The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the current political climate, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has adopted a commercial tone, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are paid to address white audiences about hidden biases and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business 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 Celebration
First commemorated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was created in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since that time, placing less emphasis on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and broadly celebrating the input 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 way the month is celebrated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it develops is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the objective of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how crucial it is to rethink Black History Month more than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we observed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the Conservative party, is a strong critic of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a legislator gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a whole.
In the United States, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been carried, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A campaign to remove African American heritage and experience from the archives is ongoing. One of the political figure's early administrative commands targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the observance illustrates how little it can be impactful if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than confronting the situation of the contemporary world. It also shows how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is required. A university professor, a professor at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the month. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reevaluating, Not Abandoning
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just eliminate things like Black History Month altogether, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an time that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and tradition of activism for racial justice – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an foundation that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Firstly, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is distributed through the year (as various establishments are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around historic Black characters) included in educational programs. It would also be a period that does not avoid governmental matters, and allows opportunity for people, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What use is mere awareness of the bygone era when it ignores the contemporary truth of far-right rallies in the street? Institutions who mark it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the risks that impact society if opposition to discrimination is not approached earnestly. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and adaptive. Perhaps an total re-identification is required – Black History is Now Month.
