Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an observance that started out as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, expanding to include events where African descendants are paid to address predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The surge has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Month
First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of commemoration and observance in the February's second week. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in the second month, but also in October in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The month has evolved since that time, giving reduced attention to the narratives of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and broadly celebrating the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the month is observed is a manifestation of the political moment. How it develops is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has stymied the point of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform party is leading the polls. In the warmer months we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to say that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a source of worry. Meanwhile, far-right parties are surging in the EU as a complete entity.
In the United States, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the state. A drive to scrub Black history and legacy from the records is under way. One of the former president's initial presidential directives targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the renowned cultural organization, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to change the national past” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the month illustrates how little it can be effective if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the conditions of the contemporary world. It also shows how its restricted time span means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at University of Greenwich, put it best when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The difficulty with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Determining how to adapt, revise and extend efforts 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 entirely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are relics of an period that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an framework that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) included in educational programs. It would also be a era that does not shy away from governmental matters, and leaves space for people, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What use is basic knowledge of the past when it ignores the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who mark it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but challenged by the threats that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and responsive. It could be that an complete renaming is required – Black History is Now Month.
