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 seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate events where individuals of African heritage are paid to speak with white audiences about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests generated a rise in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. However, that period has concluded. The surge has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in autumn in the Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has developed since that time, giving reduced attention to the narratives of colonial slavery and struggles for equality, and more on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the point of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reevaluate 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 organization is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we saw the largest far-right rally in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels emboldened to declare that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a source of worry. Simultaneously, far-right parties are expanding in Europe as a entirety.
In the US, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A drive to erase the history of people of color and legacy from the historical documents is under way. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives aimed at the museum of African American legacy, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
In this context, the observance illustrates how insufficiently it can be effective if it is limited to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered commemorations of former accomplishments, rather than confronting the situation of the present. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. Denise Miller, a educator at University of Greenwich, put it best when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The difficulty with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a transient display rather than a agent of progress.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
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 inclination to just do away with events including Black History Month completely, believing they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an era that has not worked.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an infrastructure that a considerable labor has been dedicated to. It is there not just to decay as the politics moves on (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is spread out across all seasons (as certain organizations are already commencing), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) integrated into school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and leaves space for citizens, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the contemporary truth of extreme conservative demonstrations in the street? Establishments who observe it should not be comforted with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and awareness of “microaggressions”, but confronted with the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and responsive. It could be that an total re-identification is in order – Black History is Now Month.
