Why Schools Should Teach More About African American History

Name
Prof ENGL
Date
Creating a More Equitable Classroom: Why Schools Should Teach More About African American History
There is no denying that teaching more about African American history in schools is crucial, especially when creating a healthy classroom environment. By exposing students of all races to the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history, they can develop a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers that still exist today. This awareness is essential for fostering empathy and a commitment to dismantling racial inequality (Rainone; Smedley et al.). With a more comprehensive curriculum that includes African American studies, schools can help ensure that students learn about the importance of fighting for justice and equality for all.
When schools fail to teach students about the complexities and struggles of African American history, they are doing a disservice to everyone. Without proper knowledge of this history, students of all races can develop misunderstandings and misconceptions, such as the belief that racism is a thing of the past or that African Americans have made no significant contributions to American society (Darling-Hammond). These gaps in knowledge can also prevent students from developing empathy for the African American community, which can perpetuate racism and inequality. There are numerous reasons why schools need to include African American history in their curriculums. For one, it helps provide a more accurate and complete account of American history. African Americans have played critical roles in shaping American society from its very beginnings, and it is impossible to understand the country's past without acknowledging these contributions. Additionally, teaching African American history in schools helps to create a healthy classroom environment in which students of all races can learn about injustice and inequality. Including African American history in school, curriculums can also help students develop critical thinking skills. For example, by studying the Civil Rights Movement, students can learn how to identify and analyze different forms of oppression and how to develop strategies for addressing them (Lyiscott). They can also learn how to engage in productive conversations about race and inequality, which are crucial for creating a more equitable society. Ultimately, by including African American history in school curriculums, educators can help create a generation of more informed, empathetic, and socially conscious citizens. This is crucial for dismantling racism and achieving a society where all citizens have equal opportunities and rights.
One critical issue is the need for more comprehensive and accurate representations of African American history in school curriculums. Specifically, this would involve incorporating topics often left out, such as the contributions of Black women in the Civil Rights Movement, the impact of Jim Crow laws, and the influence of Black artists and writers on American culture (Shuster). By omitting these topics, schools contribute to a whitewashed version of American history that only acknowledges significant moments in passing. This omission can have considerable consequences, leading to unhealthy racial identities for st...