African American Studies by

Get Out

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:33:17 UTC

Get Out is a horror film directed by Jordan Peele, who is most commonly recognized from the comedy group that is Key and Peele. The film centers around a black man who visits his white girlfriends family, only for him to discover that the family has been kidnapping black people and replacing their minds with that of their own. Cultural appropriation is arguably the strongest theme present, and it is taken to its horrific extreme of body snatching. The film highlights ideas like cultural association of skin color, the objectifying of culture and identity, and the reducing of personhood to an aesthetic.

12 Years a Slave

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:38:02 UTC

12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, is an adaptation of Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir describing his abduction and enslavement in 1840s Louisiana. It has been lauded for its portrayal of the brutality of slavery, providing a stark depiction of the physical and psychological torment endured by enslaved individuals. The film offers a vivid and authentic portrayal of American slavery.

Hidden Figures

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:41:20 UTC

Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi, is a biographical drama that highlights the contributions of three African-American women mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson at NASA during the 1960s. The film portrays their roles in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit, which emphasizes their resilience against racial and gender discrimination. Now while the movie captures their achievements, certain dramatic cuts were taken; for instance, the character Al Harrison, portrayed by Kevin Costner, isn't based on one person, and the iconic scene of him removing a "colored" bathroom sign did not occur as depicted. Also, the film consolidates the women's timelines and personal interactions for narrative coherence, though their actual experiences were more distinct and spread over several years .

Straight Outta Compton

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:46:09 UTC

Straight Outta Compton, directed by F. Gary Gray, highlights the rise of N.W.A., a hip-hop group from Compton, California, and their impact on music and popular culture. The film captures the group's defiance against police brutality and systemic oppression. Notably, the film showcases moments in which their rising fame fails to protect them from the harsh climate of police injustice. A famous example of their defiance comes from their performance of "Fuck the Police" at a populated venue wherein they were warned to not perform it. They do so anyways and are chased by police and face public controversy.

Mississippi Burning

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:49:35 UTC

Mississippi Burning, directed by Alan Parker, is a fictionalized account of the 1964 FBI investigation into the murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi. The film has faced criticism for its historical inaccuracies, famously for its portrayal of the FBI as proactive civil rights champions, whereas in reality, the Bureau was often indifferent or hostile to the civil rights movement. Also, the film marginalizes the role of local Black activists, presenting them as passive victims rather than active participants in the struggle for justice. These omissions have led to accusations of perpetuating a "white savior" narrative and distorting the true history of the civil rights movement. What this film succeeds in is its depiction of the harsh and vitriolic nature of the deep south against black individuals, and the extent as to which they were oppressed and attacked.

Crash Course: Transatlantic Slave Trade

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:52:28 UTC

The transatlantic slave trade kidnapped an estimated 10 to 12 million Africans to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries. European goods were exchanged for enslaved Africans, who were subsequently shipped to the Americas, where they worked on plantations producing products like sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which were sent back to Europe. The journey across the Atlantic, known as the Middle Passage, was infamous for its brutal conditions, with many captives enduring overcrowding, disease, and abuse, leading to high mortality rates. The trade has had profound and lasting impacts on the societies involved, shaping economic, social, and cultural dynamics across continents.

Crash Course: The Rise of Cotton

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:55:50 UTC

The boom of the cotton industry was built on the labor of enslaved African Americans, who forcibly endured grueling conditions. They worked all day, often under the threat of violence, to meet the high demands of cotton production. Enslavers imposed strict requirements, with some requiring workers to pick up to 200 pounds of cotton daily. Those who failed to meet these expectations faced harsh punishments, including whipping.

Phillis Wheatley

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 21:57:57 UTC

Phillis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in the United States. She was born in West Africa and was enslaved in Boston, there she was educated by the Wheatley family, mastering English, Latin, and Greek by her teens. Her 1773 collection, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, gained international acclaim and led to her emancipation. Wheatley had supported the American Revolution and corresponded with George Washington, who praised her work. Despite her literary success, she faced financial hardship and died in poverty at age 31.

The Origin of Race in the USA

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:05:51 UTC

The Origin of Race in the USA explores how the concept of race evolved from a marker of kinship to a social construct tied to physical characteristics. Initially, in the 16th century, "race" had referred to a shared ancestry or a group affiliation, not biological traits. With the rise of global capitalism, which was fueled by slavery and colonialism, and Enlightenment-era pseudoscience, began to associate race with physical features to justify exploitation and systemic inequality/discrimination.

The Illusion of Skin Color

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:12:32 UTC

In the TED Talk The Illusion of Skin Color, anthropologist Nina Jablonski delves into discusses the origins of human skin pigmentation, revealing that it is an adaptive response to ultraviolet radiation rather than a marker of race. Lighter skin developed in higher latitudes to facilitate vitamin D production in areas with less sunlight. Jablonski emphasizes that skin color is a biological adaptation, not a racial determinant, challenging societal misconceptions and highlighting the need for a more scientifically informed understanding of human diversity.

Jazz: Rhythms of Freedom

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:17:11 UTC

Jazz: Rhythms of Freedom is a 32-minute documentary from The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones series, produced by Lucasfilm and aired on PBS in 2008. This film delves into the origins of jazz, tracing its roots to the African American experience and its evolution into a powerful form of self-expression and cultural identity. It highlights how jazz emerged from the struggles of disenfranchised communities, particularly African Americans, who used music as a means to assert their freedom and individuality. The documentary emphasizes jazz's role as a platform for artistic innovation and social commentary, illustrating its profound impact on American culture and its enduring legacy as a symbol of liberty and creativity.

Being Black in ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:19:34 UTC

The PBS Origins video Being Black in 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood examines the inclusion of African American characters on the iconic children's show. It highlights the 1969 episode where Fred Rogers invited Officer Clemmons, portrayed by François Clemmons, to share a wading pool, subtly challenging racial segregation norms. The video also explores the show's introduction of other Black characters, such as Mrs. Saunders, a teacher, and Marilyn Barnett, a fitness instructor, showcasing its commitment to diversity and inclusion during a time of societal upheaval. Through these representations, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood played a pivotal role in promoting racial equality and fostering understanding among young audiences.

Cultural Appropriation v.s. Appreciation

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:23:01 UTC

The CBC video Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation features Rosanna Deerchild, host of CBC's Unreserved, who delves into the distinction between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Deerchild emphasizes that cultural appreciation involves mutual respect, consent, and participation, saying, "If it is about us, it includes us." She highlights that appropriation often involves taking elements from a culture without understanding or respecting their significance, leading to misrepresentation and harm. In contrast, appreciation fosters genuine understanding and respect for cultural traditions. The video serves as an educational resource, urging viewers to reflect on their interactions with cultures outside their own and to approach them with sensitivity and awareness.

Boondocks

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:28:31 UTC

In the 1999 interview featured on Manufacturing Intellect, Aaron McGruder, creator of The Boondocks, discusses the origins and themes of his comic strip. He explains that the strip centers on two African American brothers, Huey and Riley Freeman, who move from inner-city Chicago to a predominantly white suburb. Huey, named after Black Panther Huey P. Newton, serves as a radical political voice, while Riley embodies the influence of mainstream hip-hop culture. McGruder critiques the prevalence of gangsta rap, suggesting it has become a dominant narrative that limits the diversity of Black cultural expression. He also touches on the challenges of being a cartoonist, likening it to the myth of Sisyphus due to the relentless cycle of creation and deadlines. As the strip gained popularity, McGruder transitioned to overseeing the animated adaptation, aiming to maintain creative control as an executive producer and writer.

A History of Black Stereotypes Onscreen

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:32:05 UTC

The video A History of Black Stereotypes Onscreen by The Take explores how early Hollywood films perpetuated harmful caricatures of Black individuals, such as the Mammy, Uncle Tom, and Jezebel, to justify slavery and systemic racism. These stereotypes depicted Black people as subservient, childlike, or hypersexual, reinforcing societal inequalities. The video also examines how these portrayals have evolved over time, with characters like the Magical Negro and the Angry Black Woman continuing to appear in modern media. Despite some progress, the legacy of these stereotypes persists, influencing contemporary perceptions and treatment of Black individuals.

Mister Robinson's Neighborhood

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:41:01 UTC

Eddie Murphy’s “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood” on Saturday Night Live (SNL) was a comedic parody of Fred Rogers’ beloved children’s program, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Murphy's character, Mister Robinson, mirrored Rogers' gentle demeanor but presented a starkly different reality living in an urban environment marked by crime, poverty, and systemic challenges. The sketch humorously addressed serious issues such as gentrification, unemployment, and racial inequality, offering a critique of societal structures through satire. In contrast, Rogers' original show focused on kindness, emotional understanding, and inclusivity, aiming to teach children about empathy and respect. While Rogers acknowledged the parody, expressing that some imitations were done with "real kindness in their hearts," he also emphasized the importance of respect and understanding in such portrayals . Murphy's portrayal, though comedic, highlighted the disparities faced by African Americans, using humor to shed light on serious social issues

Civil Rights and the 1950s: Crash Course US History #39

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:43:12 UTC

In Crash Course US History #39, John Green explores the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s, and he highlights key events and figures. He discusses the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which declared school segregation unconstitutional, and the subsequent "Massive Resistance" in the South. The video also covers the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest, and the rise of Martin Luther King Jr. as a prominent leader. Despite these efforts, by the end of the decade, desegregation had made limited progress, with fewer than 2% of Black students attending integrated schools in the South.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 | Black American Heroes

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:46:14 UTC

The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 was a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement, initially ignited by Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger. This act of defiance led to a 13 month long boycott, with the Black community in Montgomery, Alabama, organizing alternative transportation through carpools and taxis to avoid using the segregated bus system. The boycott, supported by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., resulted in significant economic pressure on the city, as African Americans made up 75% of bus riders. Despite facing threats and violence, the movement persisted, culminating in a Supreme Court decision that declared bus segregation unconstitutional. This victory not only challenged institutionalized racism but also marked a significant stride toward racial equality in the United States.

Malcolm in the Middle

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:53:10 UTC

This clip from the hit family sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle, presents an argument between two pivotal father figures in the show about feeling singled-out in their poker group. The humor of this scene comes from Hal(Bryan Cranston) saying that their poker group(which is predominantly black with the exception of Hal) isolates him because he isn't a professional, subverting the audiences expectations that he felt it was due to him being the only white guy. What I enjoy about this scene is that in most instances, ignorance seems to be correlated with discrimination and oppression, primarily because those who hate are considered to be ignorant to the humanity present in the thing they're hating. In this scene however, not only is Hal's ignorance used for comedic effect, but it also shows that hate doesn't come from ignorance alone, and that you can be ignorant(situationally unaware) and still be compassionate towards those who are different.

Racial Identity

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 22:56:59 UTC

This pie chart from Pew Research describes poll responses from African Americans on the role their race has played in laying out their racial identity. The majority of these responses favored that being black greatly influenced both their cultural and individual identities.

Population Statistics

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:03:40 UTC

Each decennial Census since 2000 has revealed a more racially and ethnically diverse U.S. population. However, I think it's important to note that the percentage of the black population in the US has not seen any notable change; stagnating at around 12.3%.

Mental Health

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:05:27 UTC

Among adults who report fair or poor mental health, White adults (50%) are more likely to say they received mental health services in the past three years compared with Black (39%) and Hispanic adults (36%).

Incarceration

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:06:53 UTC

Black people and Latino men are overrepresented among prisoners. Black men and women are 28% and 23% of prisoners, while both make up just 6% of the state’s adults. Similarly, Latino men are 46% of prisoners, but just 38% of adult Californians. By contrast, Latino women account for about 37% of both populations.

Media

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:08:25 UTC

Almost two-thirds of Black adults (63%) say news about Black people is often more negative than news about other racial and ethnic groups; 28% say it is about equal and 7% say it is often more positive.

Education

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:09:47 UTC

Figure displays differences between the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Reading composite scale score for 4th graders in each racial/ethnic group relative to the score for white 4th graders.

Income

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:12:00 UTC

With respect to Black households, evidence points to the role of slavery and post-slavery practices, such as segregation, that created disparate opportunities for wealth accumulation.

Minority Representation in Congress

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:14:49 UTC

Overall, 133 lawmakers identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native or multiracial. Together, these lawmakers make up a quarter of Congress, including 28% of the House of Representatives and 12% of the Senate.

Federal Government

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:18:30 UTC

The graph highlighting racial representation in the federal government states that both white and black individuals are overrepresented, and while I think that is a fair statement for the white members, the percent difference between white and black members is over four times larger than the difference between black members and Hispanic members.

Black CEO's

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:19:51 UTC

From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of Black CEOs of Fortune 500 companies doubled from 0.6 percent in 2000 to 1.2 percent in 2010 before falling back to 1 percent in 2020.

NAACP

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:31:15 UTC

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founded in 1909, is the United States' oldest and largest civil rights organization. Established in response to racial violence, it aims to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and discrimination. The NAACP has played a pivotal role in major civil rights victories, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which declared school segregation unconstitutional. Today, it continues to advocate for justice through legal action, public policy, and grassroots organizing across the nation.

Blacklivesmatter

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:34:27 UTC

The BLM movement advocates for a broad range of issues affecting Black communities, including criminal justice reform, economic equity, and the abolition of punitive systems. Its core principles emphasize the affirmation of Black humanity, the importance of intersectionality, and the necessity of systemic change to address racial injustice.

The Okra Project

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:35:58 UTC

The Okra Project is a Black trans-led mutual aid collective founded in 2018 by Ianne Fields Stewart. Based in Brooklyn, New York, its mission is to support Black trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals by providing culturally specific, home-cooked meals prepared by Black trans chefs. The organization also offers additional services such as the Okra Academy, which provides culinary training, and the International Grocery Fund, which assists with emergency food shortages.

M4BL

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:37:08 UTC

The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) is a coalition of over 50 organizations, including the Black Lives Matter Network, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, and the National Conference of Black Lawyers, united to advance Black liberation and justice. Formed in 2014, M4BL articulates a comprehensive policy agenda known as the "Vision for Black Lives," which encompasses demands for reparations, divestment from policing, economic justice, community control, and political power.

Color of Change

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:39:56 UTC

Color Of Change is the nation's largest online racial justice organization, founded in 2005 by James Rucker and Van Jones in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With over 7 million members, it leverages digital tools and grassroots mobilization to advocate for systemic change across various sectors, including criminal justice, economic equity, media representation, and political accountability . The organization has led impactful campaigns such as the #BeyondTheStatement initiative, urging corporations to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to structural reforms that benefit Black communities.

Civil Rights Digital Library

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:41:40 UTC

The Civil Rights Digital Library (CRDL), launched in 2008 and hosted by the University of Georgia, is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. It serves as a central hub, connecting over 200 libraries, archives, and museums nationwide to provide free access to a vast array of historical materials, including photographs, documents, oral histories, and news footage.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:43:00 UTC

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), part of the Smithsonian Institution, opened on September 24, 2016, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is the only national museum dedicated exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture . The museum's mission is to capture and share the unvarnished truth of African American history and culture, connecting stories, scholarship, art, and artifacts from the past and present to illuminate the contributions, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the nation.

Black Past

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:45:00 UTC

Blackpast.org is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to documenting the history of African Americans and people of African ancestry worldwide. Founded on February 1, 2007, by Dr. Quintard Taylor, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington, the platform has grown into one of the largest free digital archives of Black history. It offers over 8,000 entries—including biographies, timelines, primary documents, speeches, and bibliographies—covering topics from ancient Africa to contemporary global movements.

African American Historical Serials Collection

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:46:55 UTC

The African American Historical Serials Collection is a digital archive that preserves and provides access to periodicals documenting African American religious life and culture between 1829 and 1922. Developed in collaboration with the American Theological Library Association (ATLA), this collection encompasses over 170 unique titles, including newspapers, magazines, reports, and annuals from African American religious organizations and social service agencies. It offers approximately 60,000 pages of searchable primary source content, featuring materials from denominations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Zion Church, and various Baptist churches.

National Archives

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:48:25 UTC

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent U.S. government agency established in 1934 to preserve and provide access to the nation's historical records. Its mission is to ensure the identification, protection, preservation, and accessibility of historically valuable federal records that document citizens' rights and the actions of federal officials.

Harriet Tubman

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:54:45 UTC

Harriet Tubman, on the far left holding a pan, poses with a group of people whom she helped escape from slavery in the late 19th century.

Civil War

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:55:37 UTC

The 107th US Colored Infantry stand guard during the Civil War, circa 1865. I find this photo impactful considering not only what it meant for a black individual to fight in a war for their freedom, but the desperateness the Confederacy expressed when trying to utilize the enslaved in their fight.

First Self-Made Female Millionaire

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:56:46 UTC

Sarah Breedlove, better known as Madam C.J. Walker, drives her new car as the first woman to become a self-made millionaire in the United States, 1911.

Jesse Owens

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:58:01 UTC

The medalists in the long jump competition salute from the victory stand at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin on Aug. 8, 1936. From left, Japan's Naoto Tajima (bronze); American Jesse Owens (gold), who set an Olympic record in the event and offers an American-style salute with his hand to his forehead; and Germany's Luz Long (silver) giving a Nazi salute.

Women's Army Corps

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-06 23:59:35 UTC

Members of the Women's Army Corps pose for a group photo during World War II in 1940.

Ella Fitzgerald

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-07 00:00:43 UTC

Bathed in red light, jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald performs at Mr. Kelly's nightclub in Chicago, 1958.

Elizabeth Eckford

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-07 00:02:27 UTC

Elizabeth Eckford of what became known as "The Little Rock Nine" is followed and threatened by an angry white mob on her way to class, as one of the first black students to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, 1957.

Rosa Parks

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-07 00:03:18 UTC

Rosa Parks sits in the front of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, after the Supreme Court ruled segregation illegal on the city bus system in 1956. Parks was arrested on Dec. 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her seat in the front of a bus in Montgomery, which set off a successful boycott of the city buses.

Malcolm X

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-07 00:04:13 UTC

Nation of Islam leader Malcolm X draws various reactions from the audience as he restates his theme of complete separation between white and black Americans in 1963.

Muhammad Ali

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-07 00:06:41 UTC

Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali challenges Sonny Liston to get up during their title fight on May 25, 1965. Ali knocked Liston out in one minute in the first round during their bout at the Central Maine Youth Center in Lewiston, Maine.

African Americans in Media

hendersonjett13 — 2025-05-07 20:32:14 UTC

This is my video assignment outlining the importance of the medias portrayal of African Americans in the American society, and the harm it has done.