Attending a liberal arts college in the mid 1990's, the importance of a liberal arts education was always stressed. The main objective of a liberal arts education is to expose a student to all types of cultures and ways of all different types of origins and backgrounds. African American studies are important because the story of the African American is not only part of our nation's history but their struggle and story serves as an act of inspiration.

The two key words of African American is obviously African American. They are people whose roots come from Africa. They were brought here as slaves and then over time became well producing members of the American society. They are American because over time, the race became indigenous to America and therfore were adopting the American way of life.

The evolution and the story of the African American is what fascinates and enthralls scholars and regular folks alike. A people who came to the country as nomadic and vagabondish and then flourish into some of the most eccentric people known to man is a story that must be told and by far should be studied.

Alot of people will argue that African American studies would only make sense to black people but being a caucasian and being an American, I know that the plight of the African American and the strides that they have made, serves as an inspiration to me and it also makes me appreciate that black people are just as important to the history of the country as white people are.

The story of the Civil Rights movement must be looked at a scholarly level. We have been able to take this time in our country's history and learn from it. The Civil Rights Act was passed. It was here that people of all races and creeds were able to partake in the rewards of liberty that were guaranteed to all citizens as noted in the United States Constitution.

African Americans have given us some of the best writes ever known. Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, Alex Haley, and Nikki Giovanni have written words that have not only given a path of light to African Americans but also have inspired other races who indulged in their respective works.

This why I support the Historical Black Colleges and Universities. Alot of these institiutions were started way before there was equality among races. The founders of these colleges looked at the big picture and knew that someday African Americans would be called upon to serve in roles that were being done by their white counterparts. Some of the greatest minds have came from these places. They are integral to the study of African Americans.

In the end, African American studies are and will always be taught. We need to study this so we can know the real history behind our great country. It opens another facet. It opens up the mind of students and also lets black students be reassured that they and are an important part of the history of the United States.

Learn more about this author, Chad Morgan.
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