Black History Month serves as a mirror of the current political climate, 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. Throughout its history, an celebration that began as a commemorative event of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate events where Black people are remunerated to address predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The surge has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The Background of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with a week of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, Éire and the Holland.
The month has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and more on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the month is commemorated is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it develops is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the point of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Hardly anything shows how important it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform organization is leading the polls. In the recent season we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. the Conservative leader, the African descendant in charge of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in the EU as a whole.
In the United States, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to remove Black history and experience from the historical documents is in progress. One of the political figure's first executive orders targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the observance symbolises how minimally it can be impactful if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the contemporary world. It also shows how its short period means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is needed. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The issue with adopting a symbolic stance”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just eliminate things like Black History Month completely, thinking they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an period that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an foundation that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not just to decay as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
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 spread out across all seasons (as certain organizations are already beginning to do), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in educational programs. It would also be a time that does not shy away from politics, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What value has basic knowledge of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Establishments who mark it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and awareness of subtle slights, but faced with the dangers that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and reactive. Maybe an complete renaming is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
