The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the current political climate, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
This is Black History Month in the UK, and it feels like it’s time for a reassessment. As time has passed, an event that began as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a corporate feel, broadening to incorporate gatherings where African descendants are remunerated to address white audiences about implicit prejudice and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has crested, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.
The Origins of Black History Observance
Initially celebrated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of commemoration and observance in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the US and Canada in the second month, but also in autumn in the United Kingdom, Deutschland, Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has evolved since its inception, focusing less on the histories of transatlantic enslavement and fights for racial justice, and more on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the observance is celebrated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Troubling Time
Little demonstrates how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the current time in which it takes place this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform organization is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we saw the largest far-right rally 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 place where a elected representative feels emboldened to say that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a source of worry. Simultaneously, extreme conservative groups are expanding in Europe as a entirety.
In the US, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been brought, frequently with success, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A campaign to erase Black history and narrative from the historical documents is in progress. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.
In this context, the observance symbolises how insufficiently it can be impactful if it is restricted to either obligatory business commemorations, or depoliticized festivities of historical achievements, rather than confronting the realities of the current era. It also shows how its limited duration means that it is detached from the wider consistent effort that is needed. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month becomes a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just discontinue events including Black History Month altogether, believing they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an era that has been ineffective.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an infrastructure that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, declines), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month look like? To begin with, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed through the year (as certain organizations are already commencing), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in school curriculums. It would also be a era that does not shy away from governmental matters, and provides room for citizens, particularly young people, to share their anxieties and narratives. What use is mere awareness of the past when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Institutions who observe it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and awareness of minor insults, but challenged by the risks that face all if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and reactive. It could be that an complete renaming is in order – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
