The annual Black History observance acts as a gauge of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?
We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has developed a corporate feel, growing to encompass gatherings where Black people are remunerated to speak with Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, 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 established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in February, but also in October in the Britain, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The month has developed since that time, placing less emphasis on the accounts of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and increasingly on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with talks and cultural events. But the method the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it progresses is a valuable example in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to address structural and organizational discrimination.
A Disconcerting Period
Hardly anything shows how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month more than the current time in which it falls this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we observed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament gains confidence to declare that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, extreme conservative groups are surging in Europe as a complete entity.
In the United States, a colossal assault against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been brought, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the nation. A drive to erase African American heritage and narrative from the historical documents is in progress. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders targeted the museum of African American legacy, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by depicting the United States “as naturally discriminatory”.
Against this backdrop, the month symbolises how minimally it can be impactful if it is limited to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the conditions of the current era. It also demonstrates how its short period means that it is disconnected from the broader ongoing work that is required. An academic expert, a prof at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a agent of progress.”
Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning
Determining how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a difficult task. There is a urge to just do away with observances such as Black History Month altogether, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are vestiges of an time that has been ineffective.
Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and tradition of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an framework that a significant effort has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.
So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is dispersed through the year (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not shy away from governmental matters, and provides room for citizens, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What use is simple recognition of the history when it ignores the current situation of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Institutions who mark it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but faced with the threats that impact society if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. To summarize, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and adaptive. Perhaps an total re-identification is required – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.