🔗 Share this article

This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it appears it’s time for a rethink. Throughout its history, an event that started out as a festivity and recollection 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 white audiences about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade generated a rise in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The surge has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.

The Background of Black History Observance

First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in February, but also in October in the Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.

The observance has evolved since that time, focusing less on the accounts of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to shape the country. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a manifestation of the political moment. How it evolves is a good lesson in how assimilation leads to weakening: the reshaping of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.

---

A Disconcerting Period

Few things illustrate how important it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the particular moment in which it falls this year. In the Britain, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the summer we observed the biggest extreme right demonstration in British history. the Conservative leader, the African descendant in charge of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a elected representative feels empowered to say that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are expanding in Europe as a complete entity.

In the United States, a massive attack against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the nation. A drive to erase Black history and experience from the historical documents is in progress. One of the former president's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as inherently racist”.

Against this backdrop, the month represents how little it can be effective if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or politically neutered commemorations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the realities of the contemporary world. It also demonstrates how its restricted time span means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. Denise Miller, a professor at University of Greenwich, expressed it perfectly when she voiced worries about the fleeting superficial actions of the month. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month becomes a fleeting performance rather than a driver of transformation.”

---

Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning

Determining how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just do away with events including Black History Month entirely, assuming they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an era that has been ineffective.

Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and legacy of racial movements – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – form an infrastructure that a significant effort has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the politics moves on (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.

So what would a contemporary active Black History Month look like? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as various establishments are already beginning to do), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a period that does not shy away from governmental matters, and leaves space for citizens, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves basic knowledge of the past when it ignores the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Institutions who mark it should not be pacified with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and awareness of subtle slights, but confronted with the dangers that face all if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. To summarize, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, urgent, and responsive. Maybe an total re-identification is required – Black History is Now Month.