Black History Month is a reflection of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an observance that started out as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are remunerated to speak with Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has crested, producing a diluted aftermath of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in February, but also in October in the UK, Deutschland, Ireland and the Holland.
The month has evolved since that time, giving reduced attention to the histories of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and more on influential individuals of color in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a reflection of the political moment. How it develops is a good lesson in how co-option leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how important it is to rethink Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we observed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a legislator gains confidence to say that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. At the same time, extreme conservative groups are surging in Europe as a whole.
In the America, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A drive to scrub African American heritage and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's early administrative commands targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the celebration illustrates how insufficiently it can be impactful if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or depoliticized commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than confronting the realities of the contemporary world. It also shows how its short period means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, put it best when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The problem with adopting a symbolic stance”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Determining how to alter, change and broaden efforts for equal rights and acknowledgment in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just discontinue events including Black History Month completely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an era that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of activism for racial justice – local anti-racism groups, inclusion and equity efforts, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an foundation that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is distributed across all seasons (as various establishments are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not avoid governmental matters, and provides room for individuals, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What value has basic knowledge of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Organizations who mark it should not be comforted with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and awareness of minor insults, but faced with the dangers that affect everyone if anti-racism is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
