This commemorative month is a reflection of the prevailing political atmosphere, so in what ways can we modernize it?

We are in Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it appears it’s time for a re-evaluation. Over the years, an celebration that started out as a commemorative event of the past, cultural identity and bonds between Black populations worldwide, has taken on a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate functions where African descendants are paid to talk to predominantly white listeners about “unconscious bias” and supportive partnership. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has reached its height, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what promoting consciousness is for.

The History of Black History Celebration

Originally observed in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was established in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with a week of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month grew out of this initiative and was formally inaugurated in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the North America in the second month, but also in autumn in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Éire and the Netherlands.

The month has evolved since that time, focusing less on the histories of colonial slavery and fights for racial justice, and greater focus on notable African descendants in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the input Black people have made to mold society. It is in learning environments where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with lectures and artistic activities. But the manner the observance is celebrated is a reflection of the current political situation. How it develops is a good lesson in how co-option leads to dismantling: the reshaping of Black History Month has hindered the point of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.

A Jarring Moment

Few things illustrate how important it is to rethink Black History Month better than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the Britain, a revitalized conservative movement in the shape of the Reform political group is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a firm opponent of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a elected representative feels empowered to declare that “not seeing any white faces” in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, ultra-nationalist movements are expanding in Europe as a complete entity.

In the America, a colossal assault against DEI and affirmative action has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the supreme judicial bodies of the country. A effort to erase Black history and narrative from the archives is in progress. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a “concerted and widespread effort to change the national past” by depicting the United States “as inherently racist”.

In this context, the observance represents how little it can be impactful if it is restricted to either routine organizational acknowledgments, or stripped of political content festivities of historical achievements, rather than confronting the conditions of the current era. It also reveals how its short period means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is required. A university professor, a professor at University of Greenwich, articulated it most accurately when she expressed apprehension about the fleeting superficial actions of the celebration. “The difficulty with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month becomes a brief show rather than a catalyst for change.”

Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning

Establishing how to adjust, modify and expand efforts for racial equality and recognition in such periods of dismay and anxiety is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with things like Black History Month altogether, believing they are simply not fit for purpose, or are relics of an era that has failed to deliver.

But despite everything, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and tradition of campaigns for equality – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an infrastructure that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not merely to decline as the politics moves on (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a dynamic entity.

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 throughout the annual calendar (as certain organizations are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) included in school curriculums. It would also be a era that does not evade political issues, and provides room for people, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What value has simple recognition of the bygone era when it ignores the contemporary truth of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Organizations who observe it should not be pacified with the passive language of “unconscious bias” and awareness of “microaggressions”, but challenged by the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. To summarize, Black History Month should be made current, pressing, and reactive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is necessary – Black History is Now Month.