Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

AFAM-Extra Credit

I believe that is safe to say, that the television is the most influential media available in today’s society. With that being said, many opinions and or conclusions are drawn based on the information provided. In most cases a particular group is either targeted, or left out. I’m focused on the second part of this fact. We are all well aware of H.I.V, the causes, possible treatments, and preventions. These words have been embedded within one’s mind, for sometimes now. Yet I recently discovered that this hasn’t always been the case for African Americans. As an African American woman, this disturbing fact was indeed an eye opener. HIV’s portrayal as a” white-gay-man’s’ disease in 1981 easily mislead African Americans who although obviously didn’t fit into this category, were oblivious to the fact that HIV is color-blind. Consequently a nonchalant attitude towards HIV was adopted. As a result, African Americans are in the lead of the HIV diagnosis’ race; with African American women striving for the gold. African Americans are said to have 55% of H.I.V. infections (guiding right). Sadly, that’s not including the unknown. People that were known to be infected were usually famous, which eventually plummeted. The surplus of the well known African American basket ball player Magic Johnson led to a reality check for African Americans: it can happen to me. Magic Johnson unconsciously facilitated in this much needed epiphany. I was whole hardly agreed that celebrities make an impact on situations that the average person couldn’t. One would think that with the influence and impact that celebrities obtain, they would speak out- yet silence is usually addressed with this situation. Therefore media shows should expand HIV information outside HIV awareness week. Even so, it may be an uproar for awhile, and then die off. Why so? While the “old news” is dying off, unfortunately so is the African American community. Moreover, “disproportionate’ media issues combined with lack of funding, lack of insurance and education aid in this epidemic. Words of advice: get checked because HIV sees no color.
Jessica Turner