New Jersey Schools Set to Offer Advanced Placement African American Studies

Governor Phil Murphy has announced a major expansion of Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies classes in New Jersey, while visiting Science Park High School with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka during Black History Month. 

The class, which is currently in its first stage of a two-year pilot program, will now be offered in 26 New Jersey high schools during the 2023-2024 academic year. This is a significant increase from the current offering of only one NJ school out of the 60 schools offering the program nationwide.

"As governors like Florida’s Ron DeSantis prioritize political culture wars ahead of academic success, New Jersey will proudly teach our kids that Black History is American History. While the DeSantis Administration stated that AP African American Studies ‘significantly lacks educational value’, New Jersey will stand on the side of teaching our full history. We will set an example for the nation by demonstrating to our future leaders that our country is the greatest in the world because it is a work in progress, a promise, and an ideal we strive to achieve,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

The initiative hopes to position New Jersey as a national leader in public education, while promoting access to educational opportunities that provide students with a strong foundation for future success. The decision to expand AP African American Studies comes at a time when many students across the country are calling for more diverse curriculums that reflect the experiences and histories of marginalized communities.

The Governor and Mayor were joined by Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan and the Superintendent of Newark Public Schools Roger León, as they visited an African American History class taught by Mr. Alnazir Blackman. Mr. Blackman will also teach the AP African American Studies class at Science Park High School in the next academic year.

“African American history has been enshrined in our statewide social studies standards since the 1990s, and subsequently codified in law with the passage of the 2002 Amistad legislation that requires New Jersey schools to incorporate African American history into social studies curriculum,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “In New Jersey, we strive to fearlessly and honestly provide our students with the richest and most expansive instruction possible – one reason our public schools consistently rank among the best in the nation. Recognition of New Jersey high schools that have implemented Advanced Placement African American Studies is an additional milestone in our journey in providing robust resources and education excellence in African American studies."

The school visit not only marked the expansion of AP African American Studies but also highlighted the Newark School District’s continued leadership in expanding African American History education. Since 2020, the district has developed and launched new curriculum, including units of study for K-11 that focus on Black History. In the 2023-2024 academic year, six schools in Newark will offer the AP African American Studies class.

As the United States continues to grapple with racial inequality and systemic racism, the expansion of AP African American Studies classes in New Jersey is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive education system. By providing students with a deeper understanding of African American history, culture, and experiences, these classes offer a unique opportunity for students to learn about diverse perspectives and cultures, fostering greater understanding, empathy, and inclusivity.

“In order to truly understand the complexities of our nation, students must be able to learn about all the facets of American History,” said Mayor Ras Baraka. “The study of African-American History is integral in a child’s educational upbringing as it ensures that they learn a complete picture of what makes America, America. This country cannot afford to teach a revisionist history because doing so will only ensure that we repeat the mistakes of the past. With the passage of the Amistad Bill, New Jersey students are taught a complete and inclusive history. We hope that states across the country will not only enact similar legislation but provide funding to expand history curriculums in a meaningful way.”

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