The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it appears it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an event that started out as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to speak with Caucasian groups about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the enterprise of displaying cultural sensitivity. However, that period has concluded. The wave has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Month
First commemorated in the United States 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 remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this movement and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in October in the Britain, Germany, Éire and the Holland.
The period has transformed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the way the observance is commemorated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it develops is a instructive case in how assimilation leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to address structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in British history. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a legislator gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the European continent as a whole.
In the America, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A drive to remove African American heritage and legacy from the records is ongoing. One of the political figure's early administrative commands targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the observance symbolises how little it can be effective if it is confined to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content commemorations of historical achievements, rather than addressing the realities of the current era. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. An academic expert, a professor at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just do away with observances such as Black History Month altogether, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an period that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and heritage of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an foundation that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not avoid governmental matters, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the past when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Establishments who celebrate it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but confronted with the dangers that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and adaptive. Perhaps an total re-identification is in order – Contemporary Black History Month.
