Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that started out as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a commercial tone, expanding to include events where Black people are remunerated to address white audiences about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Month
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, the Republic of Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has transformed since that time, giving reduced attention to the narratives of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the observance is celebrated is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how co-option leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to address embedded and established prejudice.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the current time in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a situation where a elected representative feels emboldened to state that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the European continent as a entirety.
In the America, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the state. A campaign to scrub African American heritage and experience from the historical documents is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's early administrative commands targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the celebration illustrates how little it can be effective if it is limited to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than confronting the realities of the current era. It also shows how its short period means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is needed. A university professor, a prof at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden actions for fair treatment and appreciation 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 completely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an time that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an foundation that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is spread out across all seasons (as various establishments are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) integrated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and leaves space for people, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What use is basic knowledge of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the contemporary truth of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Institutions who celebrate it should not be pacified with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and alertness to minor insults, but challenged by the dangers that impact society if anti-racism is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and reactive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
