This commemorative month is a reflection of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that began as a festivity and recollection of heritage, traditions and links between global Black communities, has adopted a corporate feel, expanding to include events where African descendants are paid to speak with white audiences about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. However, that period has concluded. The wave has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Initially celebrated 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 a week of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in winter, but also in autumn in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the way the celebration is commemorated is a indication of the political moment. How it develops is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how important it is to reconsider Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the Britain, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we observed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a situation where a elected representative feels emboldened to say that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a whole.
In the America, a significant offensive against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the state. A drive to scrub Black history and experience from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institution, claiming they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the observance illustrates how little it can be effective if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the conditions of the present. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is needed. Denise Miller, a educator at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just discontinue events including Black History Month entirely, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an period that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and tradition of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an foundation that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already commencing), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not shy away from governmental matters, and provides room for citizens, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What value has mere awareness of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Institutions who celebrate it should not be comforted with the passive language of implicit prejudice and alertness to minor insults, but confronted with the risks that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and responsive. Perhaps an total re-identification is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
