This commemorative month acts as a gauge of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it feels like it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, an event that was initiated as a commemorative event of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has taken on a commercial tone, growing to encompass gatherings where individuals of African heritage are paid to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the enterprise of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in February, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since those days, focusing less on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the observance is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it evolves is a instructive case in how appropriation leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how important it is to reconsider Black History Month more than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the guise of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a elected representative gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in Europe as a complete entity.
In the America, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, frequently with success, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A drive to scrub African American heritage and narrative from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the political figure's first executive orders aimed at the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to change the national past” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the celebration illustrates how little it can be impactful if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or depoliticized festivities of historical achievements, rather than addressing the situation of the contemporary world. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is required. A university professor, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Determining how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just do away with events including Black History Month completely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are vestiges of an time that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of activism for racial justice – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an infrastructure that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not merely to decline as the politics moves on (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out across all seasons (as some institutions are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not avoid governmental matters, and provides room for individuals, particularly youth, to share their anxieties and narratives. What value has basic knowledge of the bygone era when it fails to address the current situation of far-right rallies in the street? Institutions who mark it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and awareness of “microaggressions”, but challenged by the dangers that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and responsive. Perhaps an total re-identification is necessary – Black History is Now Month.
