Ap African American Studies is a developing course which is currently being piloted in 26 High Schools in New Jersey. Unfortunately, Eastern isn’t one of them. Approximately 10% of students at Eastern identify as black/african american. This equates to roughly 200 students. Eastern offers 28 Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
The only course at Eastern that focuses solely on African American history is “Topics in African American History & Culture” which you can only take junior or senior year. While this is a step in the right direction, the school could benefit from expanding its offerings to include a comprehensive AP African American Studies course that spans all grade levels. This would not only provide a more inclusive educational experience but also empower students to develop a deeper understanding of the historical, social, and cultural context that has shaped the African American experience.
AP African American Studies can contribute to a more inclusive school environment. Students of all backgrounds can benefit from learning about perspectives that differ from their own, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among the diverse student body.
In August 2024, AP African American Studies will be offered to all schools. The College Board describes this course as “an interdisciplinary course that draws from a variety of fields – history, literature, the arts, geography, science – to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans.”
This AP course will be sectioned into four topics:
- Origins of the African Diaspora: The first unit delves into what life was like on the continent of Africa before Africans came into contact with non-African nations.
- Freedom, Enslavement, and Resistance: The second unit centers on the transatlantic slave trade, post-Civil War struggles for freedom, and discussions on race.
- The Practice of Freedom: The third unit includes black women’s rights, the era of Jim Crow laws, and the founding of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
- Movements and Debates: The final unit primarily addresses diversity within the black community, along with discussions on identity, culture, and connections.
AP African American Studies will teach students everything they weren’t taught growing up. It will give black/african american students the chance to finally learn about their heritage. This AP course should be offered to all high school grade levels. It’s important to be knowledgeable about different cultures to have a better understanding of different identities.
Ultimately, the AP course on African American Studies deserves to be included in Eastern’s curriculum in the upcoming academic years.
