In high school, students take standard social studies classes such as U.S. History, American Government, and World History. In recent decades, classes on ethnic history, such as Asian American, Latin American, and African American, have been offered.
Lately, there have been some attempts to stop the spread of African American history, including attempted bans on educational courses and President Trump’s executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” He wrote that the Smithsonian has “come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology. [promoting] narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.” However, hiding people from these narratives is nothing new.
Many students can relate to the fact that Black History is often only taught in public schools in February. Dedicating the shortest month to Black history limits students’ opportunities to learn all historical perspectives. In her TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie states that, “It is impossible to talk about the single story without talking about power.”
“How they are told, who tells them, when they’re told,” she adds. “[and] how many stories are told, are really dependent on power.” The current cultural hegemony in America results in many of these stories being neglected and hidden.
My AP African American teacher, Larry Miles, Ph.D., said, “In that singular story our history began with slavery,” but in this class, we teach about “our full humanity.” One time, a student’s mother asked, ‘What do they teach you in this class?’ and the student replied, ‘The class teaches us how to love ourselves.’ He also believes that “every child growing up in the United States, whether they’re Asian, or European, or from African descent, should be taking an African American studies course.”
A 2022 poll conducted by Quinnipiac University found that 66% of Americans say what they were taught in American History “fell short” in delivering a full and accurate account of the role of African Americans in the United States. Though that reflects more of what needs to change in U.S. history courses, it also shows why taking an African American studies course is useful. It makes up for what’s lacking.
In recent years College Board introduced AP African American Studies (AP AFAM). It’s perfect for students looking for a rigorous class that mirrors the challenge of a college course. Additionally, since it’s an AP course, it gives one extra credit, and if you pass the exam in May, you’ll receive college credit. This was a significant step forward for more inclusive education; however, it temporarily took a step back in Georgia when State Superintendent Richard Woods initially blocked state funding. His decision to pull funding came from concern that it would violate Georgia House Bill 1804, a law that banned teaching “divisive concepts” in public schools. Fortunately, following backlash and Attorney General Chris Carr’s determination, he reversed course.
Having the ability to view history from multiple perspectives is something that not many people would’ve viewed as possible not too long ago. As the new generation, we have the opportunity to learn more about our history and the responsibility to protect these views from erasure. African American studies courses equip students to make informed decisions and foster more inclusive environments. That’s why teens should consider taking an African American Studies course.
