Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so in what ways can we modernize it?

It's Black History Month in the UK, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an event that was initiated as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has developed a commercial tone, expanding to include functions where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and active solidarity. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. However, that period has concluded. The surge has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what increasing understanding is for.

The Origins of Black History Month

First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as a week dedicated to Negro history by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the second week of February. Black History Month evolved from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the United States and Canada in the second month, but also in October in the Britain, Germany, Ireland and the Holland.

The period has evolved since that time, placing less emphasis on the accounts of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and increasingly on influential individuals of color in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the impact Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the method the observance is observed is a manifestation of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a good lesson in how co-option leads to weakening: the restructuring of Black History Month has stymied the purpose of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.

A Troubling Time

Hardly anything shows how important it is to reconsider Black History Month as much as the current time in which it falls this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the guise of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we saw the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. a prominent political figure, the African descendant in charge of the Conservative party, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a elected representative gains confidence to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are surging in the European continent as a entirety.

In the US, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been taken, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the state. A effort to erase African American heritage and legacy from the records is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a organized and extensive campaign to alter the country's historical narrative” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.

In this context, the month symbolises how little it can be effective if it is limited to either obligatory business commemorations, or stripped of political content celebrations of contributions in the past, rather than addressing the conditions of the contemporary world. It also shows how its short period means that it is separated from the broader ongoing work that is necessary. Denise Miller, a professor at a learning establishment, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the celebration. “The difficulty with adopting a symbolic stance”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month becomes a transient display rather than a catalyst for change.”

Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning

Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a challenging endeavor. There is a inclination to just discontinue things like Black History Month completely, thinking they are simply not fit for purpose, or are vestiges of an period that has not worked.

Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the whole broad system and legacy of racial movements – community-based BLM initiatives, inclusion and equity efforts, and indeed, including corporate presentations – represent an foundation that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not merely to decline as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.

So what would a new dynamic Black History Month look like? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is distributed through the year (as various establishments are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in school curriculums. It would also be a time that does not evade politics, and leaves space for individuals, particularly youth, to air their fears and experiences. What purpose serves basic knowledge of the past when it ignores the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the public spaces? Institutions who mark it should not be comforted with the non-confrontational words of implicit prejudice and awareness of “microaggressions”, but challenged by the risks that face all if anti-racism is not approached earnestly. In short, Black History Month should be made contemporary, pressing, and responsive. Perhaps an total re-identification is required – Black History is Now Month.