The annual Black History observance is a reflection of the current political climate, 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 rethink. Throughout its history, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass functions where Black people are paid to talk to Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the enterprise of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The wave has peaked, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.

The History of Black History Month

Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was created in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with seven days of commemoration and observance in the middle of February. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was officially launched in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in winter, but also in the tenth month in the UK, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The month has transformed since its inception, focusing less on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and more on notable African descendants in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with talks and cultural events. But the way the month is celebrated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a good lesson in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.

A Disconcerting Period

Few things illustrate how important it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a reemerging right-wing in the shape of the Reform organization is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we observed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a firm opponent of anti-racism activism, and we are in a place where a elected representative gains confidence to state that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a source of worry. At the same time, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in the EU as a entirety.

In the United States, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, often successfully, to the top legal institutions of the state. A drive to erase the history of people of color and narrative from the historical documents is under way. One of the former president's initial presidential directives focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to change the national past” by portraying America “as fundamentally prejudiced”.

In this context, the month represents how little it can be influential if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content celebrations of historical achievements, rather than confronting the situation of the present. It also shows how its short period means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. A university professor, a professor at a learning establishment, expressed it perfectly when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the observance. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”

Reconsidering, Not Discarding

Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for equal rights and acknowledgment in such moments of dejection and worry is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just do away with things like Black History Month altogether, thinking they are simply not fit for purpose, or are remnants of an era that has failed to deliver.

However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an infrastructure that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, regresses), but to be a living breathing thing.

So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? Well, first, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is distributed throughout the annual calendar (as some institutions are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around historic Black characters) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a era that does not shy away from politics, and provides room for people, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What use is mere awareness of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the urban areas? Institutions who mark it should not be comforted with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and sensitivity to subtle slights, but confronted with the risks that affect everyone if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, critical, and responsive. Perhaps an complete renaming is required – Black History is Now Month.