Prior to Slavery: African History in the State Standards Before the European Age of Exploration

• In Event: Division F Vice Presidential Session: Uncovering Hidden Narratives in American Education

Abstract

This study raises the ways that Africa and Africans are included in world history and “Black” history state standards in six of the United States prior to 1492 CE. This analysis considers topic frequency, code contributions by state, code occurrences, and the way the content is organized thematically. Findings show eight themes: periodization of African history, the African origins of humanity; achievements and contributions; key figures; military conquests and warfare; trade and economics; African and Abrahamic religions; and the causes of Transatlantic slavery. These findings have implications for world history to be taught chronologically while using the integrationist approach to show human activity as it occurred across culture and time, highlighting similarities, and impact.

Author

• Clarence Ball, Fordham University