This commemorative month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an event that started out as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has developed a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate gatherings where African descendants are compensated to speak with white audiences about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The wave has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the second week of February. Black History Month grew out of this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the Britain, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has developed since its inception, focusing less on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the month is celebrated is a indication of the current political situation. How it progresses is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how important it is to rethink Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a situation where a elected representative gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. At the same time, far-right parties are expanding in the EU as a whole.
In the US, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to remove African American heritage and legacy from the archives is ongoing. One of the former president's early administrative commands targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the celebration symbolises how minimally it can be impactful if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the situation of the current era. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. A university professor, a professor at University of Greenwich, expressed it perfectly when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with events including Black History Month completely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an period that has failed to deliver.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and indeed, including corporate presentations – constitute an foundation that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as certain organizations are already beginning to do), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into educational programs. It would also be a era that does not shy away from governmental matters, and provides room for citizens, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves basic knowledge of the bygone era when it ignores the contemporary truth of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Establishments who observe it should not be comforted with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and alertness to “microaggressions”, but challenged by the threats that face all if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and adaptive. Perhaps an complete renaming is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
