The Last Word

I cannot believe that the semester is coming to a close. So much has happened and so much has been learned. It’s weird because I took this class because Sarah was taking it and said it would be fun, and I have always had a fascination with Black history, but I didn’t expect to learn so much. I believe that Black Studies is relevant because it’s a good way to learn about a different culture that people aren’t familiar with. I knew a little bit about Black history from my history classes, but detail was lacking in those classes. My favorite subject was Civil Rights. I think there is so much to learn from that era. The era was full of African Americans standing up for what was right, and it was full of events leading to the rights of African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Clara Luper, the students from Greensboro, North Carolina, and many others contributed to the rights that African Americans have today. Groups such as the NAACP, the Black Panthers, SNCC, and the SCLC also helped shape the lives of African Americans. I love that so much has been accomplished for African Americans, but I also believe that more needs to be done.
I loved that this class brought so many opportunities to meet so many people like Dean Evans, the women from the OKC Thunder, and Mr. Douglas and Ms. Williams from the NAACP. I loved listening to their stories and experiences and hearing what they have accomplished today.

The group project was an experience. Not exactly bad, but not the best thing. Getting ready for the group discussion was fun, and it was interesting to hear what each group member had to say about the article, but the group project was hard to get into. I think, since our group had science, we just didn’t know where to take it, and our creative minds weren’t collaborating so we just stuck with something basic. I usually enjoy working in groups, but its difficult working on getting schedules to work especially with people you don’t know. I did like meeting new people and getting to know each of my group members. The group projects in general have been really interesting. Even with something as simple as a powerpoint, it has been interesting to see all the influential people in business or music or politics. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the presentations and I can’t wait to see the last two.

Now the assignment blogs have actually been really fun. At first, I thought it was a pain, but I have really grown to like them. I think it’s a good way for you to express your opinion and ideas on different subjects. My favorite blog assignment was the African American family blog. I never took time to notice how African American families are portrayed in the media, and it was interesting to see the differences. There are some good and some bad portrayals; I was expecting more on the bad just because of the stereotypes that you hear about, but I found more good which was exciting for me. I love knowing that our society is headed in the right direction…even if it takes one step at a time. I did wish that we had more free blogs to write. I know that we could have just done it, but it’s easier for me to keep up with my blog when I’m told that I have an assignment. I also enjoyed reading other classmates blogs and reading what they had to say on a certain subject. We all come from different places and I enjoy finding out what other people think.

This class has been a great experience and I have learned so much. I love that our class has been like a community and so open in discussion. I have loved hearing everyone’s opinions and it’s been great being able to learn so much from each person in the class!