Upon my introduction to African American studies, my mind has expanded more and more about my ancestors and about my African history. Many people are ashamed to celebrate where they come from, I have grown to embrace my culture and what being a young black woman means. All humans share a common ancestor, and guess what, these ancestors come from Africa. This was before human evolution evolved us into the species Homo sapiens. When Homo erectus first left Africa 200,000 million years ago, they followed game to the other continents. Now, recently I learned in my African Civilizations class that Africa is the second largest continent. Imagine how many resources and beautiful countries are in Africa!

I don’t understand why it is hard for people to accept the heritage that we all share. I find it troubling that people paint the picture of Africa as disease infested and poor. Yes, there is poverty in Africa but there is poverty everywhere. In order to break down the mind, the first step is to hinder positive possibilities. So, by polluting our minds with negative pictures of Africa, it is like influencing our opinions. Of course, we are all entitled to an opinion but when one is exposed to negativity about a place for so long, there can be an influence on ones mindset. Africa is the home of the fourth largest oil exporter in the world and is Africa’s biggest producer. Africa is also the second most populated continent with a population of 1.1 billion people. I just find these facts amazing and it makes me more interested in my history.

I find it that education is the key to all of my new found knowledge. Learning was taken seriously throughout my years of schooling but I only learned about my heritage in one month, February. In college, I am able to learn about my history in which ever class I please. I just think that African American studies can change the lives of troubled youths who have been blinded by the negative imagery that has clouded our minds. I just wish to share enlightenment whenever I can.