Essay, Research Paper: African American History

African Americans are and have always been a vital aspect to American society. They were brought here in bondage, and eventually received their so called freedom. It would be many years later before they would attain their freedom. Years of struggling to get the rights that this country had denied them. Years before a grown black man would be considered as a man and not a boy. There are so many hardships to be recognized for their founding contributions to make society what it is today.
If the youth of today aren't taught what their ancestors went through, a certain value is decreasing among the following generations. It is very important to let the black community know of the past so they have a distinguished dignity about themselves. Knowing the history of African Americans will intern help us from repeating the same mistakes, and make us a prouder society.
African American History should be taught in schools
African American History should be expressed in public and private schools. We teach of the founders of the vast nation, and we only take one month out of twelve to acknowledge outstanding Black People. At times it seems as if they do not receive the honor that is due, and someone else gets the credit.
It is a sad connotation that during this month you hear: "I didn't know a Black man/woman invented that". The majority of black children don't even know half of the accomplishments achieved by African American legends. Thus, they will never really know why they are in the position that they are in today.
Who should teach it?
Parents
Black History should be taught in schools, as well as in the homes. Parents should also know their history and pass it on to their children. This will instill a legacy in a child's mind better than any instructor could achieve.
Schools
In most schools, Black history does not consume the whole month. Teachers might read a few facts, or ask their students to chose a historical African American, and write a report. That is not enough to really understand the importance of African American legacies.
How long should it be studied?
If it were up to me, African American History would be incorporated in every period of history that is studied. Unfortunately, students are bombarded with multiple standardized tests and other requirements that take up most of the curriculum. As much as I would love for African American History to be taught consistently, it just doesn't work because it won't fit into the curriculum. Thus, It would almost seem that college is the only public institution where you are taught about African American History in a classroom setting.
Therefore, students and teachers can devote a couple of days at the beginning and end of each month, to African American history. That would be one of the best solutions so that teachers so not get off tract, and they still can teach the required information.
Unique ways of teaching it
There are plenty of ways to teach, but picking those that are most effective is key. Teachers run into the time factor and have to find a way to express the information in a fashion that the students will learn.