This commemorative month serves as a mirror of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate functions where Black people are compensated to speak with white audiences about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The wave has crested, producing a diluted aftermath of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the UK, Germany, Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has developed since that time, focusing less on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and greater focus on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the celebration is observed is a indication of the political moment. How it evolves is a good lesson in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the point of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how critical it is to rethink Black History Month better than the specific period in which it falls this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the shape of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the UK's past. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament gains confidence to say that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in Europe as a complete entity.
In the US, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the country. A effort to erase the history of people of color and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of the political figure's early administrative commands targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, claiming they of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the observance represents how little it can be effective if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content festivities of contributions in the past, rather than confronting the realities of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The issue with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just do away with events including Black History Month altogether, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are vestiges of an era that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an infrastructure that a significant effort has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as various establishments are already beginning to do), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not shy away from politics, and provides room for individuals, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves basic knowledge of the past when it fails to address the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the public spaces? Organizations who observe it should not be comforted with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and sensitivity to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the risks that face all if anti-racism is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, urgent, and reactive. Perhaps an total re-identification is in order – Contemporary Black History Month.
