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This is Black History Month in the United Kingdom, and it seems it’s time for a rethink. Over the years, an observance that was initiated as a commemorative event of heritage, traditions and links between Black populations worldwide, has developed a business-like atmosphere, growing to encompass gatherings where individuals of African heritage are remunerated to talk to Caucasian groups about implicit prejudice and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s sparked an increase in the business of displaying cultural sensitivity. However, that period has concluded. The tide has crested, resulting in a somewhat empty inheritance of what raising awareness is for.

The History of Black History Month

First commemorated in the US and Canada, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with seven days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month grew out of this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the North America in February, but also in the tenth month in the UK, Deutschland, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The month has transformed since its inception, giving reduced attention to the histories of the slave trade across the Atlantic and civil rights battles, and increasingly on prominent Black figures in politics, culture, and activism, and broadly celebrating the contribution Black people have made to mold society. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most frequently marked, with lectures and artistic activities. But the method the celebration is commemorated is a reflection of the political moment. How it progresses is a valuable example in how co-option leads to dismantling: the restructuring of Black History Month has hindered the objective of it, which is to tackle systemic and institutional racism.

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A Disconcerting Period

Little demonstrates how important it is to rethink Black History Month better than the particular moment in which it takes place this year. In the Britain, a revitalized conservative movement in the form of the Reform political group is ahead in surveys. In the warmer months we witnessed the most significant ultra-conservative gathering in British history. Kemi Badenoch, the Black leader of the right-wing political group, is a staunch adversary of the racial justice movement, and we are in a place where a member of parliament gains confidence to state that the absence of Caucasian individuals in certain urban areas is a cause for alarm. Meanwhile, extreme conservative groups are expanding in the EU as a entirety.

In the United States, a massive attack against diversity initiatives and positive discrimination has been taken, repeatedly with positive outcomes, to the highest courts of the nation. A drive to erase Black history and legacy from the records is ongoing. One of Donald Trump's early administrative commands targeted the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the Smithsonian Institution, alleging that they of a coordinated and broad attempt to rewrite our Nation’s history” by representing the nation “as fundamentally prejudiced”.

Against this backdrop, the observance represents how little it can be impactful if it is confined to either dutiful corporate observances, or depoliticized celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the situation of the present. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is separated from the wider consistent effort that is necessary. Denise Miller, a educator at a learning establishment, put it best when she expressed apprehension about the short-term symbolic gestures of the month. “The problem with taking a tokenistic approach”, she stated, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month turns into a brief show rather than a driver of transformation.”

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Rethinking, But Not Jettisoning

Figuring out how to adapt, revise and extend actions for fair treatment and appreciation in such moments of dejection and worry is a challenging endeavor. There is a urge to just eliminate things like Black History Month altogether, believing they are no longer suitable, or are relics of an period that has been ineffective.

Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the entire extended network and legacy of campaigns for equality – local anti-racism groups, DEI programs, and yes, even those talks to businesses – constitute an infrastructure that a significant effort has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the political landscape shifts (and in fact, declines), but to be a living breathing thing.

So what would a new dynamic Black History Month appear as? Well, first, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is spread out throughout the annual calendar (as various establishments are already starting to implement), elements of its material (particularly around notable African descendants) incorporated into academic syllabi. It would also be a period that does not evade governmental matters, and allows opportunity for individuals, particularly the younger generation, to express their concerns and stories. What use is basic knowledge of the history when it ignores the current situation of far-right rallies in the street? Institutions who celebrate it should not be pacified with the non-confrontational words of “unconscious bias” and alertness to “microaggressions”, but confronted with the dangers that face all if fight against prejudice is not taken seriously. In short, Black History Month should be made current, urgent, and responsive. Maybe an entire name rebrand is necessary – Black History is Now Month.