Flint Hill boasts a dynamic curriculum, and our commitment to comprehensive education shows in the school’s newest offering: AP African American Studies. More than simply a history class, this interdisciplinary exploration delves into the multifaceted experiences of African Americans, from ancient African kingdoms to the present day, weaving together threads of history, literature, art, music, science, and more. The inaugural year of the course has been a success due to the dedication of Upper School History and Social Sciences teacher Elizabeth Anderson and the enthusiasm of its 12 pioneering students.

The journey to bring AP African American Studies to Flint Hill began several years ago, when the College Board first announced its intention to develop the course. For Elizabeth Anderson, an educator with 15 years of experience (five at Flint Hill), the opportunity was immediately clear. “As soon as I heard about it, I knew this was a class I’d want to teach,” she said. Anderson’s philosophy as a teacher is deeply rooted in the idea of perpetual learning, a sentiment she shares with her students: “I love that my job is to keep learning, and to share that learning with these amazing students."

2024 marks the first year it has been widely offered. There was “never a question” about offering the course. Anderson highlights the supportive environment at Flint Hill, a stark contrast to some of her peers in other institutions who expressed concerns about teaching such a subject. “I had no concerns at all about my department chair or administration, in terms of limiting or controlling the content of the class,” she says. This support allowed Anderson to fully immerse herself in the curriculum, even attending a one-week AP Summer Institute class on teaching the course.

What truly sets AP African American Studies apart, according to Anderson, is its holistic approach. “It’s not just history, it’s about culture, religion, art, literature, music, sports, medicine, science. It’s everything. That’s what’s unique about the course.” The College Board’s carefully designed curriculum provides specific primary sources, making the course accessible for teachers like Anderson who are delving deeply into African history for the first time.

The course delves into a rich array of topics, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of African American experiences. From exploring early African kingdoms and the harrowing journey of enslavement to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the contemporary moment, students engage with diverse sources and perspectives.

It is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all seniors, regardless of their background. The class’s racial diversity, approximately half white and half students of color, reflects this commitment. “No student should think ‘I couldn’t be in that class,’” Anderson stresses. “It’s a class for everyone, it’s about our country, our nation, it’s a key part of American history and culture.” This philosophy aligns with Flint Hill’s broader approach to “studies” classes, encouraging students to broaden their perspectives and understanding.

The impact of AP African American Studies is echoed in the powerful testimonials of the students themselves.

Allyssa Corporan ’25 highlights the breadth of knowledge gained, contrasting it with previous history courses. “I’ve learned about civil rights and recent history since I was young, but I’ve never learned about the different African kingdoms or slavery before the transatlantic slave trade,” she says. Corporan’s personal experience visiting Congo Square in New Orleans, a place she later understood as pivotal to enslaved people, underscores the course’s ability to connect historical learning with the real world. She concludes, “I think it’s very important that students at Flint Hill and beyond have the opportunity to take this class because it gives students a more complete worldview of America and early Africa."

Maya Manghat ’25’s key takeaway revolves around the intentional exclusion or distortion of African American history in mainstream narratives. “This class made me realize how deep and complex the truth really is,” she explains, noting how African American culture has shaped nearly every aspect of American life. A visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, integrated into the curriculum, made the learning “feel more real,” she said.

Ethan Stout ’25 reflects on how the class expanded his view of race, ethnicity, and culture. “As a white student, I was actively learning history that was being erased, and I think there is something special about that,” he says. “Every student would benefit from taking this course. Although it has challenging topics, it is important to learn history so we don’t repeat it."

The inaugural year of AP African American Studies stands as a testament to Flint Hill’s focus on providing an inclusive and deeply relevant education. This course is not just teaching history; it is fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a more profound understanding of the intricate tapestry that is the American experience.

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