The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Throughout its history, an observance that began as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass gatherings where Black people are remunerated to address predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The wave has peaked, producing a diluted aftermath of what increasing understanding is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the US 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 second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in winter, but also in autumn in the Britain, Deutschland, Éire and the Netherlands.
The period has developed since that time, giving reduced attention to the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and fights for racial justice, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with talks and cultural events. But the way the month is commemorated is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it evolves is a instructive case in how co-option leads to erosion: the restructuring of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month more than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to declare that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a source of worry. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a whole.
In the US, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the top legal institutions of the nation. A drive to scrub Black history and legacy from the records is ongoing. One of the former president's early administrative commands aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Given these circumstances, the month illustrates how insufficiently it can be influential if it is limited to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or depoliticized celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the current era. It also shows how its short period means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is needed. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, put it best when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand actions for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just discontinue things like Black History Month completely, believing 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 heritage of activism for racial justice – community-based BLM initiatives, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an framework that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the politics moves on (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not avoid governmental matters, and allows opportunity for citizens, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the past when it ignores the present reality of far-right rallies in the street? Organizations who celebrate it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and awareness of minor insults, but faced with the risks that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and reactive. Perhaps an complete renaming is in order – Contemporary Black History Month.
