Appreciate African Cultures
Learning African American history helps in the appreciation of African cultures. A lack of cultural appreciation and tolerance can result in xenophobia. The adverse effects of xenophobia can destabilize peace in any country. It can result in civil wars that lead to massive loss of property and lives. History reveals the cultural differences that have existed between African Americans and other races. Also, there are similarities in their cultures with other races (Davis, 2016). The similarity is an indication the African American is not supposed to be avoided or feared. It creates a sense of togetherness and brotherhood. The people from different feel more united when they learn about the similarities in their cultures.
The cultural differences provide the learners with the perception and skill of accommodating each other irrespective of the cultures. Teaching students that African Americans are strange people in the United States may create hatred and hostility towards blacks. The learning of African American history will lead to cultural appreciation and fight against xenophobia. The discouragement of xenophobic views is significant in ensuring safety, respect, and appreciation of African Americans (Davis, 2016). In this case, there are rare cases of victimization of blacks. In the end, it may be suitable for eliminating racism in the United States.
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Acknowledgment of Oppression and Promotion of Social Justice
During the 20 th Century, some movements opposed the white supremacy imposed on the African Americans in the U.S. There was a revolution against the socioeconomic hierarchy constructed by the whites. In this case, the African Americans were engaged in radicalizing political paradigms to fight for social positions, reconstruction of power patterns, achieve political rights, and restore humanity on black Americans (Chapman, 2016). The movement stimulated nationalism and fight for freedoms among African Americans.
The Great Depression in America affected African Americans More than any other race. Most African Americans were jobless by 1932 (Loc.gov, 2019). The northern cities of the United States experience the firing of African Americans from their jobs. Racial violence became the norm in the south. However, the election of President Franklin Roosevelt brought hope among African Americans. He addressed the problems encountered during the great depression.
The history is relevant to incorporate a sense of acknowledging the African oppression and promotion of social justice. President Roosevelt ascended to the presidency and ensured fair treatment of Africans who were affected by the Great Depression. Moreover, the African movements demonstrated the urge among Africans for social justice. The history will essential to future leaders to avoid institutionalizing the bad regimes of oppression and injustices among African Americans. It will create a fair treatment for all races to prevent revolutions. In this case, there will be inclusivity in the formation of governments to avoid allied resistance from the marginalized races.
Race and Ethnicity
The study of race and ethnicity help learners to avoid segregation and exploitation of people basing on color. The United States economy was based on segregation and exploitation of people based on color (Solomon et al., 2019). History reveals that there was slavery in the United States. However, not everyone was enslaved but African Americans. Africans were banned from access to some places like hospitals and schools. Also, the Jim Crow institutionalized racism among Americans. There were racial discrepancies in wages and associated benefits for workers. Besides, there was a severe exclusion of African Americans in primary sectors and denial of rights like voting rights. However, congress apologized to African Americans for Jim Crow and slavery.
Through learning this history, it can stimulate the launching of campaigns against racism. The exploitation of African Americans based on race has resulted in bitter feelings and hatred among blacks for years. Also, a review of the compensation of the African American society for the oppression instituted against them can be achieved. Students who learn about the adverse effects of structured racism will be compelled to treat others with equality. Additionally, it can lead to a reduction in racial segregation, where there is free intermingling between African Americans and other races. Consequently, there will be cohesiveness among the citizens.
Pride of African Americans
The documentation of great African American leaders is significant to raise the dignity and social status of African Americans in the United States. For instance, Martin Luther King had an African American origin. He is believed to be one of the greatest revolutionists in United America. He was opposed to slavery and generally black oppression. It is critical to establish this information the curriculum today to curb the stereotypes against the African Africans as being an inferior race.
Apart from Martin Luther, the latest history that should be captured is the Obama presidency. Barack Obama was the first black president in the United States. Despite the African American origin, Barack Obama managed to attain a popular vote to earn him presidency for two consecutive terms from 2009 to 2017 (Wallenfeldt et al., 2019). His era was associated with significant achievements like the fight against international crime and healthcare improvements. In health, he introduced universal healthcare for all Americans. In crime control, his government was responsible for killing a world terrorist, Osama Bin Laden.
The significant achievements by both Martin Luther King in the liberation struggle of African Americans in the U.S and the display of exemplary leadership qualities by Obama creates a positive image or reputation for African American society. The inclusion of such significant history will boost the respect accorded to blacks by other perceived superior races like Whites. Also, black Americans will be proud of their origin. It creates a sense of higher self-esteem for black society. Moreover, identification with the African American race will be a positive attribute among everyone.
References
Chapman, D. E. (2016). Black Radicalism in the 20th-Century United States. DOI: 10.1093/OBO/9780190280024-0050.
Davis, J. (2016). Reasons why it’s critical to teach black history. Retrieved from https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1111271/reasons-black-history-is-still-important/
Loc.gov (2019). Great Depression and World War II, 1929-1945: Race Relations in the 1930s and 1940s. Retrieved from http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/depwwii/race/
Solomon, D., Maxwell, C. & Castro, A. (2019). Systematic Inequality and Economic Opportunity. Center for American Progress.
Wallenfeldt, J. & Mendell, D. (2019). Barack Obama. President of the United States. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barack-Obama
