Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, an observance that began as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a corporate feel, expanding to include events where Black people are remunerated to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has crested, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in autumn in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has evolved since that time, placing less emphasis on the narratives of colonial slavery 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 influence the nation. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the month is commemorated is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a valuable example in how co-option leads to erosion: the reshaping of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform party is leading the polls. In the recent season we observed the largest far-right rally in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a elected representative feels emboldened to say that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the America, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the country. A campaign to erase Black history and legacy from the historical documents is under way. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, 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 month represents how little it can be effective if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the situation of the current era. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. A university professor, a professor at an educational institution, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for equal rights and acknowledgment in such moments of dejection and worry is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just do away with observances such as Black History Month entirely, assuming 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 whole broad system and heritage of racial movements – community-based BLM initiatives, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an foundation that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not merely to decline as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is distributed across all seasons (as some institutions are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and provides room for individuals, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who mark it should not be pacified with the passive language of hidden discrimination and awareness of subtle slights, but challenged by the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and adaptive. Perhaps an complete renaming is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
