The Department of African American Studies (AAAS) at Michigan State University just set the gold standard for how universities can support AP African American Studies students and educators, creating a day of learning, connection, and celebrating the power of community and Black history. The event brought together students, teachers, and Black Studies scholars from across the state of Michigan for a day of meaningful discussions, an opportunity to share student research topics, an exhilarating quiz bowl, a short film contest and an overall day of collective joy of learning.
Dr. Chamara Kwakye and Dr. Yvonne Morris from Michigan State University’s African American and African Studies department went above and beyond in organizing this event, welcoming students not just into this new and groundbreaking AP course, but into the larger movement that is Black Studies. The day provided a space to reflect on those who fought tirelessly for the establishment of Black Studies, while also affirming that this course carries a higher purpose. "This is about more than a degree or an AP score. This is a movement aimed at nothing less than liberation," Dr. Ruth Nicole Brown, Chair of MSU’s Department of African American and African Studies, told the students.
I wish that every student and teacher of this course across the country could have been with us in Lansing last week. I want everyone who takes or teaches this course to have a day to come together—to celebrate, reflect, and acknowledge not only the profound significance of this course’s establishment but also our shared responsibility in carrying forward the work of those who fought to ensure this history is told.
Why MSU’s Event Was a Game-Changer
The energy that day was incredible, and not just because my students took home the six-foot tall quiz bowl trophy (yes, six foot! Just another way that the MSU AAAS department went above and beyond to make the day exciting and memorable for students!)
But the day wasn’t about trophies—it was about transformation. On the way home, as my students excitedly reflected on the day, beyond recounting our quiz bowl comeback, a few students listed some of the parting wisdom we received from Dr. Kwakye who told the group, "I was raised by the motto each one, teach one", a proverb that originated in the United States during slavery, emphasizing the shared responsibility to spread knowledge and education, particularly within Black communities when literacy was denied to enslaved people. "If you aren't teaching other people what you're learning in this class, you're doing it wrong"
Another student summed up the day this way:
"The MSU trip was amazing—one of the best field trips I’ve had in high school or ever. I loved listening to students' research projects ideas. I also thought it was really cool to be in a real college class where I heard an analysis of what Black Power was all about, I loved the quote: 'Black Power is the art of politics'—that really caught my attention."
Creating Meaningful Connections
The day began with high school students interacting with college students majoring in Black Studies, offering a glimpse into what higher education in this field looks like. One student shared:
"I thought it was really cool to meet all the other AP AFAM students. They had amazing project ideas."
These connections expanded students’ vision for the possibilities within Black Studies and their futures.
While students were learning and networking, teachers engaged in roundtable discussions, exchanging ideas, resources, and strategies to bring the AP African American Studies curriculum to life in classrooms across the state. The collective knowledge in that room was empowering—for both students and educators alike.
One of the most impactful moments came when students attended a real Black Studies lecture, getting a taste of what it feels like to be immersed in the academic rigor of Black history and culture. "It was amazing! I loved the mini-lesson on the Black Arts Movement in a real college class!"
Outline of the Event
9:00 AM – Arrival & Welcome: The day kicked off with excitement as students and teachers from across the state gathered at MSU.
9:15 – 11:00 AM – High School & College Student Sessions + Teacher Roundtable
High school students were hosted by college students currently studying Black Studies. They had the opportunity to hear firsthand about college-level Black Studies experiences and informally share their own research project topics. One of the best moments of the day was seeing how genuinely excited students were to learn about each other’s work!
Students also had the rare opportunity to sit in on an actual Black Studies college class for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, teachers participated in a roundtable discussion, exchanging resources, ideas, and best practices for teaching this groundbreaking course.
11:00 – 11:45 AM – Lunch at MSU Dining Hall
12:00 – 12:30 PM – Quiz Bowl! (Shoutout to the Falcons for their last-second comeback victory!)*
Before the event, schools prepped for the competition by using a 20-question Kahoot we sent out to be used as a preliminary round in their own classrooms based on the Course and Exam Description (CED).The top two representatives from each school advanced to the championship round.
The Championship Round was held on the day of the event. It consisted of 12 brand-new Kahoot questions straight from the CED.
* Buzzer beater!: We trailed for the first 11 rounds and then, boom! On the final question, my students pulled ahead for the first time all day! Before I could even process what had happened, my 30 students stormed the podium in celebration, with the kind of energy I’ve only seen at state basketball championships! The room erupted. Watching my students celebrate this moment might just be the top highlight of my teaching career!
12:40 PM – Short Film Contest Winner Announced
Topic: What Black Studies Means to Me – These films were incredible!
12:45 PM – Inspirational Message: Dr. Ruth Nicole Brown, Chair of MSU’s Department of African American and African Studies, left us with a powerful sendoff, reminding us all: “This course is about way more than a degree!”
1:00 PM – Departure: Students and teachers loaded the buses, heading home inspired and energized by the day’s events.
A Model for Other States
What MSU accomplished wasn’t just a one-time event—it’s a model for how other states can support AP African American Studies students and build a sense of community. Here’s how you can make it happen:
Find a University Partner: Reach out to a Black Studies department at a local university. MSU not only provided space but also engaged faculty and students in making the day meaningful.
Involve College Board: Their support can help with event promotion, resources, and networking opportunities. (Maybe you can get them to throw in a “swag bag?”)
Make It Interactive: The mix of student-led presentations, college lectures, and peer discussions created an engaging and inspiring environment.
Celebrate Student Achievement: Beyond competition, give students opportunities to showcase projects, share their insights, and connect with their peers.
Brad Brunner, a College Board representative in our state who helped facilitate the organization of the event, captured the significance of the moment: “I've experienced many special moments in education throughout my career, this event was second to none! What an opportunity for the AP AFAM students!”
Let’s Make This Happen Nationwide
Every AP African American Studies student deserves a day like this. A day where they feel seen, celebrated, and connected to something greater.
Michigan has set the bar. Which state is next?