This commemorative month serves as a mirror of the current political climate, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an celebration that was initiated as a commemorative event of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has taken on a corporate feel, expanding to include events where individuals of African heritage are paid to talk to Caucasian groups about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The surge has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Month
Initially celebrated 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 multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in winter, but also in the tenth month in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The month has evolved since its inception, giving reduced attention to the narratives of colonial slavery and fights for racial justice, and more on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it progresses is a instructive case in how co-option leads to dismantling: the restructuring 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 critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels emboldened to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, far-right parties are growing in the European continent as a entirety.
In the America, a significant offensive against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A drive to remove the history of people of color and experience from the archives is in progress. One of the former president's initial presidential directives focused on the museum of African American legacy, and the renowned cultural organization, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the celebration illustrates how minimally it can be impactful if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging 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 required. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Determining how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just do away with observances such as Black History Month completely, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an period that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and heritage of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an infrastructure that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around prominent figures of color) incorporated into educational programs. It would also be a time that does not avoid politics, and provides room for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to share their anxieties and narratives. What use is simple recognition of the past when it ignores the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Institutions who observe it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but challenged by the threats that impact society if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and reactive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Contemporary Black History Month.
