The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an observance that began as a celebration and reminder of the past, cultural identity and bonds between global Black communities, has developed a commercial tone, growing to encompass functions where individuals of African heritage are paid to speak with predominantly white listeners about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests created a surge in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has crested, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The History of Black History Month
First commemorated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with a week of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the United States and Canada in winter, but also in the tenth month in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
The period has transformed since its inception, giving reduced attention to the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and struggles for equality, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the celebration is observed is a reflection of the political moment. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the objective of it, which is to confront embedded and established prejudice.
A Jarring Moment
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the warmer months we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a reason for concern. At the same time, far-right parties are surging in the European continent as a whole.
In the United States, a significant offensive against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the state. A drive to scrub African American heritage and experience from the archives is ongoing. One of the political figure's early administrative commands aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.
Given these circumstances, the observance symbolises how minimally it can be impactful if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered commemorations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the conditions of the contemporary world. It also reveals how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is needed. A university professor, a professor at University of Greenwich, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The difficulty with taking a tokenistic approach”, she commented, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend efforts for racial equality and recognition in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a inclination to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month completely, thinking they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an time that has failed to deliver.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and heritage of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – represent an foundation that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) included in educational programs. It would also be a period that does not shy away from political issues, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly young people, to express their concerns and stories. What value has mere awareness of the bygone era when it fails to address the present reality of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the public spaces? Organizations who mark it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and alertness to minor insults, but faced with the dangers that impact society if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made current, urgent, and adaptive. Perhaps an entire name rebrand is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.
