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We are in Black History Month in the UK, and it feels like it’s time for a re-evaluation. Throughout its history, an celebration that started out as a celebration and reminder of history, culture and the connections between global Black communities, has taken on a commercial tone, expanding to include gatherings where Black people are paid to speak with predominantly white listeners about hidden biases and “allyship”. The demonstrations for racial justice in the 2020s created a surge in the industry of demonstrating racial awareness. Yet, that phase is now over. The surge has peaked, leaving a sort of hollowed out legacy of what increasing understanding is for.

The Origins of Black History Celebration

Initially celebrated in the America and its northern neighbor, Black History Month was conceived in 1962 as “Negro History Week” by Black scholar Carter G. Woodson with multiple days of remembrance and recognition in the February's second week. Black History Month developed from this initiative and was publicly established in 1970. Now it is celebrated not only in the US and Canada in February, but also in October in the UK, Deutschland, Éire and the Netherlands.

The month has developed since those days, focusing less on the accounts of colonial slavery and civil rights battles, and greater focus on prominent Black figures in public life, creative fields, and advocacy, and widely honoring the contribution Black people have made to influence the nation. It is in educational institutions where Black History Month is most commonly celebrated, with discussions and heritage festivities. But the method the month is observed is a indication of the contemporary political context. How it evolves is a valuable example in how appropriation leads to erosion: the transformation of Black History Month has hindered the purpose of it, which is to confront structural and organizational discrimination.

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A Troubling Time

Little demonstrates how critical it is to reconsider Black History Month more than the current time in which it takes place this year. In the United Kingdom, a resurgent right in the form of the Reform party is top in opinion ratings. In the recent season we observed the largest far-right rally in the UK's past. a prominent political figure, the person of color at the helm of the right-wing political group, is a strong critic of Black Lives Matter, and we are in a position where a member of parliament gains confidence to say that “not seeing any white faces” in specific city neighborhoods is a reason for concern. Meanwhile, ultra-nationalist movements are growing in the EU as a whole.

In the United States, a massive attack against inclusion programs and preferential policies has been brought, often successfully, to the highest courts of the country. A drive to scrub Black history and experience from the historical documents is ongoing. One of the political figure's initial presidential directives aimed at the institution dedicated to Black heritage, and the renowned cultural organization, accusing them of a “concerted and widespread effort to alter the country's historical narrative” by representing the nation “as naturally discriminatory”.

In this context, the observance illustrates how insufficiently it can be effective if it is restricted to either dutiful corporate observances, or politically neutered celebrations of historical achievements, rather than challenging the conditions of the present. It also demonstrates how its limited duration means that it is detached from the more extensive continuous action that is required. A university professor, a educator at an educational institution, articulated it most accurately when she raised concerns about the temporary “tokenism” of the month. “The problem with embracing a superficial method”, she wrote, “is that it typically leads to that Black History Month evolves into a transient display rather than a driver of transformation.”

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Reconsidering, Not Discarding

Figuring out how to alter, change and broaden initiatives for fair treatment and appreciation in such times of discouragement and concern is a challenging endeavor. There is a temptation to just do away with things like Black History Month completely, thinking they are inadequate for current needs, or are remnants of an time that has not worked.

Yet, in spite of all this, Black History Month, and in fact the complete comprehensive structure and heritage of campaigns for equality – grassroots Black Lives Matter organisations, DEI programs, and indeed, including corporate presentations – form an foundation that a considerable labor has been invested in. It is there not just to decay as the situation evolves (and in fact, deteriorates), but to be a living breathing thing.

So what would a new dynamic Black History Month seem? To begin with, it would be extended beyond a brief observance: something that is dispersed across all seasons (as certain organizations are already starting to implement), sections of its curriculum (particularly around prominent figures of color) included in educational programs. It would also be a period that does not shy away from politics, and allows opportunity for people, particularly the younger generation, to share their anxieties and narratives. What value has basic knowledge of the history when it ignores the present reality of extreme conservative demonstrations in the public spaces? Institutions who observe it should not be pacified with the passive language of implicit prejudice and alertness to minor insults, but faced 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 adaptive. It could be that an entire name rebrand is necessary – Present-Day African Heritage Celebration.