The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. As time has passed, an celebration that began as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has adopted a business-like atmosphere, expanding to include gatherings where individuals of African heritage are compensated to address predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.
The History of Black History Celebration
Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was publicly established in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the North America in winter, but also in autumn in the UK, Deutschland, the Republic of Ireland and the Holland.
The period has developed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the narratives of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and increasingly on influential individuals of color in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the month is observed is a reflection of the political moment. How it evolves is a instructive case in how appropriation leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to address systemic and institutional racism.
A Disconcerting Period
Little demonstrates how critical it is to reevaluate Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the African descendant in charge of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a legislator feels empowered to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. At the same time, far-right parties are surging in the European continent as a entirety.
In the US, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A campaign to remove the history of people of color and experience from the archives is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's early administrative commands focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, claiming they of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Given these circumstances, the month represents how minimally it can be effective if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered festivities of former accomplishments, rather than addressing the situation of the present. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at a learning establishment, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “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 adapt, revise and extend initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just do away with events including Black History Month completely, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an era that has failed to deliver.
However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an framework that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a vital organism.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is distributed across all seasons (as some institutions are already starting to implement), parts of its content (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a time that does not shy away from governmental matters, and provides room for citizens, particularly the younger generation, to share their anxieties and narratives. What use is mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Establishments who observe it should not be pacified with the neutral terminology of implicit prejudice and alertness to minor insults, but confronted with the dangers that impact society if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and responsive. It could be that an complete renaming is required – Black History is Now Month.
