Research

Promotes self-esteem and positive identity which studies have shown foster a greater interest in learning and higher academic achievement among African American students.
According to Stefan, 2007, it’s important that African American students disregard this idea of cynicism and find self-empowerment. Knowledge of their history, which was taken from them during salary, must be made available, as this knowledge sets the framework for a positive self-image and identity, and teaches them they can achieve and overcome adversity as their ancestors before them.
Harper, 1977 points to evidence-based research that African American children who understand their history, are more engaged in the educational process, contribute more, on average have greater school moral and perform better academically. Given this research and the obvious problems we are currently experiencing with the high drop-out rates of African American males, especially, this should be an incentive for every educator to embrace the opportunity to educate themselves on African American history so they are prepared and equipped with the true, full and accurate stories of African American’s and their contributions throughout history.
Based on a nationwide study of teachers by the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), who implemented an African American curriculum, teachers are interested and find it helpful teaching the complexities of African American history and even going beyond simply a social studies curriculum. Harper stated, “traditional curriculum forces the Black student to alienate himself and to psychologically or physically drop out of the regular school curriculum, thus many times seeking to satisfy his needs in unhealthy ways that can of ten victimize himself and others, 1977.”
As educators and parents, we are unable to defy the facts that African Americans in our urban areas are continuing to drop out of the educational system, and it’s alarming. As a nation that prides itself on being one of the greatest nations in the world, we can do much better. We are failing African American children at an alarming rate.


Source
