is under way. One of the former president's early administrative commands aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the celebration illustrates how minimally it can be impactful if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the realities of the current era. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is needed. Denise Miller, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The difficulty with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just discontinue things like Black History Month entirely, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an time that has not worked.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an foundation that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as various establishments are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a era that does not shy away from governmental matters, and provides room for citizens, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it ignores the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the street? Institutions who celebrate it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to minor insults, but confronted with the threats that face all if anti-racism is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and adaptive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
