The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an celebration that was initiated as a festivity and recollection of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a commercial tone, expanding to include functions where African descendants are paid to talk to predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
Originally observed in the US and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of celebration and reflection in the second week of February. Black History Month grew out of this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in October in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the Holland.
The observance has transformed since its inception, focusing less on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and greater focus on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the month is commemorated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it evolves is a valuable example in how co-option leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to address embedded and established prejudice.
A Troubling Time
Hardly anything shows how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the guise of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we observed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a legislator feels emboldened to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the European continent 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 campaign to remove African American heritage and experience from the records is under way. One of the former president's first executive orders aimed at the museum of African American legacy, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month symbolises how insufficiently it can be effective if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of former accomplishments, rather than addressing the conditions of the current era. It also demonstrates how its restricted time span means that it is detached from the wider consistent effort that is required. Denise Miller, a educator at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Establishing how to alter, change and broaden efforts for equal rights and acknowledgment in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just do away with events including Black History Month altogether, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an era that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of racial movements – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an foundation that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month look like? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is distributed through the year (as some institutions are already commencing), parts of its content (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 citizens, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What value has mere awareness of the history when it fails to address the present reality of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Establishments who mark it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and sensitivity to “microaggressions”, 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, urgent, and reactive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is in order – Black History is Now Month.
