Black History Month acts as a gauge of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?

This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a reassessment. Over the years, an observance that was initiated as a celebration and reminder of heritage, traditions and links between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate functions where Black people are remunerated to speak with white audiences about “unconscious bias” and active solidarity. The 2020s Black Lives Matter protests created a surge in the enterprise of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The wave has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.

The History of Black History Observance

Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this campaign and was publicly established in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in February, but also in autumn in the Britain, Deutschland, the Republic of Ireland and the Holland.

The period has transformed since its inception, placing less emphasis on the histories of colonial slavery and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in government, the arts, and social movements, and extensively acknowledging the input 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 method the month is celebrated is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a instructive case in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.

A Disconcerting Period

Few things illustrate how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the summer we observed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Conservative party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a member of parliament feels empowered to say that “not seeing any white faces” in certain urban areas is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are growing in Europe as a entirety.

In the United States, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to erase African American heritage and legacy from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the former president's initial presidential directives focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as fundamentally prejudiced”.

Against this backdrop, the month represents how insufficiently it can be impactful if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered festivities of historical achievements, rather than confronting the situation of the current era. It also reveals how its short period means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is needed. Denise Miller, a educator at an educational institution, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”

Reevaluating, Not Abandoning

Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand actions for racial equality and recognition in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with things like Black History Month entirely, assuming they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an period 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 – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, inclusion and equity efforts, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an infrastructure that a lot of work has gone into. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, deteriorates), 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 across all seasons (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not evade governmental matters, and leaves space for people, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What use is mere awareness of the past when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the street? Organizations who mark it should not be pacified with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and sensitivity to minor insults, but confronted with the dangers that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not approached earnestly. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, critical, and adaptive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is required – Black History is Now Month.