The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the current political climate, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Throughout its history, an event that began as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate events where individuals of African heritage are paid to talk to Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. However, that period has concluded. The wave has crested, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was created in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with a week of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in February, but also in autumn in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The observance has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the narratives of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and more on notable African descendants in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the manner the celebration is observed is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a good lesson in how co-option leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the current time in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we witnessed the largest far-right rally in British history. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a legislator gains confidence to state that a lack of white people in specific city neighborhoods is a cause for alarm. At the same time, extreme conservative groups are surging in Europe as a entirety.
In the US, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the state. A drive to scrub the history of people of color and experience from the records is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's early administrative commands targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the month illustrates how minimally it can be impactful if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, 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 detached from the broader ongoing work that is needed. An academic expert, a educator at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a difficult task. There is a urge to just do away with observances such as Black History Month altogether, thinking they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an time that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an foundation that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as some institutions are already commencing), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and leaves space for individuals, particularly youth, to share their anxieties and narratives. What purpose serves mere awareness of the past when it ignores the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the street? Institutions who mark it should not be pacified with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and alertness to “microaggressions”, but challenged by the threats that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not treated with importance. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and adaptive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Contemporary Black History Month.
