This commemorative month is a reflection of the current political climate, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
It's Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an event that began as a festivity and recollection of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where individuals of African heritage are compensated to talk to Caucasian groups about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests sparked an increase in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The Background of Black History Month
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in February, but also in October in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The month has transformed since that time, focusing less on the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and fights for racial justice, and more on influential individuals of color in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in schools where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the month is commemorated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the current time in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the summer we saw the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Conservative party, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels emboldened to state that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Meanwhile, far-right parties are growing in the European continent as a whole.
In the United States, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the state. A effort to erase Black history and narrative from the archives is under way. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives focused on the museum of African American legacy, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month illustrates how insufficiently it can be influential if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content commemorations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the situation of the current era. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the more extensive continuous action that is required. Denise Miller, a professor at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just eliminate things like Black History Month entirely, thinking they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an era that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an framework that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and allows opportunity for citizens, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What value has basic knowledge of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Establishments who celebrate it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and awareness of subtle slights, but challenged by the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and responsive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
