The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that was initiated as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass functions where Black people are compensated to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the enterprise of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, producing a diluted aftermath of what promoting consciousness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in winter, but also in October in the UK, Germany, Éire and the Holland.
The period has developed since that time, giving reduced attention to the narratives of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and increasingly on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the observance is celebrated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it progresses is a valuable example in how assimilation leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the point of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Few things illustrate how critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to say that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a source of worry. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are growing in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the United States, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A drive to scrub African American heritage and narrative from the archives is in progress. One of the political figure's first executive orders focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institution, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.
Given these circumstances, the observance symbolises how insufficiently it can be influential if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the situation of the contemporary world. It also shows how its short period means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is needed. An academic expert, a prof at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just do away with observances such as Black History Month entirely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an era that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an framework that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month appear as? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not evade political issues, and provides room for people, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What value has basic knowledge of the bygone era when it ignores the present reality of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Institutions who celebrate it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and sensitivity to subtle slights, but faced with the threats that face all if fight against prejudice is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and adaptive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
