The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an observance that began as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a commercial tone, growing to encompass gatherings where individuals of African heritage are paid to talk to Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests generated a rise in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with a week of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in February, but also in autumn in the Britain, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since its inception, focusing less on the histories of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and more on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the input Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the celebration is observed is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it develops is a good lesson in how co-option leads to dismantling: the reshaping of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to address structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the Britain, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform party is leading the polls. In the recent season we observed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a elected representative gains confidence to say that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a source of worry. At the same time, far-right parties are expanding in the European continent as a complete entity.
In the US, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A drive to scrub Black history and experience from the historical documents is under way. One of the political figure's early administrative commands focused on the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the observance illustrates how insufficiently it can be effective if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than challenging the situation of the contemporary world. It also demonstrates how its restricted time span means that it is disconnected from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, put it best when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the observance. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just discontinue events including Black History Month entirely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an period that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an foundation that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out through the year (as certain organizations are already beginning to do), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a period that does not evade political issues, and leaves space for people, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Organizations who mark it should not be comforted with the neutral terminology of implicit prejudice and sensitivity to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the risks that impact society if anti-racism is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, critical, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Black History is Now Month.
