The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an event that began as a festivity and recollection of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate events where African descendants are remunerated to speak with Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in February, but also in autumn in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has transformed since its inception, focusing less on the narratives of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the way the month is celebrated is a indication of the political moment. How it progresses is a valuable example in how assimilation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how critical it is to rethink Black History Month better than the specific period in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform party is leading the polls. In the summer we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a legislator gains confidence to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a complete entity.
In the America, a significant offensive against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, frequently with success, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A campaign to remove the history of people of color and narrative from the records is under way. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the observance symbolises how little it can be effective if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the conditions of the present. It also reveals how its short period means that it is detached from the wider consistent effort that is needed. An academic expert, a educator at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to adapt, revise and extend actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with things like Black History Month entirely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an time that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an foundation that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) included in school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and leaves space for individuals, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Establishments who celebrate it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to minor insults, but faced with the risks that impact society if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and adaptive. Perhaps an complete renaming is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
