First Year Seminar 191HFA01 - FYS-From Black Power to BLM

What do popular cultural icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Colin Kaepernick, and Beyonce have in common with Black Power activists such as Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Huey P. Newton? In this first-year seminar, we will explore African American activism beginning with the Black Power movement of the late 1960s and 70s to the current #BlackLivesMatter movement of 2022. As we examine the past and present struggle for racial justice, we will pay close attention to the role of art, music, fashion, mass media, and culture as tools for activism and resistance. Students enrolled in this course will not only gain an understanding of the Black freedom struggle, but also gain an appreciation for the living legacies and voices of the past and present moment in history. Students will also gain practical college readiness skills such as essay writing, critical analysis, presenting, and collaboration.

First year students only - (Freshmen or Sophomore status) First year (Fr or Soph)