This commemorative month is a reflection of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an event that was initiated as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate functions where individuals of African heritage are compensated to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has crested, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Month
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, Éire and the Netherlands.
The month has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the histories of colonial slavery and fights for racial justice, and more on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the way the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the political moment. How it evolves is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the Britain, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform party is ahead in surveys. In the summer we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in British history. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a elected representative feels empowered to declare that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a source of worry. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are surging in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the US, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the state. A campaign to scrub the history of people of color and narrative from the archives is in progress. One of Donald Trump's early administrative commands focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
Against this backdrop, the celebration represents how insufficiently it can be impactful if it is limited to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or depoliticized commemorations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the conditions of the current era. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is needed. Denise Miller, a prof at an educational institution, put it best when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month becomes a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden efforts for equal rights and acknowledgment in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just do away with things like Black History Month altogether, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an era that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of racial movements – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an infrastructure that a considerable labor has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not evade governmental matters, and provides room for individuals, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves simple recognition of the bygone era when it ignores the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the street? Institutions who observe it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and alertness to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the threats that impact society if anti-racism is not treated with importance. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Black History is Now Month.
