AP African-American Studies Review

Hosted by: Malcolm Reed & Marsha Greco

Introduction

• AP African-American Studies livestream prep for the exam.
• Aim: Help students prepare effectively.
• Focus on key concepts and answering queries related to the exam.

Unit 1: Origins of the African Diaspora

Key Concepts

• What is African-American Studies?

  • Interdisciplinary study: history, art, culture, literature.
  • Emerged from the Black Power movement, 1960s.

• Africa's Geography and Diversity

  • Geography includes Sahara Desert, Sahel, tropical rainforests.
  • River systems: Nile Valley crucial.

• African Kingdoms

  • Egypt, Nubia, Axum, Nok Culture: Ancient civilizations.
  • Contributions dispel misconceptions of Africa's history.

• Bantu Migration

  • Ethnolinguistic spread: South, West, Central, East Africa.
  • Technology and agriculture advancements.

• Sudanic Empires

  • Ghana, Mali, Songhay: Rich in trade, culture.
  • Mansa Musa's wealth, influence.

• Great Zimbabwe and Congo

  • Advanced societies with trade involvement.

Unit 2: The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery

Key Concepts

• Transatlantic Slave Trade

  • Stages: Capture, coastal holding, Middle Passage.
  • Impact: African diaspora diversity, cultural reshaping.

• Resistance

  • Intellectual resistance: Olaudah Equiano's narratives.
  • Physical resistance: Ship revolts, Amistad case.

• Enslaved Experiences

  • Cash crops: Sugar, cotton driving slavery.
  • Slave codes, hereditary slavery concepts.

• Resistance and Abolition

  • Abolitionist movements.
  • Civil War pivotal for emancipation efforts.
  • Emancipation Proclamation, 13th Amendment.

Unit 3: The Practice of Freedom

Key Concepts

• Reconstruction Successes and Failures

  • Amendments: 13th, 14th, 15th.
  • Backlash: Black Codes, disenfranchisement.

• Racial Uplift and Education

  • Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois debates.
  • Growth of HBCUs, black entrepreneurship.

• Great Migration and Cultural Renaissance

  • Movement to North for job opportunities.
  • Harlem Renaissance: Artistic, intellectual expression.

Unit 4: Movements and Debates

Key Concepts

• Civil Rights Movement

  • Key leaders: MLK Jr., Malcolm X, organizations.
  • Strategies: Nonviolent protests, boycotts.

• Legislation and Policies

  • Brown vs. Board of Education, Civil Rights Act.
  • Voting Rights Act, Fair Housing Act.

• Black Power Movement

  • Emphasis on self-determination, cultural pride.
  • Black Panther Party, 10-point program initiatives.

• Black Women in the Movement

  • Contributions overshadowed yet significant.
  • Intersectionality: Dual oppression as black and female.

• Afro-Futurism

  • Black experiences melded with futuristic visions.
  • Example: Black Panther's depiction of Wakanda.

Exam Strategy

• FRQs: Four questions with multiple parts. Prioritize known answers.
• Label parts clearly (A, B, C) for clarity.
• No penalties for guessing; attempt all parts with relevant info.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on preparation, understanding key themes.
• Acknowledgment of historical struggles and progress.
• Encouragement for students to utilize resources effectively.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the essential themes and points discussed in the AP African-American Studies review session. Best of luck to all students preparing for their exam!