African American Studies by Imari

African American Studies by Imari - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I had the power to make one elective a required class, it would be AP African American Studies. I took this course in 11th grade, and it completely reshaped my perspective on the world and myself. Too often, history is taught from a narrow perspective that leaves out the depth and richness of the African continent and its global influence. This class changed that.
AP African American Studies provided me with a powerful education, not just in events and dates, but in why things happened and how they shaped people and cultures. I learned about African geography, ancient civilizations, traditions, resistance movements, and the voices of Black thinkers and creators throughout history. It connected me to a heritage that is often overlooked or misrepresented.
What made this class so impactful was its ability to foster both knowledge and pride. For the first time, I saw my bloodline reflected in the curriculum. I gained a new sense of strength and courage in my identity. It taught me how to speak confidently about my culture and to appreciate the resilience and brilliance of those who came before me.
Making AP African American Studies a required class would provide all students, regardless of their background, a more comprehensive understanding of history, identity, and justice in Africa and in the history of this country as well. It would promote empathy, self-awareness, and critical thinking. Most importantly, it would ensure that more young people, like me, have the opportunity to be empowered by their roots.