Course Overview

Black History in America 1A: Introduction provides students with an essential foundation for understanding the profound impact of African Americans on the history, culture, and progress of the United States. Through the study of stories, struggles, and achievements, students will explore how Black men and women persevered, built communities, and contributed to the nation—often in the face of extraordinary adversity.

Key Learning Focus

Students will:

• Examine the origins and legacies of slavery, emancipation, and Reconstruction.
• Analyze the struggles for freedom, equality, and civil rights across different historical periods.
• Learn about the lives and contributions of brave individuals and communities who shaped the nation.
• Explore how the United States has wrestled with its past while striving to create a more just future.

Instructional Approach

The course emphasizes critical inquiry and historical analysis, engaging students through:

• Primary and secondary source readings.
• Biographies and case studies of influential figures.
• Discussions on the intersections of race, culture, and national identity.
• Reflection activities connecting past struggles to contemporary issues of justice and equity.

Outcome

By the end of Black History in America 1A, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience, leadership, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. They will also be equipped to make meaningful connections between the struggles and triumphs of the past and the ongoing pursuit of equality and civic responsibility in the present.