The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
It's Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has taken on a corporate feel, growing to encompass events where Black people are compensated to speak with Caucasian groups about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The wave has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what promoting consciousness is for.
The Background of Black History Celebration
Initially celebrated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this movement 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 United Kingdom, Germany, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The period has developed since those days, placing less emphasis on the histories of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and more on influential individuals of color in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the method the month is celebrated is a reflection of the political moment. How it progresses is a instructive case in how appropriation leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.
A Jarring Moment
Little demonstrates how important it is to reconsider Black History Month more than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform organization is leading the polls. In the recent season we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Conservative party, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a position where a elected representative gains confidence to declare that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a complete entity.
In the America, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to erase Black history and narrative from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the former president's early administrative commands focused on the museum of African American legacy, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as inherently racist”.
Against this backdrop, the observance represents how little it can be influential if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized celebrations of former accomplishments, rather than confronting the conditions of the current era. It also reveals how its short period means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is required. An academic expert, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions 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 transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a inclination to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month completely, assuming they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an time that has been ineffective.
But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of activism for racial justice – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an framework that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), 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 throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a era that does not shy away from politics, and provides room for individuals, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What value has mere awareness of the history when it fails to address the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Institutions who mark it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and alertness to minor insults, but faced with the risks that face all if anti-racism is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and responsive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
