I can’t count the number of times that I’ve heard “I mean, Black History Month isn’t fair is it? There’s no White History Month”, often from well-meaning friends and colleagues. While there should not have to be a Black History Month, objecting to its existence shows a fundamental misunderstanding about what racism is, and the position of Black people in society.
But before we get onto that, let’s look into the background of Black History Month. Black History Month is a celebration and recognition of the history and contributions of Black people across the world, started in America in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. He was known as the “father of Black History” due to his work to shine a spotlight on African American history – not taught in school, therefore essentially “missing” from common knowledge. History was consistently viewed through the lens of Whiteness, with the perspective of white people seen as the default. The achievements of African Americans were also absent. In an attempt to rectify this, Woodson launched a week-long celebration of Black culture in 1926, and in 1976 President Gerald Ford officially recognised Black History Month in America.
Black History Month was officially launched in Scotland in 2001 and has been celebrated in October every year since then. As well as celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people in Scotland and across the world, Scottish Black History Month also celebrates those who are Politically Black, including people of Afro-Caribbean and Asian descent. This recognises all visibly racialised people as a nod to Britain’s Colonial past.
I celebrate Black History Month, however I am aware that the concept of the month is not always received in the spirit it was intended. In the case of my afore-mentioned friends and colleagues, white people in Scotland do not always recognise that racism is structural, institutional and built into society, not just one-off events of prejudice. If you cannot see that history as we know it is essentially white history, Black History Month seems unfair. This viewpoint is often used to derail anti-racist conversations and minimise racism in Scotland.
Additionally, many individuals and institutions believe that celebrating Black History Month one month a year is enough to show that they are not racist. All anti-racist efforts are valid, but short-term efforts do little to address racism as a structure and building block of Scottish society. Being “not racist” is not enough – anti-racism means actively unlearning racist societal norms and challenging them at every opportunity.
It is important that we also look at Black History Month intersectionally and consider the layered, multiple forms of discrimination that Black people face – Black women who will experience Misogynoir (a manifestation of racism and sexism that is linked to both their gender and race); Disabled and Neurodivergent Black people who struggle to access culturally sensitive assessment, diagnosis and support; migrants who are currently being used as a scapegoat for all of society’s ills despite having no power or access to resources. If we meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups, we will meet the needs of everyone.
Black History Month should not exist because Black History is History. However, until society fully celebrates the achievements of Black people every day, we need Black History Month. I wish it didn’t have to exist, but I’m glad it does.