Why AP African American Studies Matters More Than Ever: An Interview with Patrice Frasier

By Amir Muhammad | April 4, 2025

Over the next four years, the current federal government is projected to shake things up in almost every area one can think of; especially education.

With the threat of the Department of Education being dismantled by the Trump administration and the banning of many important books, such as "The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, in school districts across the United States. 

The failure to consider race as a factor in education, including the plight of African Americans being taught in the classroom, contributes to an incomplete and biased understanding of history and social issues.

This reality is terrifying for many, especially for people like me who are taking AP African American Studies this school year. 

I believe the best person to talk to about the possible elimination of the class would be Ms. Patrice Frasier, the Department Chair of the Social Sciences department and teacher of AP African American studies at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. We discussed the possible future of the class, hot topics like Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives (DEI), and the importance of an AP African American history class, truly is.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Amir Muhammad: With the challenges educators face today, especially when teaching African American Studies, how do you feel about the opposition to courses like yours?

Patrice Frasier: I’m proud of this course because it’s more necessary now than ever. A lot of what we see and hear today is rooted in misinformation and false narratives. This class gives students the opportunity to examine primary sources, analyze historical patterns, and come to their own conclusions. That’s why the opposition doesn’t discourage me — it only reinforces the need for these discussions. Education is the best tool to counteract the lies that have been spread for generations.

AM: What is one historical event or concept that you teach that consistently opens students’ eyes and challenges their understanding of history?

PF: It’s hard to pick just one, but I think what resonates most with students is seeing the patterns in history. They realize that the struggles of the past — enslavement, Black Codes, mass incarceration — are not isolated incidents, but part of a larger system rooted in white supremacy. When students connect these dots, it becomes clear that these injustices aren’t just history; they are still happening today. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.

AM: How can students who don’t take your class still educate themselves on African American history and its impact on the world today?

PF: That’s where my students come in. The knowledge they gain in class isn’t just for them — it’s meant to be shared. When students discuss what they’ve learned with their friends, family, and community, they help spread awareness. But beyond that, I encourage everyone to read diverse perspectives, analyze historical sources, and question what they’ve been taught. Education isn’t just about taking a class — it’s about being curious and seeking the truth.

AM: Many history classes focus on a few well-known Black figures while overlooking others. Who are some unsung heroes that deserve more recognition?

PF: There are so many! Queen Nzinga, an African ruler who resisted Portuguese colonization, is one. Fannie Lou Hamer, a grassroots activist, challenged systemic racism in politics despite lacking formal education. Eugene Bullard, the first African American military pilot, had to fight for France because the U.S. wouldn’t let him serve. Even well-known figures like Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic signal, had contributions that go beyond what’s commonly taught. These stories prove that African Americans have shaped every part of history — whether people acknowledge it or not.

AM: Media often misrepresents enslaved people, portraying them as powerless rather than intelligent and resourceful. How do you feel about these portrayals, and what truths should be emphasized instead?

PF: I hate it, because when a lie is told enough times, people believe it. The truth is no one would go through the effort of capturing, transporting, and controlling people who had no value. Enslaved Africans were highly skilled and brought knowledge that shaped everything from agriculture to music to political thought. Survival itself requires intelligence, and figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass prove that intelligence wasn’t just formal education — it was strategy, resilience, and leadership. We need to tell these stories until the truth replaces the lie.

Listen to the full interview below: