The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, 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, expanding to include gatherings where African descendants are remunerated to address white audiences about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The surge has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this movement and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in the tenth month in the UK, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and more on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the celebration is observed is a reflection of the current political situation. How it develops is a instructive case in how co-option leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to tackle embedded and established prejudice.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how critical it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the current time in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we saw the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a elected representative gains confidence to state that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, far-right parties are expanding in the EU as a entirety.
In the United States, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A effort to erase Black history and narrative from the historical documents is in progress. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the month represents how insufficiently it can be effective if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the realities of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its short period means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is required. An academic expert, a professor at an educational institution, put it best when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the observance. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just do away with observances such as Black History Month completely, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an period that has failed to deliver.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an infrastructure that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not avoid governmental matters, and provides room for people, particularly the younger generation, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who observe it should not be comforted with the passive language of implicit prejudice and alertness to minor insults, but faced with the dangers that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and adaptive. Perhaps an total re-identification is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
