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We are in Black History Month in the Britain, and it feels like it’s time for a rethink. As time has passed, an event that began as a commemorative event of history, culture and the connections between international African diaspora communities, has adopted a commercial tone, growing to encompass gatherings where Black people are remunerated to talk to Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The anti-racism rallies of the last decade created a surge in the industry of showcasing anti-racist commitment. However, that period has concluded. The tide has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what promoting consciousness is for.

The Origins of Black History Celebration

First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was created in 1962 as an observance of African American heritage by historian of African descent Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of celebration and reflection in the second week of February. Black History Month developed from this movement and was officially launched in 1970. Currently it is marked 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 Holland.

The observance has transformed since that time, focusing less on the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and struggles for equality, and more on influential individuals of color in government, the arts, and social movements, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in schools where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the manner the celebration is commemorated is a reflection of the contemporary political context. How it develops is a valuable example in how co-option leads to dismantling: the transformation of Black History Month has impeded the purpose of it, which is to confront systemic and institutional racism.

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A Jarring Moment

Few things illustrate how crucial it is to reconsider Black History Month better than the specific period in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a reemerging right-wing in the form of the Reform organization is top in opinion ratings. In the summer we witnessed the biggest extreme right demonstration in the history of Britain. the Conservative leader, the person of color at the helm of the Tory party, is a strong critic of anti-racism activism, and we are in a position where a legislator gains confidence to say that a lack of white people in parts of a city is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are expanding in Europe as a complete entity.

In the America, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, frequently with success, to the top legal institutions of the nation. A drive to erase Black history and experience from the records is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's first executive orders aimed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institution, accusing them of a “concerted and widespread effort 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 restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or stripped of political content celebrations of former accomplishments, rather than confronting the conditions of the present. It also reveals how its limited duration means that it is separated from the more extensive continuous action that is necessary. A university professor, a prof at University of Greenwich, put it best when she voiced worries about the temporary “tokenism” of the observance. “The issue with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it frequently results in that Black History Month turns into a fleeting performance rather than a catalyst for change.”

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Reevaluating, Not Abandoning

Determining how to adjust, modify and expand initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a difficult task. There is a temptation to just do away with events including Black History Month completely, believing they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an era that has not worked.

However, regardless of the situation, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and heritage of activism for racial justice – local anti-racism groups, diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, and yes, even those talks to businesses – form an infrastructure that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not only to deteriorate as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a vital organism.

So what would a contemporary active Black History Month seem? Firstly, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out across all seasons (as some institutions are already beginning to do), sections of its curriculum (particularly around notable African descendants) included in educational programs. It would also be a period that does not evade politics, and provides room for citizens, particularly youth, to express their concerns and stories. What use is simple recognition of the bygone era when it doesn’t reckon with the current situation of ultra-nationalist gatherings in the urban areas? Establishments who celebrate it should not be pacified with the neutral terminology of hidden discrimination and alertness to subtle slights, but challenged by the risks that affect everyone if opposition to discrimination is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made up-to-date, pressing, and adaptive. It could be that an total re-identification is in order – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.