Blog # 1

    My first black studies class began when I took Black Studies 6 and 126. They were both great courses for their own reasons and the topics which were articulated in them. I really enjoyed Black Studies 126 because of the informative, and interesting information regarding Diaspora for example. Learning to understand the meaning of the word one must first understand how blacks came to America. Indulging and enjoying in that course made me broaden my perspective in the black studies major. This university provides a great Black Studies program and viable options as far as classes. I really lucked out in taking some of these courses and enhancing my knowledge in the topics which were presented.

     Another course I liked was Black Studies 169 with Professor Johnson. Learning more and focusing on Jim Crow’s laws which created a hostile political and social environment for black people was very interesting. Another course which I enjoyed and would recommend is Black Studies 3. My experience in this class has tremendously improved my perception of Africa in a whole different light. The interviews, films and the writings extensively educated me in African history, ideology, and media image. All these different aspects of viewing the continent validated each other. Africa’s historical past and ideology of its populace dates as far back to its colonization by the Western world. Africa was, and even today, considered a big treasure continent. Like a “treasure island,” it created an insatiable appetite for the western world. Event hough, I learned about numerous problems in Africa, I also found out that the solutions

are emerging. In conclusion, I am glad to have majored in Black Studies here at UCSB and hope to broaden my knowledge so I could benefit from it when I progress in my academic career as well as future.