As we move towards the end of another Black History Month, a recurring question has been surfacing in my mind: are we not growing weary of this tradition? Perhaps not in the literal sense, but there is something that feels incomplete, as though the narrative hasn’t evolved with the times. It’s saddening that we are still addressing this subject matter in 2024, hence, shouldn’t we start calling for a rebranding — perhaps something like Black Integration Month?

Allow me to clarify:

Yes, Black History Month has played an invaluable role. It’s offered space for the celebration of Black achievements, for recognising and educating society on the contributions of Black people. But in today’s world, is highlighting history and celebrating achievements adding real value? Diversity is increasingly inevitable in today’s world, especially across cities and professional settings, so why should Black achievements still need a separate month to be acknowledged?

While I fully recognise the immense struggles that Black people have faced, we must acknowledge that many other races have also experienced significant discrimination and oppression throughout history.

Living in Scotland, I’ve found ourselves in a predominantly white society that, on the surface, have accepted us. But is acceptance truly the goal? Does that demonstrate genuine inclusion? As Verna Myers, the renowned diversity advocate, so eloquently put it: “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” And that’s where Black History Month, for all its merits, might fall short. Celebrating history once a year does not equate to actual integration.

Let me tell you this:

For our children, growing up and learning within these systems, what do these celebrations represent? Do they, consciously or unconsciously, absorb the idea that their Black peers are somehow in need of recognition, validation, or pity because of our history? Does Black History Month create a sense of division rather than a drive towards equality and inclusion?

What’s needed is not just acknowledgement but a reimagining of how Black people integrate into society — a way to actively push for environments where diversity isn’t simply tolerated but welcomed. That’s where #BlackIntegrationMonth could come in. The idea is to go beyond recognition to full inclusion, where every system, every institution, and every community consciously levels the playing field, seeing Black people as nothing short of one of themselves.

I’m encouraged by the theme of Black History Month 2024, #ReclaimingNarratives:

Perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to reframe the conversation. Celebrating Black contributions to society should not be about setting us apart, but about ensuring that our stories are seen as an integral part of a collectively modern society.

No matter the contributions of Black people, if society, especially our white counterparts fails to recognise that our differences are simply beyond our skin colour, that we are all products of different styles, ways of thinking, tone of voices, then the battle is only halfway won. Acknowledging the achievements of Black individuals is important, but it’s time to push for the next level: a fully inclusive society.

I’d love to experience a white person giving me that “nod” of acknowledgment as I walk down the street, recognising my presence. I want that experience for my kids and grandkids.

I strongly believe that renaming #BlackHistoryMonth to #BlackIntegrationMonth could help reshape the purpose as oppose taking us back in time. It would rather remind us all that the ultimate goal isn’t just to tell our stories but to ensure that every child, every adult, feels part of the fabric of society in ways that go beyond mere tolerance.

The goal is complete integration — not in a way that erases our history, but in a way that fully embraces our place in today’s world.