The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an observance that began as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a commercial tone, expanding to include events where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to speak with predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has transformed since its inception, giving reduced attention to the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the celebration is celebrated is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the point of it, which is to confront embedded and established prejudice.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the Britain, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the warmer months we observed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels emboldened to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the US, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A campaign to remove Black history and experience from the records is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Against this backdrop, the observance represents how little it can be impactful if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the conditions of the current era. It also demonstrates how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is required. An academic expert, a prof at University of Greenwich, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the short-term symbolic gestures of the month. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to adapt, revise and extend efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just eliminate things like Black History Month entirely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an era that has failed to deliver.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an foundation that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is dispersed through the year (as some institutions are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not avoid politics, and leaves space for citizens, particularly the younger generation, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves simple recognition of the past when it ignores the present reality of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Institutions who celebrate it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and awareness of subtle slights, but confronted with the threats that affect everyone if anti-racism is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and reactive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is required – Black History is Now Month.
