The annual Black History observance serves as a mirror of the prevailing political atmosphere, so what steps can we take to refresh it?
We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an celebration that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has adopted a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass functions where individuals of African heritage are paid to address predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. However, that period has concluded. The surge has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.
The Background of Black History Observance
Originally observed 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 middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was formally inaugurated 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, Deutschland, the Republic of Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The month has evolved since that time, focusing less on the narratives of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and more on influential individuals of color in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the impact Black people have made to shape the country. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the way the celebration is commemorated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it progresses is a good lesson in how co-option leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to tackle embedded and established prejudice.
A Jarring Moment
Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the Conservative party, is a staunch adversary of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a situation where a member of parliament feels empowered to say that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are surging in the EU as a whole.
In the US, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the state. A drive to erase the history of people of color and legacy from the historical documents is in progress. One of the political figure's first executive orders focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.
Against this backdrop, the month represents how little it can be influential if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content celebrations of former accomplishments, rather than addressing the realities of the contemporary world. It also shows how its restricted time span means that it is disconnected from the more extensive continuous action that is needed. An academic expert, a prof at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The difficulty with adopting a symbolic stance”, she stated, “is that it often means that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Reconsidering, Not Discarding
Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just eliminate observances such as Black History Month altogether, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are relics of an time that has not worked.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an framework that a lot of work has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a contemporary active Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in educational programs. It would also be a era that does not avoid political issues, and allows opportunity for citizens, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What use is basic knowledge of the bygone era when it ignores the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the public spaces? Establishments who celebrate it should not be comforted with the passive language of implicit prejudice and awareness of minor insults, but faced with the threats that face all if anti-racism is not treated with importance. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and reactive. Maybe an total re-identification is in order – Contemporary Black History Month.
