This commemorative month acts as a gauge of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an celebration that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate functions where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Initially celebrated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in the second month, but also in the tenth month in the UK, Germany, Éire and the Netherlands.
The observance has developed since that time, focusing less on the histories of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the celebration is observed is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to confront embedded and established prejudice.
A Troubling Time
Few things illustrate how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we witnessed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels emboldened to say that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in Europe as a entirety.
In the United States, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A effort to scrub the history of people of color and legacy from the archives is in progress. One of the political figure's early administrative commands targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the observance represents how insufficiently it can be effective if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered commemorations of historical achievements, rather than addressing the realities of the current era. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is disconnected from the more extensive continuous action that is required. An academic expert, a professor at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the observance. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just discontinue things like Black History Month entirely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an period that has not worked.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, inclusion and equity efforts, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an framework that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month look like? To begin with, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a period that does not avoid political issues, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it ignores the contemporary truth of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Institutions who mark it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of “unconscious bias” and awareness of minor insults, but faced with the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and responsive. It could be that an complete renaming is in order – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
