In 2021, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) introduced its first Black Studies course, Black Studies U.S. History 11B, as part of its Black Education Program for eleventh graders. What began as a single virtual class during the pandemic has since grown into a district-wide initiative spanning multiple grades and schools.
“The initial class was a COVID virtual class, and it is exciting to see that we are now at a really good place,” said Anita Koyier-Mwamba, SPS Black Education Program Manager. “We have courses happening now at Rainier Beach and Chief Sealth. We have introduced AP African American Studies at Garfield for the second year, and then we have Black Studies U.S. History honors for four sections at Lincoln High School. In other words, there has been exponential growth. We are now offering eighth-grade social studies as Black Studies. So, the growth, I think, has been quite impressive, considering how few resources we have had.”
The Black Education Program was created in response to advocacy from Black students, families, and community members…