Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an event that started out as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where individuals of African heritage are paid to speak with white audiences about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The surge has peaked, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The Background of Black History Month
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in February, but also in the tenth month in the Britain, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The month has developed since its inception, giving reduced attention to the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and more on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the month is commemorated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it progresses is a instructive case in how co-option leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the current time in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we observed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, 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 place where a member of parliament gains confidence to declare that the absence of Caucasian individuals in certain urban areas is a source of worry. Meanwhile, far-right parties are expanding in the EU as a entirety.
In the United States, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A drive to remove Black history and experience from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the celebration symbolises how little it can be impactful if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered festivities of contributions in the past, rather than confronting the realities of the current era. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is disconnected from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. Denise Miller, a professor at University of Greenwich, put it best when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the celebration. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month becomes a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden initiatives 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 things like Black History Month entirely, believing they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an time that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an infrastructure that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out across all seasons (as some institutions are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not evade political issues, 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 current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Institutions who observe it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and alertness to minor insults, but challenged by the threats that face all if opposition to discrimination is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, urgent, and responsive. Maybe an total re-identification is necessary – Black History is Now Month.
