The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the current political climate, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an event that began as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between global Black communities, has adopted a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where African descendants are remunerated to address Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and more on influential individuals of color in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in British history. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the Conservative party, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a elected representative feels empowered to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. At the same time, extreme conservative groups are expanding in Europe as a whole.
In the United States, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A effort to remove the history of people of color and narrative from the archives is under way. One of the former president's early administrative commands focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the celebration represents how insufficiently it can be influential if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than confronting the realities of the present. It also reveals how its short period means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. A university professor, a professor at a learning establishment, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a agent of progress.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend efforts for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just do away with observances such as Black History Month altogether, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an period that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an framework that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is distributed across all seasons (as some institutions are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) included in school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not shy away from governmental matters, and allows opportunity for citizens, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What value has simple recognition of the history when it ignores the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Establishments who observe it should not be pacified with the passive language of hidden discrimination and awareness of “microaggressions”, but challenged by the threats that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and responsive. It could be that an total re-identification is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
