This commemorative month is a reflection of the political moment, so what steps can we take to refresh it?

We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it appears it’s time for a reassessment. Throughout its history, an event that began as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between global Black communities, has developed a business-like atmosphere, broadening to incorporate gatherings where Black people are remunerated to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade sparked an increase in the business of demonstrating racial awareness. But even that moment has passed. The wave has reached its height, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.

The History of Black History Celebration

Originally observed in the United States and Canada, Black History Month was established in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by African American historian Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the middle of February. Black History Month evolved from this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Today it is observed not only in the US and Canada in the second month, but also in the tenth month in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland and the Holland.

The month has evolved since its inception, placing less emphasis on the accounts of transatlantic enslavement and civil rights battles, and more 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 schools where Black History Month is most regularly observed, with talks and cultural events. But the manner the observance is observed is a manifestation of the current political situation. How it develops is a valuable example in how co-option leads to weakening: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.

A Disconcerting Period

Few things illustrate how important it is to reevaluate Black History Month more than the specific period in which it occurs this year. In the UK, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the warmer months we saw the largest far-right rally in British history. a prominent political figure, the Black leader of the Tory party, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a situation where a legislator feels emboldened to say that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a reason for concern. Simultaneously, far-right parties are surging in the EU as a entirety.

In the US, a colossal assault against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been carried, frequently with success, to the highest courts of the nation. A campaign to erase African American heritage and legacy from the archives is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's initial presidential directives focused on the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the prestigious establishment, accusing them of a organized and extensive campaign to rewrite our Nation’s history” by portraying America “as naturally discriminatory”.

In this context, the month illustrates how little it can be effective if it is limited to either obligatory business commemorations, or politically neutered festivities of contributions in the past, rather than challenging the realities of the contemporary world. It also shows how its short period means that it is detached from the broader ongoing work that is required. Denise Miller, a professor at an educational institution, expressed it perfectly when she voiced worries about the short-term symbolic gestures of the month. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she commented, “is that it often means that Black History Month evolves into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”

Reconsidering, Not Discarding

Figuring out how to adjust, modify and expand actions for equal rights and acknowledgment in such moments of dejection and worry is a treacherous thing. There is a temptation to just do away with events including Black History Month entirely, believing they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an period that has not worked.

However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and tradition of racial movements – community-based BLM initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and certainly, even commercial engagements – represent an framework that a significant effort has been dedicated to. It is there not only to deteriorate as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a dynamic entity.

So what would a fresh vibrant Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be more than a single focused period: something that is spread out through the year (as some institutions are already beginning to do), parts of its content (particularly around prominent figures of color) integrated into educational programs. It would also be a period that does not shy away from politics, and leaves space for people, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What value has mere awareness of the history when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of far-right rallies in the street? Establishments who mark it should not be comforted with the passive language of hidden discrimination and awareness of subtle slights, but confronted with the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not approached earnestly. Briefly stated, Black History Month should be made contemporary, urgent, and reactive. Perhaps an complete renaming is necessary – Black History is Now Month.