The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that began as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has developed a corporate feel, expanding to include events where individuals of African heritage are paid to speak with predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s generated a rise in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The tide has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was publicly established in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in winter, but also in October in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The observance has developed since that time, giving reduced attention to the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and more on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with talks and cultural events. But the way the observance is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how important it is to rethink Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform organization is leading the polls. In the summer we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a elected representative feels empowered to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a complete entity.
In the United States, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the country. A drive to erase the history of people of color and experience from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the political figure's first executive orders aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the month illustrates how minimally it can be influential if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized commemorations of historical achievements, rather than addressing the realities of the contemporary world. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is needed. Denise Miller, a prof 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 stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Determining how to adapt, revise and extend actions for equal rights and acknowledgment in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a urge to just eliminate things like Black History Month altogether, believing they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an period that has been ineffective.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – constitute an infrastructure that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month look like? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed through the year (as some institutions are already beginning to do), parts of its content (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a time that does not shy away from politics, and provides room for people, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves simple recognition of the bygone era when it fails to address the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Institutions who celebrate it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of “unconscious bias” and alertness to minor insults, but confronted with the threats that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and adaptive. Perhaps an total re-identification is in order – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
