{"id":6129,"date":"2021-05-03T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-03T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6129"},"modified":"2021-06-29T11:57:06","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T18:57:06","slug":"why-african-american-studies-is-essential-to-equity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6129","title":{"rendered":"Why African American Studies is Essential to Equity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Earlier this year, California became the first state to approve a model curriculum for Ethnic Studies<\/a> for public K-12 schools. And not too long ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill<\/a> that required all CSU (California State University) students to take an Ethnic Studies class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are important steps for educational equity. Students of color have long deserved to see themselves reflected in their school\u2019s curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are proud to report that Ethnic Studies Department<\/a> at San Jos\u00e9 City College is a state-wide leader among community colleges. It is thriving and growing ever year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today we\u2019ll be exploring one of our newest offerings \u2014 the Associate\u2019s Degree in Social Justice: African American Studies. And how it gives students the opportunity to learn our erased histories, transfer to a 4-year university and make an impact on our society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs students personalize and contextualize their learning, it impacts self-image, self-identity, and self-esteem. Once the inner self changes, all relationships and interactions with others change as a result.\u201d<\/p>Dr. Khalid White, SJCC faculty<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"San
San Jos\u00e9 City College’s African American Graduation Celebration at the eBay Newsroom in 2018. Photo Credit: Jonathan Knox.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ethnic Studies is Critical to Educational Equity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may remember the grassroots history of Ethnic Studies from our coverage of Asian American Studies at SJCC<\/a>, but let\u2019s refresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Ethnic Studies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ethnic Studies was born out of the Third World Liberation strikes of 1968 \u2014 a significant moment in Bay Area history that changed higher education forever<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At that time, different student ethnic groups in San Francisco and Berkeley joined together to demand curriculum that taught the repressed histories and identities of minority groups in the United States. They succeeded, urging their universities to found Ethnic Studies as a discipline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 50 years later, UC Berkeley\u2019s Ethnic Studies Department<\/a> says it \u201cis the critical and interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of people of color within and beyond the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its founding, we have become increasingly aware of the importance of Ethnic Studies. It is an essential tool to be utilized in our efforts to achieve equity. Especially in our education system. But what\u2019s equity<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Equity?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Equity sounds like equality but goes further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEquality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.\u201d (Milken Institute of Public Health<\/a>, 2020)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wondering what that looks like? Illustrations like this<\/a> or this<\/a> are often cited to explain the nuanced concept. Now, let\u2019s talk about African American Studies and its role in educational equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Choose African American Studies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The health inequalities brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic, persistently horrific police violence against black communities, and a myriad of other factors make African American (AFAM) Studies as important as ever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWithout doubt America was, and still is, shaped by the contributions; the blood, sweat and tears of Black people,\u201d said long-time AFAM Studies faculty at SJCC, Dr. Khalid White. \u201cTo learn history and culture through that lens and that perspective is an urgent and necessary eye opener for students of all races, genders, faiths and walks of life.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are so many pressing reasons, not to mention benefits of choosing the Associate Degree in Social Justice: African American Studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn Untaught Black History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Social Justice and African American Studies bring Black history into the narrative in a system that typically excludes it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFAM Studies offers \u201ca chance to focus on American history from the African American perspective and experience.\u201d Said Joy Sledge, faculty at SJCC. To cover topics that \u201care not widely known or taught in history classes, especially American history classes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sledge emphasized the importance of teaching the contributions of Black inventors, Black Wall Street, Black towns, among so many other topics. So that students know more than just Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. Sledge also highlighted the importance of teaching it all alongside the more prominent narrative that students are likely more familiar with \u2014 the euro-centric one they\u2019ve been taught in their K-12 education before now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That way, students can put together the missing pieces and make sense of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI amplify the marginalized voices that are hardly heard or shared. The students express to me that they appreciate the information that I provide, otherwise they would not know about it at all,\u201d Sledge said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was something that all<\/em> AFAM Studies faculty highlighted when interviewed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI often get students who tell me things like, \u2018I never knew that\u2019<\/em>,\u201d Dr. White said. \u201cThe most common phrases I hear from students in my African American History course are, \u2018wow I never knew that<\/em>,\u2019 or \u2018it\u2019s frustrating we don’t learn the truth about the history of the country until college<\/em>,\u2019\u201d said Brandon Miller, also faculty of the Ethnic Studies Department at SJCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the recent events around race issues and equality, there is a real need to instill this knowledge to not only minorities but across the whole demographic.\u201d<\/p>Brian Obiri, SJCC graduate<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"SJCC
SJCC alum, Brian Obiri at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which he visited during the Umoja HBCU Tour with San Jos\u00e9 City College.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Make Sense of Your Present<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Learning this neglected history is essential for everyone, but it\u2019s especially important for black students and how they view themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs students personalize and contextualize their learning, it impacts self-image, self-identity, and self-esteem. Once the inner self changes, all relationships and interactions with others change as a result.\u201d Dr. White said.

Miller (who is also an SJCC graduate) quotes one of the most influential Black authors of our time. \u201cThe great Maya Angelou once said, \u2018If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going\u2019, AFAM Studies will show you where we as Africans in America have come from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But AFAM Studies is also extremely revelatory for non-American and non-black students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can honestly say that the ETH 020 class changed my perspective on the definition of democracy.\u201d Brian Obiri, an SJCC graduate, said. \u201cAfter this class I was very aware of what was going on around me rather than the naivety I walked into SJCC with. Academically, it made me feel like I must really take this opportunity as seriously as I could.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the recent events around race issues and equality, there is a real need to instill this knowledge to not only minorities but across the whole demographic.\u201d Obiri said. Another SJCC student, Victoria Martinez, agreed. \u201cI just think people need to be educated and learn about it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a Impact in Your Career<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. White pointed out that a Social Justice: AFAM Studies Degree \u201cis applicable to whatever path you choose professionally.\u201d Because it causes our society to \u201cbecome more equitable across the board.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you\u2019re interested in the more obvious African American Studies careers in: law<\/strong>, policy<\/strong>, government<\/strong>, social work<\/strong>, journalism<\/strong>, teaching<\/strong>, or non-profits<\/strong> \u2014 this degree is a great choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obiri, who is African, hosted his own show for SJCC radio called \u201cDebunking Myths About Africa\u201d during his time on campus. He also worked for the Kinesiology Department with students with disabilities and fought to illuminate access issues at the SJCC gym. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obiri said he hopes to focus on \u201cworking for the betterment of the African people back in Africa and all over the globe.\u201d He\u2019s currently working on a B.A. in Political Science and plans to pursue a law degree as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSocial justice degrees arm our students with the knowledge and confidence to step out into the world and be the leaders of change we desperately need.\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

African American Studies at San Jos\u00e9 City College<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you can expect when you choose the Social Justice: African American Studies Degree at SJCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Can Choose from Extensive Black Studies Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

San Jos\u00e9 City College currently offers or is developing the following courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n