The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an observance that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass gatherings where Black people are remunerated to address Caucasian groups about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in autumn in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.
The month has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and more on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it develops is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the point of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels emboldened to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a cause for alarm. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a complete entity.
In the America, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the country. A drive to scrub the history of people of color and legacy from the archives is in progress. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the celebration represents how minimally it can be influential if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized festivities of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the situation of the current era. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is needed. An academic expert, a professor at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the short-term symbolic gestures of the observance. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend actions for equal rights and acknowledgment in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just discontinue observances such as Black History Month entirely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an era that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an foundation that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not evade political issues, and provides room for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves simple recognition of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who mark it should not be comforted with the passive language of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to minor insults, but faced with the risks that impact society if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and reactive. It could be that an total re-identification is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
