Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming Narratives

Black History Month (BHM) is upon us once again and, though the sentiment behind it and the aim is to create international awareness, to me it’s a bittersweet concept. In my opinion, BHM will have really done its job when it’s no longer required at all and is instead accepted as simply ‘history’. That aside, this year's theme is “Reclaiming Narratives”, and while this may pose a few questions to those not in the community, it’s arguably the most important topic to those of us who are. Why? In simple terms, it’s because taking ownership of our stories inspires courage, has the power to challenge existing outdated notions and can ultimately change worldviews. This is of paramount importance to future generations.

Why is this year’s theme so important?

Most people are, by now, familiar with the atrocities cast upon the people of the Diaspora. Although, thankfully, today’s societal issues don’t compare to the physical mass trauma experienced by People of Colour (POC) circa 400 years ago, the aftermath can still be seen today, in racial stereotypes, microaggressions, hate crimes and so much more. Unpacking that subject is beyond the scope of this blog, so I’m opting to take a look at the importance of uplifting the voices in the community, hearing our stories, learning from our history and experiences and hopefully inspiring you to start having these conversations.

To understand the reason why “Reclaiming Narratives” holds so much weight is to acknowledge that, through the ages, Black people – to put it bluntly – were viewed as primal beings. We were seen as not as intelligent as other races, overly reactional/emotional, to be either observed, put to labour and/or enjoyed as entertainment. Add that together with the intended ostracising of Black culture from traditional world history through to the educational system, and it becomes easier to see why the fight to reclaim the narrative and re-tell our own story to our children, if no-one else, is so important. 

How did we get here?

Some of the most detrimental narratives that exist today are the fruits of a tree planted by Swedish Scientist, Carolus Linnaeus – regarded the father of ‘scientific racism’. Linnaeus' studies are acknowledged to have opened the door for the mistreatment of non-Europeans via genocide and slavery in the name of 'science'. His publication of Systema Nature (Systems of Nature) described 'Africanus' (Africans) as inhabiting the bottom of the 'natural scale' and denoted negative moral and physical attributes to them, while ‘classifying’ and categorising humans through geographic location and skin colour.

The notion of inferiority was fed into the public sphere and, as a result, it began to underpin much of the assumptions, judgements and stereotypes around Black culture that still echo in modern society. Film is arguably the most powerful medium through which to tell a story, and throughout the years Hollywood and the entertainment industry at large has evolved (although not quickly or effectively enough, in my opinion) to start removing those same damaging stereotypes. So now, with the means of production being readily available, telling a story to an audience has never been easier. 

We're fortunate enough to have the technological apparatus to document, express and communicate ideas on a global scale at lightning speed. While the tools to write the wrongs (pun-intended) are in our hands, it’s a tough challenge to reverse the damage that has been insidiously fed into in Western society and taken a seat at the table of 'normality' for so long. 

What can we do?

So where do we start? At the beginning. The creatives among us – the filmmakers, bloggers, musicians, authors and performers are all using their gifts to rebuild the foundation of Black culture for future generations to understand, reconnect and use the keys of knowledge to open the doors of empowerment. However, it’s not an exclusive job for creatives, we can all play a part. If you're an ally, advocate for fairness, ask questions, be prepared to challenge your own ideas and probably most importantly, teach your children what Diversity, Equity & Inclusion looks, sounds… and feels like.