What Black/Afro-History related topics do you think are important to learn in HS?

[Azul]

In another thread, I mentioned that it is likely that I'll get the opportunity to teach my high school's first Afro-History course (and possibly a second). It would be an elective and writing, discussion intensive. There are other history teachers with WAY more seniority, but I am the only with a degree that specifically qualifies me to teach topics that fall under this subject.

So my question is, what are some topics that you wish you would have been aware of back in High School? I have some examples in my head, but I'd like to get responses from you all. Brehs and Brehettes, please help me gather up topics that would inspire intense debate and thought-provoking writing. Documentaries, movies, mini-series, all suggestions are welcome.

Thank you.

 

[saturn7]

Haiti's slave revolt and US slave revolts.

Black inventors

Black cowboys

Relations between blacks and native Americans (Seminoles, John Horse ).

 

[BmoreGorilla]

They get into it a little bit but they need to get more into Reconstruction. These kids need to see that after slavery there was an actual time period where we were allowed to have politicians etc. but they snatched all that shyt away from us

 

[Dwolf]

I found this interesting.

WHY DIDN’T THEY TEACH YOU ABOUT THIS IN HISTORY CLASS?

The Christian Movement for Life, aka, MOVE

• a pro-green, vegan, anti-technology group
• living in a house in West Philadelphia
• BOMBED by the Philly PD, from the air, on May 13, 1985
• YES, 1985!!!
• the city killed 11 people (5 children), burned down 65 homes in a Black, middle-class, West Philly neighborhood, and caused$50,000,000.00 damage - all to “evict” the group and recover two shotguns
• You know of Mumia Abu-Jamal (3rd photo from bottom) but did you know he was affiliated with MOVE?
• Ramona Africa (2nd photo from bottom) and one child survived
• MOVE leader John Africa was murdered that day

This was not the ONLY time an American city was bombed, btw. The first time, it was ALSO whites bombing Black people. And you want to talk aboutTERRORISM???

And what else don’t you know about your country and it’s treatment of Black people?

Get to Googling… AND Youtubing…

 

[jeh]

Connect issues of the past to current issues.
Also, include the political and social context.