Black History Month serves as a mirror of the prevailing political atmosphere, so how do we revamp it?

We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an event that began as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where individuals of African heritage are paid to speak with white audiences about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what raising awareness is for.

The Background of Black History Month

First commemorated in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month evolved from this campaign and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in February, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, Germany, Éire and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The month has developed since that time, giving reduced attention to the accounts of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in government, the arts, and social movements, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the way the celebration is celebrated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it develops is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to tackle structural and organizational discrimination.

A Jarring Moment

Little demonstrates how crucial it is to reevaluate Black History Month as much as the specific period in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the Conservative party, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels empowered to state that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, far-right parties are growing in Europe as a complete entity.

In the United States, a significant offensive against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, often successfully, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A campaign to erase Black history and legacy from the archives is in progress. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a coordinated and broad attempt to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.

Against this backdrop, the observance symbolises how insufficiently it can be effective if it is limited to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content festivities of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the realities of the current era. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. A university professor, a educator at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she raised concerns about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”

Reconsidering, Not Discarding

Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a difficult task. There is a urge to just do away with events including Black History Month altogether, thinking they are no longer suitable, or are remnants of an period that has been ineffective.

But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – constitute an framework that a lot of work has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a dynamic entity.

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 through the year (as some institutions are already commencing), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) included in academic syllabi. It would also be a time that does not shy away from political issues, and leaves space for individuals, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves basic knowledge of the bygone era when it fails to address the present reality of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Establishments who mark it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and awareness of subtle slights, but confronted with the threats that face all if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, urgent, and responsive. Perhaps an total re-identification is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.