AP® African American Studies

This unit explores the rich diversity of the African continent by examining the varied landscapes, population growth, and ethnolinguistic diversity of Africa. The unit also covers the development of ancient societies, the rise of powerful Sudanic empires, and the cultural, religious, and political traditions that shaped African civilizations. By studying the cultural exchange and trade networks in Southern and East Africa, the Kingdom of Kongo in West Central Africa, and the global connections of African peoples, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the origins of the African diaspora.

In this unit, students will study the origins and impact of the transatlantic slave trade, the legal and social systems that upheld slavery, and the various forms of resistance, from revolts and maroon societies to the Underground Railroad. The unit also highlights the creation of African American culture, the role of black political thought, and the legacies of resistance seen through art, photography, and narratives, culminating in the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War.

This unit focuses on the Reconstruction era, the rise of Jim Crow laws, and the persistent fight against disenfranchisement and white supremacist violence. Students will explore the social, political, and cultural developments within African American communities, including establishing Black organizations, educational institutions, and the Harlem Renaissance. The unit highlights the emergence of new Black identities, the role of Black women’s leadership, and the impact of the Great Migration and Afro-Caribbean migration on the shaping of modern African American society.

This unit explores the rise of civil rights, Black Power, and Black feminist movements and the impact of key cultural expressions like the Black Arts Movement and Afrocentricity. It also examines the evolving landscape of African American political representation, the ongoing fight against systemic oppression, and the contributions of Black communities to science, technology, sports, and the arts. The unit culminates in a look at the future of Black studies and Afrofuturism.