Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an event that started out 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 African descendants are compensated to address Caucasian groups about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The surge has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in February, but also in the tenth month in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has transformed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and more on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the month is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it develops is a good lesson in how co-option leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month more than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform party is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the UK's past. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a legislator gains confidence to state that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in the EU as a entirety.
In the America, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the state. A drive to erase African American heritage and legacy from the records is ongoing. One of the former president's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Given these circumstances, the celebration symbolises how little it can be impactful if it is limited to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than addressing the situation of the present. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. Denise Miller, a educator at a learning establishment, put it best when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just do away with things like Black History Month completely, believing they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an period that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an infrastructure that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed through the year (as certain organizations are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not evade politics, and leaves space for people, particularly youth, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Establishments who mark it should not be comforted with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to minor insults, but faced with the threats that impact society if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Contemporary Black History Month.
