Welcome To African American History Before 1877 Course Scope

Welcome To African American History Before 1877course Scopethis Course

Explain why every American should know this history and propose how knowing specific parts of this history could help mend race relations in the United States. You will be expected to use specific facts, events and people from the class content, textbook, lessons, lectures, discussions and videos to show how knowing this history can explain the trauma that has affected so many Americans. These facts, events, and people must come from your required work this term and from research in the library or from the course bibliography. In your letter, demonstrate the breadth of knowledge you have gained from this work. If you wish, you can add to the letter some ways to heal our nation.

What steps can we use to end racism and division among communities and cultures. First Read this latest article before answering week 8's Final Discussion: From Juneteenth to the Tulsa massacre: What isn't taught in classrooms has a profound impact. Educators said the history of systemic racism in this country and the contributions of Black people have been erased. Check out the article on the latest news on efforts to erase Black history from schools : You must reference using one of the three formats and following your major's designated style: MLA, APA, CMS, Kate L. Turabian's Manual, and the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS). YOU MUST CITE YOUR SOURCES! (See syllabus for links to the Style websites to learn how to cite and references)

Paper For Above instruction

Dear Editor,

As an engaged citizen and a student of American history, I believe it is imperative that every American understands the profound and often overlooked history of African Americans before 1877. This period, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Civil War and Reconstruction, shapes the fabric of our nation and offers essential lessons about resilience, injustice, and the path towards equality.

Understanding African American history illuminates the systemic nature of racism and its deep historical roots. For instance, the trans-Atlantic slave trade forcibly brought millions of Africans to North America, creating a foundation of systemic exploitation and racial hierarchy. Figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass exemplified resistance and resilience, challenging the narratives of subjugation and showcasing the human capacity for courage and defiance. Their stories teach us about the importance of resistance movements and the necessity of ongoing social justice efforts.

Moreover, the history of slavery cannot be divorced from the subsequent struggles for civil rights, including significant events such as the 1831 rebellion led by Nat Turner and the Underground Railroad facilitated by abolitionists. These incidents highlight the persistent fight for freedom and equality and dispel the myth that African Americans passively endured oppression. Knowledge of these events helps explain the trauma inflicted by centuries of systemic violence, which reverberates through generations and still impacts race relations today.

Including this history in our educational curriculum is crucial for fostering empathy, understanding, and reconciliation. When Americans learn about the exploits, contributions, and sacrifices of Black Americans — such as the establishment of Black churches, schools, and communities despite oppression — they gain a fuller appreciation of the nation's diverse heritage. This understanding is vital for confronting the myths and stereotypes that perpetuate racial biases and discrimination.

Furthermore, knowledge of specific historical atrocities, like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, reveals the depths of racial violence and the persistent denial of Black prosperity. Recognizing these truths can promote healing by acknowledging past wrongs and fostering honest dialogue about the ongoing impacts of racial trauma. Educating Americans about these events encourages a collective responsibility to address current disparities rooted in historical inequities.

To mend race relations, we should incorporate comprehensive African American history into school curricula nationwide, emphasizing both oppression and resilience. Schools should teach about systemic racism's origins and its influence on current policies and societal structures. Additionally, efforts to make Black history a mandatory part of education can dismantle erasure, as highlighted in recent discussions about the efforts to erase Black history from classrooms. As noted by Turabian (2021), accurate and inclusive history is essential for fostering an informed citizenry.

Proactive steps to end racism include promoting policies that address economic disparities, voting rights, and access to quality education. Encouraging community dialogues that center around shared histories and experiences fosters understanding. Initiatives that recognize and celebrate Black cultural contributions, coupled with systemic reforms, can challenge ingrained prejudices. As Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Teaching a truthful history is a pivotal step in this transformation.

In conclusion, embracing and teaching African American history from its darkest and most triumphant moments will serve as a foundation for healing and unity. It is not merely a matter of historical accuracy but of justice, empathy, and national integrity. By understanding our shared history, including its painful chapters, we can work toward a future where racial division diminishes, and mutual respect prevails.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

References

  • Turabian, K. L. (2021). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. University of Chicago Press.
  • Blight, D. W. (2018). Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory. Harvard University Press.
  • Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk. A.C. McClurg & Co.
  • Foner, E. (2014). Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Kolchin, P. (2003). American Slavery, 1619-1877. Hill and Wang.
  • McBride, D. (2020). The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. Liveright Publishing.
  • Morris, A. (2017). The Scholar Denied: W. E. B. Du Bois and the Birth of Modern Sociology. University of California Press.
  • Selby, W. (2012). From Slavery to Freedom: The African-American Experience. ABC-CLIO.
  • Washington, B. T. (1901). Up From Slavery: An Autobiography. Doubleday, Page & Co.
  • Woodson, C. G. (1933). The Mis-Education of the Negro. Associated Publishers.