The annual Black History observance 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 rethink. Over the years, an observance that began as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a commercial tone, expanding to include functions where Black people are remunerated to address predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business of showcasing anti-racist commitment. But even that moment has passed. The tide has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.

The Origins of Black History Month

First commemorated in the America and its northern neighbor, 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 commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked not only in the US and Canada in the second month, but also in autumn in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and the the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The period has transformed since that time, focusing less on the histories of colonial slavery and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on influential individuals of color in politics, culture, and activism, and extensively acknowledging the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the month is observed is a indication of the political moment. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to dismantling: the reshaping of Black History Month has stymied 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 current time in which it falls this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform political group is leading the polls. In the recent season we saw the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a member of parliament gains confidence to state that a lack of white people in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Simultaneously, far-right parties are surging in the European continent as a entirety.

In the America, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, often successfully, to the highest courts of the nation. A effort to erase African American heritage and narrative from the historical documents is under way. One of the former president's first executive orders focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, claiming they of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as fundamentally prejudiced”.

Given these circumstances, the observance illustrates how minimally it can be impactful if it is confined to either obligatory business commemorations, or stripped of political content celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the realities of the present. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is required. Denise Miller, a prof at an educational institution, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The difficulty with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”

Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning

Determining how to adapt, revise and extend initiatives for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a urge to just do away with things like Black History Month entirely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are relics of an era that has failed to deliver.

However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and tradition of activism for racial justice – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an foundation that a considerable labor has gone into. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a vital organism.

So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be not just one concentrated month: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into school curriculums. It would also be a era that does not evade governmental matters, and provides room for citizens, particularly young people, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves simple recognition of the history when it fails to address the present reality of far-right rallies in the public spaces? Establishments who observe it should not be reassured with the neutral terminology of “unconscious bias” and awareness of subtle slights, but challenged by the dangers that impact society if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and adaptive. Maybe an total re-identification is in order – Contemporary Black History Month.