The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an event that started out as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a commercial tone, expanding to include functions where Black people are paid to speak with predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the enterprise of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has crested, producing a diluted aftermath of what promoting consciousness is for.
The History of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has transformed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the histories of colonial slavery and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the observance is commemorated is a reflection of the political moment. How it progresses is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the current time in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a elected representative feels empowered to state that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. At the same time, extreme conservative groups are growing in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the US, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the state. A drive to erase Black history and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. 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 coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the month illustrates how minimally it can be effective if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content commemorations of historical achievements, rather than confronting the situation of the current era. It also shows how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. Denise Miller, a educator at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just do away with observances such as Black History Month altogether, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an era that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, 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 just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as some institutions are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in educational programs. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and provides room for citizens, particularly youth, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves mere awareness of the history when it ignores the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Establishments who mark it should not be comforted with the passive language of hidden discrimination and alertness to minor insults, but challenged by the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and adaptive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Contemporary Black History Month.