Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Throughout its history, an event that started out as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass functions where Black people are paid to speak with Caucasian groups about hidden biases and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests sparked an increase in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the Britain, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has evolved since its inception, giving reduced attention to the histories of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a indication of the current political situation. How it progresses is a valuable example in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform organization is ahead in surveys. In the recent season we witnessed the largest far-right rally in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a position where a member of parliament gains confidence to declare that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in Europe as a complete entity.
In the America, a significant offensive against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the state. A campaign to erase African American heritage and narrative from the historical documents is in progress. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders aimed at the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the observance illustrates how insufficiently it can be influential if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content celebrations of former accomplishments, rather than confronting the conditions of the present. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. An academic expert, a professor at an educational institution, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the observance. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she stated, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month becomes a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Determining how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just eliminate events including Black History Month entirely, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an period that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an framework that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a era that does not evade governmental matters, and leaves space for individuals, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves mere awareness of the past when it ignores the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Organizations who mark it should not be reassured with the passive language of hidden discrimination and awareness of “microaggressions”, but confronted with the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and reactive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Contemporary Black History Month.
