Black History Month acts as a gauge of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an celebration that began as a festivity and recollection of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, expanding to include events where individuals of African heritage are compensated to address white audiences about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests generated a rise in the enterprise of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has peaked, producing a diluted aftermath of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in February, but also in October in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has evolved since its inception, giving reduced attention to the histories of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and increasingly on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the month is observed is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how important it is to rethink Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform party is leading the polls. 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 position where a legislator feels empowered to declare that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a source of worry. At the same time, far-right parties are surging in Europe as a entirety.
In the United States, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the nation. A drive to remove the history of people of color and legacy from the archives is in progress. One of the political figure's first executive orders focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month represents how minimally it can be impactful if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the realities of the present. It also shows how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is required. An academic expert, a professor at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just discontinue observances such as Black History Month completely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an time that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an infrastructure that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the politics moves on (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already commencing), parts of its content (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not evade political issues, and leaves space for people, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the past when it fails to address the contemporary truth of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Establishments who celebrate it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of implicit prejudice and awareness of minor insults, but challenged by the dangers that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and adaptive. Perhaps an complete renaming is necessary – Black History is Now Month.
