Many in the Black community have voiced concern about their future rights and safety since Donald Trump’s election in 2016. They also worry about access to education with his return to power in a few months. His administration’s track record raises questions about the security of critical cultural initiatives. Its rhetoric on race and history also causes concern for educational initiatives. This includes the groundbreaking AP African American Studies course. Let’s break down why this matters, even if you’re not someone who usually follows politics or the news.
The Root of the Concern: A History of Tensions
Trump’s presidency was marked by divisive language and policies. Many Black Americans felt targeted by his comments about Black Lives Matter. They were also affected by the “both sides” rhetoric after the comments about Black Lives Matter. The “both sides” rhetoric after the Charlottesville rally also affected them. They felt marginalized by his administration’s approach to issues like voting rights and police reform.
There was a rise in efforts to reshape how race and history are taught in schools. This was one of the most alarming trends during his time in office. Efforts emerged to change the teaching of race and history in schools. Initiatives like the “1776 Commission” sought to counter programs highlighting systemic racism. Many people viewed this as an attempt to erase critical aspects of Black history. Trump returned to power in January 2025. These concerns have resurfaced. Many fear that programs relative to African American Studies could be at risk.
You may have heard people talking about Critical Race Theory (CRT) or seen it mentioned online. But what is it? CRT is a way of understanding how racism has shaped laws and systems in America. It’s mostly taught in colleges. However, the term has been used a lot lately to attack any teaching that includes honest discussions about racism. This includes discussions about Black history even in middle and high schools.
During Trump’s previous presidency, there was an effort to stop schools from teaching students about important topics. These topics included meaningful discussions on slavery. Segregation and systemic racism were also topics targeted. His administration supported the idea that focusing too much on these issues was “divisive” or made America look bad. Some fear that if Trump becomes president again, these efforts will intensify. This could put courses like AP African American Studies at risk. Even basic lessons on Black history might be threatened.
Why Is AP African American Studies Important?
The AP (Advanced Placement) African American Studies course was developed through a partnership. The partners were College Board, University of Notre Dame, and Tuskegee University. The course was piloted in 2021 in 60 schools across the United States. In August 2024, the AP course launched globally. This is important because it gives high school students a chance to learn about Black history. They can explore culture and contributions in a deep and meaningful way. It goes beyond the surface-level lessons we usually get in school and highlights stories and voices that are often ignored.
Many students might never learn about the full scope of African American history without this course. This spans from the horrors of slavery to the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement—and beyond. It also covers important cultural contributions in music, art, and literature. In short, it shows just how deeply Black people have shaped America.
Why Download the Curriculum Guide?
You might be thinking, “Why should I care about this course or guide?” Here’s why:
- Keep Learning Alive: Even if the course is cut from schools, having the guide provides an alternative. It ensures that people can still learn from it. It’s like saving a valuable book before it’s taken off the shelf.
- Protect Our History: Education is one way we make sure the stories of Black people are not erased or forgotten. This guide helps preserve those stories, even if future administrations try to shut them out.
- Empower Communities: With the guide, parents, churches, and community groups can teach these lessons themselves. It’s a tool for empowerment, especially if schools no longer offer these courses.
- Understand the Bigger Picture: CRT and courses like AP African American Studies help us understand history’s connection to the present. These courses show us how historical events influence current situations. They explain why certain systems still affect Black communities today, like disparities in wealth, health, and education. The guide helps people see and understand these connections.
What’s at Stake?
The next generation could miss out on learning their own history without courses like AP African American Studies. They might also not understand the full story of America. Imagine going through school and only hearing bits and pieces about the struggles and achievements of your ancestors. That’s what many Black students face when schools are not allowed to teach comprehensive Black history.
It’s not just about history, though. When education is limited, it’s easier for people to ignore or misunderstand the challenges Black communities face today. From voting rights to police reform, these issues are all connected to the way our country’s history is taught.
What Can You Do?
Here’s something simple you can do right now: Download the AP African American Studies curriculum guide. This guide contains all the key information from the course. It’s a powerful resource for anyone who wants to learn or teach Black history.
By downloading it, you’re helping to preserve a vital piece of education that could be at risk. Whether you’re a parent, student, or teacher, this guide is for you. It’s also for anyone who cares about keeping our history alive.
Why This Matters for Everyone
You don’t need to be a political expert to understand what’s happening. This is about ensuring future generations know where they come from. It’s also about understanding how we got here as a country. If we let these courses and lessons disappear, we’re losing more than just facts—we’re losing a part of our identity.
Take a stand today. Protect our history. Download the guide and share it with your community. Together, we can make sure our stories are never erased.
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