In today’s changing climate, universities have become the center of youth and the ideals that shape their thinking. From a young age, we have been pushed to learn about our ancestors and the problems they overcame during their day. However, as the United States of America becomes even more populated with citizens from all over the world, it is hard to tell what curriculum and history should show up in our textbooks today
Amid cultures, it is important to acknowledge that we are all different. Even with this acknowledgement, we are still able to hold the beliefs and customs of our own cultures close at bay. It is this reason why I believe that African American studies is an important facet to the education of young minds.

Much like art appreciation or language studies, it is important to study facets of a culture that differs from your own. In doing so, you grow as a person and learn to accept things that you might not have understood in the first place. Cultural studies programs enrich the learning environment by creating a platform to which all students can openly express and participate. It is imperative that students have a grasp and growing knowledge of the changing world around them and those who inhabit it. African American studies is just one of many classes that serves to bring us all to one table so that we may learn from each other.

The rich background of Black history is much too important to simply ignore or marginalize. It is important that we celebrate achievements and those accomplishments that were committed throughout the trials and tribulations of racism. The world is ever changing and racism has become a much smaller problem than from the days of our ancestors. However, it is still extremely important to celebrate these differences and to recognize the special aspect of race and gender.