This commemorative month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an event that started out as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has developed a commercial tone, growing to encompass functions where African descendants are compensated to address white audiences about hidden biases and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s generated a rise in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. However, that period has concluded. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of commemoration and observance in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in the second month, but also in October in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has developed since that time, focusing less on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and more on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the celebration is observed is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it evolves is a valuable example in how co-option leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we observed the largest far-right rally in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a place where a elected representative gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a source of worry. At the same time, far-right parties are growing in Europe as a whole.
In the US, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the nation. A drive to erase Black history and legacy from the records is in progress. One of the former president's early administrative commands focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
In this context, the observance represents how insufficiently it can be effective if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered festivities of historical achievements, rather than confronting the realities of the present. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. Denise Miller, a prof at University of Greenwich, put it best when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it often means that Black History Month becomes a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just discontinue observances such as Black History Month entirely, assuming they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an period that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an framework that a considerable labor has gone into. 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 new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not evade political issues, and provides room for people, particularly youth, to share their anxieties and narratives. What use is simple recognition of the history when it ignores the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Establishments who mark it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to subtle slights, but faced with the dangers that impact society if fight against prejudice is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and responsive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is in order – Contemporary Black History Month.
