The Importance of an African American History Class by Nora

The Importance of an African American History Class by Nora - November 2021 Scholarship Essay

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about United States history can vary depending on the person. Some might associate this subject with the Revolutionary War and liberty from Britain. Others might think about historical figures like Alexander Hamilton or Abraham Lincoln. Once you add people of color to the topic, the majority would reference slavery. Why is that? Why is it that slavery is what people associate black people with in regards to American history? Although slavery and the fight for equal rights are crucial to be educated on, it is not the only thing that defines black people in the past which is essential for people to understand. African American History deserves more emphasis in school because it digs deeper into the accomplishments of black individuals and their contributions to society.

The summer before my senior year was the first time hearing about an African American History class. It was a new class that I thought would consist of learning more about slavery and watching documentaries. Once the class started, however, I quickly realized that uplifting black historical figures and learning about different African cultures would be the main focus of the class. African American History covers topics such as black influence in the music industry and entertainment, their contributions in science and politics, the rise of black individuals dominating sports, and other topics that regular history classes have no room to discuss. We learned about Marie Van Brittan Brown, an African American nurse who invented the home security system. We read about James Brown, an African American singer known for being the Godfather of Soul music and an influential figure in the 1900s. We also dive deep into the origins of African societies and how their cultures, like braiding and dance, influence society today.

Learning about black history helps broaden students' understanding of the world around them while increasing their knowledge of different cultures. It also helps them grasp why things are the way they are in society overall. It is beyond great that slavery is taught in history classes however, individuals need to know that African Americans were more than just people fighting for their freedom. They were inventors and singers, politicians and authors, individuals with ideas that influenced society in ways that deserve to be well known. An African American history class will allow students to expand their knowledge on black success as they unlock the doors to a chapter in history that currently remains unexplored.