This commemorative month acts as a gauge of the political moment, 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 re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, expanding to include events where Black people are paid to speak with predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. However, that period has concluded. The wave has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
First commemorated in the US 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 middle of February. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in autumn in the UK, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since that time, focusing less on the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and fights for racial justice, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with talks and cultural events. But the method the observance is observed is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to address structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the current time in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the guise of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we witnessed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a legislator gains confidence to state that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. At the same time, far-right parties are expanding in Europe as a whole.
In the America, a significant offensive against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to scrub African American heritage and legacy from the records is under way. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Against this backdrop, the celebration illustrates how little it can be effective if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than addressing the conditions of the present. It also demonstrates how its restricted time span means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is required. An academic expert, a educator at a learning establishment, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The difficulty with adopting a symbolic stance”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just discontinue things like Black History Month completely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an period that has been ineffective.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an foundation that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not merely to decline as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not shy away from governmental matters, and allows opportunity for people, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What value has simple recognition of the bygone era when it ignores the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Establishments who celebrate it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to “microaggressions”, but challenged by the risks that face all if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. To summarize, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and responsive. Maybe an total re-identification is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
