This commemorative month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
This is Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an celebration that was initiated as a festivity and recollection of the past, cultural identity and bonds between international African diaspora communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass events where African descendants are paid to address predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the industry of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Month
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the second week of February. Black History Month grew out of this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in autumn in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since its inception, giving reduced attention to the histories of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and more on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with talks and cultural events. But the method the month is celebrated is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how co-option leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the current time in which it occurs this year. In the Britain, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we observed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a position where a legislator gains confidence to declare that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a whole.
In the US, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the country. A effort to scrub the history of people of color and legacy from the archives is in progress. One of the former president's first executive orders targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the month symbolises how insufficiently it can be impactful if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered festivities of historical achievements, rather than addressing the conditions of the present. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is disconnected from the more extensive continuous action that is needed. Denise Miller, a prof at an educational institution, put it best when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The difficulty with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Establishing how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month completely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an era that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of activism for racial justice – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an foundation that a considerable labor has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed through the year (as certain organizations are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in educational programs. It would also be a era that does not evade political issues, and allows opportunity for people, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the present reality of far-right rallies in the urban areas? Organizations who observe it should not be reassured with the non-confrontational words of “unconscious bias” and alertness to subtle slights, but confronted with the threats that affect everyone if anti-racism is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and reactive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
