Black History - Month?

Each February we are encouraged to celebrate, read about and learn more about Black history. Magazines are full of articles, the internet goes wild, shops promote books and products from Black creators. But then it's gone, and in the blink of an eye the next set of peoples, histories and causes are being promoted.

I'll be the first to admit, I do not know enough about #Blackhistory. Growing up in England it's not something that was covered in school or talked about in general. That's not an excuse though. As individuals we shouldn't be content to just accept the information, or lack thereof, that's offered to us. Look back through history. Take a look at the news today. How many tragic events could be prevented if we all had a bit more knowledge? A lot more empathy?

Is a month enough?

“Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits.” - Barack Obama

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson — an African American historian who graduated from Harvard with a Ph.D. — founded Negro History Week to highlight the history, lives, and contributions of Black Americans to American society. In 1976, Negro History Week stretched into a month-long celebration under President Gerald Ford.

In 2022 #BlackHistoryMonth is recognized in the USA, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland and United Kingdom (although the later three nations celebrate it in October.)

Now, increasingly, there are questions being raised about the validity and impact of Black History Month. Many feel that by labelling one month a year this way we are at risk of continuing the separation of Black #history from general history and teaching further generations that it's ok to see Black people and their voices as separate. Many would ask the question - where's the White History Month?

For myself

This year, like many previous years, I saw the news articles, the shop displays, read the posters and knew I ought to be doing more. My knowledge of Black history needs improving. My understanding of the current Black community across Canada and the USA is lacking. I have only one book on my shelves written by a Black author. None of this is by choice, but if I do not work to change then that is a clear choice.

My local bookshop, Livres Lac Brome, created a beautiful display of Black authors and I finally increased the #diversity of my bookshelves. But if I'm honest, did I buy the book because it was written by a Black author? No. I chose it because the story spoke to me and I was intrigued to know more. I can't wait to read it (keep an eye out for my review when I do!).

Why does this matter to me as an author?

“Books written by Black people are more likely to avoid stereotypes, biases and less likely to exoticize Black bodies. Books by Black authors depict Black people with everyday experiences.”

As a writer I am constantly working to improve. Words are the way I express myself. They have the power to take readers to a different place, to transform a mood. They also have the power to damage, to hurt. I had a conversation with a writer friend of mine not long ago. I asked her to read the description I'd written of a Black character. She's white, I'm white. So really, was she the person I should have been asking?

If I want to represent a wider spectrum of #colour, #race, #culture and #faith in my books, then it's up to me to read more books written by people from those backgrounds. By not doing so I dilute my own understanding, empathy and descriptive abilities.

Events like Black History Month remind all of us that we have a duty to learn about and try to understand perspectives and experiences beyond our own or those of our close circle. I agree that Black history should be spoken about every month, but sometimes we all need a reminder.

Got an opinion?

I'd love to know what you think about this topic? Do you agree with those who say Black History Month shouldn't be a thing any more? Do you have a #Blackauthor to recommend?

Let me know in the comments or drop me a message. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.