This commemorative month is a reflection of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
It's Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that began as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has developed 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 2020s Black Lives Matter protests created a surge in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The surge has peaked, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with a week of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in February, but also in autumn in the Britain, Germany, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The observance has evolved since that time, placing less emphasis on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the contribution 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 manner the month is celebrated is a indication of the current political situation. How it evolves is a good lesson in how co-option leads to dismantling: the reshaping of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the current time in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. a prominent political figure, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a elected representative feels empowered to say that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, far-right parties are growing in Europe as a complete entity.
In the America, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to scrub Black history and legacy from the archives is ongoing. One of the former president's first executive orders targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the celebration represents how minimally it can be effective if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content festivities of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the present. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is required. An academic expert, a educator at University of Greenwich, expressed it perfectly when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a inclination to just discontinue events including Black History Month entirely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an time that has been ineffective.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and heritage of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an foundation that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already beginning to do), elements of its material (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not evade governmental matters, and leaves space for citizens, particularly the younger generation, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Institutions who observe it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to “microaggressions”, but challenged by the risks that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and reactive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.