This commemorative month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an event that began as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass gatherings where Black people are paid to address predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The tide has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the US and Canada in the second month, but also in autumn in the Britain, Deutschland, Éire and the Netherlands.
The period has developed since those days, focusing less on the accounts of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the observance is celebrated is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it progresses is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to erosion: the reshaping of Black History Month has impeded the point of it, which is to confront embedded and established prejudice.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how critical it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it falls this year. In the Britain, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the recent season we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, far-right parties are surging in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the United States, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the state. A drive to scrub African American heritage and legacy from the records is under way. One of the former president's initial presidential directives focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the observance symbolises how minimally it can be effective if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content commemorations of historical achievements, rather than addressing the conditions of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is required. A university professor, a professor at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a inclination to just do away with observances such as Black History Month entirely, believing they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an era that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of activism for racial justice – community-based BLM initiatives, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an infrastructure that a lot of work has been invested in. 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 seem? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into educational programs. It would also be a period that does not evade political issues, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves simple recognition of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Establishments who observe it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and awareness of minor insults, but challenged by the risks that face all if opposition to discrimination is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and adaptive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
