Black History Month acts as a gauge of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an celebration that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has developed a commercial tone, expanding to include events where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to white audiences about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The wave has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what promoting consciousness is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the second week of February. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in February, but also in October in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, Éire and the Holland.
The observance has evolved since its inception, placing less emphasis on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and increasingly on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it evolves is a instructive case in how appropriation leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a situation where a legislator gains confidence to declare that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the United States, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the nation. A effort to remove Black history and experience from the historical documents is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders aimed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the observance represents how minimally it can be influential if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized celebrations of former accomplishments, rather than confronting the situation of the current era. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is disconnected from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for equal rights and acknowledgment in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just do away with events including Black History Month entirely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an period that has not worked.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an foundation that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed through the year (as some institutions are already beginning to do), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a time that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly the younger generation, to air their fears and experiences. What use is basic knowledge of the past when it ignores the contemporary truth of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Establishments who celebrate it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of “unconscious bias” and sensitivity to subtle slights, but faced with the risks that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Contemporary Black History Month.
