The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an celebration that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass events where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history 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 campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The month has evolved since that time, focusing less on the histories of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and more on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the way the month is celebrated is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to tackle embedded and established prejudice.
A Troubling Time
Few things illustrate how important it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform organization is leading the polls. In the recent season we observed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a position where a legislator gains confidence to state that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Simultaneously, far-right parties are expanding in the EU as a entirety.
In the US, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, frequently with success, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A campaign to erase Black history and experience from the archives is ongoing. One of the political figure's early administrative commands aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the celebration illustrates how minimally it can be influential if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the realities of the contemporary world. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. An academic expert, a educator at a learning establishment, put it best 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 fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for equal rights and acknowledgment in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just eliminate events including Black History Month completely, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an time that has been ineffective.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of activism for racial justice – community-based BLM initiatives, inclusion and equity efforts, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an framework that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the politics moves on (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not avoid political issues, and leaves space for people, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What value has basic knowledge of the past when it doesn’t reckon with the contemporary truth of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the public spaces? Establishments who mark it should not be reassured with the passive language of implicit prejudice and alertness to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the risks that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and responsive. Maybe an total re-identification is in order – Black History is Now Month.
