The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has developed a corporate feel, expanding to include events where Black people are paid to talk to predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests generated a rise in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in October in the United Kingdom, Germany, Éire and the Netherlands.
The month has developed since those days, placing less emphasis on the histories of colonial slavery and fights for racial justice, and more on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the celebration is commemorated is a reflection of the political moment. How it evolves is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how important it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, 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 the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a situation where a elected representative feels emboldened to declare that the absence of Caucasian individuals in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, extreme conservative groups are growing in the European continent as a entirety.
In the America, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the state. A effort to erase African American heritage and experience from the records is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's early administrative commands focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month represents how little it can be impactful if it is limited to either obligatory business commemorations, or stripped of political content celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the current era. It also shows how its short period means that it is disconnected from the more extensive continuous action that is required. Denise Miller, a professor at University of Greenwich, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the month. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just do away with observances such as Black History Month completely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an time that has not worked.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and tradition of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an foundation that a considerable labor has gone into. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed through the year (as various establishments are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a era that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Establishments who mark it should not be comforted with the passive language of implicit prejudice and alertness to subtle slights, but challenged by the risks that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, urgent, and reactive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
