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 seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that started out as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate events where individuals of African heritage are compensated to address Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was created 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 movement and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in winter, but also in October in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The observance has transformed since its inception, focusing less on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and more on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the way the month is celebrated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it evolves is a instructive case in how appropriation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a elected representative feels emboldened to say that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the European continent as a entirety.
In the America, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the state. A effort to remove Black history and legacy from the historical documents is under way. One of the former president's early administrative commands targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the observance represents how little it can be influential if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the conditions of the present. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is needed. An academic expert, a prof at University of Greenwich, put it best when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a transient display rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for equal rights and acknowledgment in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month completely, believing they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an era that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of activism for racial justice – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an infrastructure that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is dispersed through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into educational programs. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and provides room for people, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the past when it ignores the present reality of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Establishments who observe it should not be pacified with the passive language of hidden discrimination and awareness of “microaggressions”, but faced with the threats that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and reactive. Maybe an complete renaming is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
