The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an event that was initiated as a festivity and recollection of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate functions where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to white audiences about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in the second month, but also in October in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has evolved since its inception, giving reduced attention to the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the observance is celebrated is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it develops is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the point of it, which is to address structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a elected representative gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a source of worry. At the same time, extreme conservative groups are growing in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the United States, a significant offensive against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the country. A drive to remove Black history and narrative from the archives is ongoing. One of the former president's initial presidential directives aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month illustrates how minimally it can be impactful if it is limited to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered commemorations of historical achievements, rather than addressing the conditions of the current era. It also reveals how its short period means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for equal rights and acknowledgment in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just discontinue events including Black History Month altogether, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an time that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an foundation that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a era that does not avoid political issues, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves simple recognition of the past when it fails to address the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Establishments who observe it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and sensitivity to subtle slights, but confronted with the threats that face all if anti-racism is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, urgent, and reactive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
