Black History 365 vs. White History Year: Disrupting the One-Month Paradigm

As October dawns, signifying the beginning of Black History Month in the United Kingdom, a compelling question lingers: Why do we earmark only one month to acknowledge and celebrate the richness of Black culture, history, and contributions? Particularly when the tapestry of mainstream narratives continues to be overwhelmingly white for the rest of the year?

It's as though a vibrant and multifaceted canvas of stories gets relegated to the corner for eleven months, only to be briefly showcased in October. This phenomenon isn't merely a metaphor; it mirrors a pervasive systemic bias across our educational system, media channels, and social discourse.

As an English Ghanaian, my pride swelled in knowing that Ghana led the charge for African independence, becoming the first nation on the continent to gain independence from colonial rule. Moreover, it's invigorating to acknowledge that Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, among other activists, initiated Black History Month in the United Kingdom. Such pioneering steps exemplify the transformative power that one nation, one individual, can have on an en

tire diaspora.

Black History Month serves as an annual observance and an illuminating spotlight. It highlights awe-inspiring yet often overlooked triumphs and legacies of Black individuals. Yet, this spotlight simultaneously casts long, discomforting shadows over issues we often evade—the continued marginalisation and siloing of Black history and experiences into segmented times of observance.

This intricate exploration aims to delve into this paradox. It's enriched by the underpinnings of intersectionality, cultural consciousness, and action-oriented, tailored solutions, principles central to my book, "White Talking Therapy Can't Think in Black!" and my therapeutic methodology, Bempong Talking Therapy. Together, let us navigate this complex terrain, questing for a more inclusive and equitable future that recognises the value of every story throughout the entire year.

A Foray into Historical Foundations: The Birth of Black History Month

Emanating from a crucible of African American intellectual vigour, Black History Month originated as "Negro History Week" in the United States in February 1926. This ground-breaking initiative was spearheaded by the eminent historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Woodson, a Harvard-educated academic, was acutely aware of the glaring void in mainstream education concerning African-American history and achievements. February was carefully selected to coincide with the birthdays of towering figures in the abolitionist movement: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass (Daryl Michael Scott, "The Origins of Black History Month," Association for the Study of African American Life and History, 2011).

As an English Ghanaian, I can't help but swell with pride when tracing the timeline of Black History Month to the United Kingdom's adoption in October 1987. This remarkable milestone is mainly attributed to Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a Ghanaian analyst and other committed activists (Stephen Bourne, "Black in the British Frame: The Black Experience in British Film and Television," 2001). Ghana, the first African colony to gain independence in 1957, has a legacy of pioneering movements for change, which is no different in the arena of Black History Month in the United Kingdom.

Addai-Sebo, motivated by deeply personal experiences that spotlighted the shortcomings of the UK's historical and cultural education, joined forces with the Greater London Council to introduce Black History Month to British soil. The decision to anchor this observance in October rather than February, as is customary in the United States, was influenced by the strategic aim to engage schools, organisations, and communities at the onset of the academic year (Addai-Sebo, Akyaaba, "Why We Introduced Black History Month," The Guardian, October 4, 2007).

The initiative launched by Addai-Sebo and the Council was revolutionary, extending beyond merely celebrating Black Britons' accomplishments. Its expansive vision encapsulated the need for dialogue centred on eradicating anti-Black racism, enhancing community well-being, and fostering a comprehensive and inclusive lens for cultural and historical education in the UK. This reflects the broader spirit of pioneering social change that I deeply admire and associate with my Ghanaian heritage.

Examining Black History Month Through Bempong Talking Therapy Principles

The annual observance of Black History Month brings both celebration and contemplation. While the month serves as an essential platform for recognising the incredible contributions and historical significance of Black individuals and communities, it also opens up dialogues around the complexities of its existence within our calendars. The compartmentalisation of Black history into just one month may inadvertently echo the very separateness it seeks to eradicate. This aspect is particularly concerning from the vantage point of Bempong Talking Therapy, where the principles strongly advocate for personal growth, cultural awareness, and unity.

The notion of limiting the rich tapestry of Black history to a solitary month can generate a counterproductive psychological environment. It could inadvertently foster a mindset of 'otherness,' a term antithetical to the ideals of inclusivity and unity. Within the context of Bempong Talking Therapy, we emphasise the necessity of a year-round, comprehensive approach to history and culture. By doing so, we can better align with the therapy's core values that champion an intersectional framework for understanding both ourselves and the society we inhabit. Thus, the challenge moving forward is to use Black History Month not as an endpoint but as a catalyst for continual exploration, recognition, and celebration of Black contributions and experiences.

Decoding "White History Year": The Mainstream Paradigm

The phrase "white history year" resonates as more than just an audacious term; it's a crystallisation of a disturbing truth many of us experience in the educational landscape. The curricula across various academic disciplines are overwhelmingly Eurocentric, propagating a lopsided narrative obscuring Black individuals and communities' multifaceted contributions and experiences.

As an English Ghanaian who has navigated the educational system in Britain, I can attest to this imbalance first-hand. My educational journey included a close study of psychology—a field ostensibly universal in its focus on the human mind and behaviour but practically steeped in Western paradigms. Concepts explored in mainstream psychology classes often derive from theories grounded in a Eurocentric worldview, ignoring non-Western perspectives or relegating them to mere footnotes.

My book, "White Talking Therapy Can't Think in Black," amplifies this concern. The psychology I initially encountered in my academic career was whitewashed, perpetuating narratives that didn't speak to the myriad experiences of Black individuals. The absence of an intersectional approach in these educational contexts not only marginalised crucial perspectives but also reinforced an implicit bias that the Eurocentric view is somehow universal. This negates the principles of Bempong Talking Therapy, which stresses the importance of cultural awareness and inclusivity in fostering mental well-being and personal development.

Suppose we aspire for an educational system that genuinely reflects the cultural richness of Britain. In that case, our teaching frameworks must be as diverse as the mosaic of communities they aim to serve. It's high time we question why Eurocentric perspectives remain the default against which all other cultural standpoints are compared and often found lacking. We must push for a curriculum that showcases the contributions of Black scholars, activists, and communities—not just as a part of "special programmes" or "ethnic studies" but as an integral part of mainstream educational content.

In line with the tailored solutions I often advocate, reforming our educational curriculum isn't just about adding diversity; it's about dismantling a structure that perpetuates inequality and constructing a new, more inclusive foundation. Doing so is crucial for individual growth and fostering a more empathic, equitable society. After all, a curriculum that encompasses diverse histories and experiences empowers us all, acting as a launchpad for ongoing community involvement, dialogues, and transformative social change.

An Intersectional Framework: The Complex Web of Multiple Identities

Through an intersectional lens, we can examine the lives of individuals who identify with more than one marginalised group. Intersectionality provides us with the intellectual tools needed to represent layered narratives during Black History Month and throughout the year.

The Human Narrative Behind Data Points

Statistics are far more than numbers; they tell the stories of individuals, each imbued with hopes, ambitions, and challenges. These are data points and narratives that must be heard and addressed.

Tailored Solutions for a More Inclusive Tomorrow

1. Curriculum Revamp: An urgent reformation of the national curriculum to include diverse histories is imperative.

2. Year-Round Community Involvement: A shift from a single-month focus to ongoing, culturally sensitive community initiatives is essential.

3. Media Representation: An inclusive portrayal of diverse voices in media outlets is necessary for fostering national unity.

4. Corporate Responsibility: Companies should go beyond lip service to integrate diversity and inclusivity into their ethos and training modules.

The Final Word: Shifting the Paradigm for a Unified Future

The perspectives and solutions articulated in my ground-breaking book, "White Talking Therapy Can't Think in Black," serve as more than just a call to conversation—they are a clarion call for transformative action. This pivotal moment in history beckons us to expand our collective mindset far beyond the confines of a single month. Indeed, the tapestry of our shared heritage should be celebrated and honoured, not just in October but every single day of the year.

True inclusivity and equity aren't mere buzzwords; they are societal imperatives. Inclusivity becomes a powerful catalyst when embraced through an intersectional lens—acknowledging the intricate webs of identity that constitute our individual experiences. It possesses the transformative potential to redefine the narratives that shape our lives and, by extension, the world around us.

So, let's not allow Black History Month to be an isolated period of reflection. Instead, make it the launchpad for a year-round, life-long commitment to amplifying the richness of our shared human tapestry. History, in its most genuinely encompassing form, belongs to everyone.

Individual and corporate actions are needed to drive home this paradigm shift. Therefore, I offer tailored solutions through my consultancy services for those who are ready to make a deep-seated, meaningful change. From individual therapy sessions rooted in the principles of Bempong Talking Therapy to bespoke corporate training programmes, my services are designed to foster cultural consciousness, mental well-being, and holistic personal development.

Let's transition from rhetoric to action, acknowledgement to the celebration, and division to unity. After all, the first step toward solving a problem is recognising there is one—and then doing something about it.

So, are you ready to leap towards a more equitable future? Get in touch today. Let's embark on this exhilarating journey towards a more inclusive tomorrow together.

References

? The inception of "Negro History Week" by Carter G. Woodson is referenced from Daryl Michael Scott's "The Origins of Black History Month," published by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 2011.

? The UK's adoption of Black History Month in 1987, attributed to Akyaaba Addai-Sebo and other activists, is sourced from Stephen Bourne's book "Black in the British Frame: The Black Experience in British Film and Television," published in 2001.

? Additional information about Addai-Sebo's motivations and the strategic timing in October is referenced from his article, "Why We Introduced Black History Month," published in The Guardian on October 4, 2007.