Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an observance that was initiated as a festivity and recollection of heritage, traditions and links between global Black communities, has taken on a commercial tone, expanding to include functions where individuals of African heritage are compensated to speak with white audiences about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s generated a rise in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. However, that period has concluded. The wave has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance 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 conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the February's second week. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the UK, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has developed since its inception, giving reduced attention to the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the way the observance is commemorated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how assimilation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the Britain, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform party is leading the polls. In the recent season we witnessed the largest far-right rally in British history. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament gains confidence to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, far-right parties are expanding in Europe as a complete entity.
In the US, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, frequently with success, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A drive to remove the history of people of color and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's first executive orders targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month symbolises how minimally it can be influential if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the realities of the current era. It also shows how its short period means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. A university professor, a educator at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Determining how to alter, change and broaden efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just do away with events including Black History Month entirely, believing they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an period that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and indeed, including corporate presentations – constitute an infrastructure that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Well, first, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is distributed throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into educational programs. It would also be a time that does not avoid political issues, and leaves space for people, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What value has basic knowledge of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Organizations who observe it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and awareness of minor insults, but faced with the risks that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and reactive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
