On Feb. 13, the African American Literature class was offered to juniors through the course class selection.
World literature and U.S. history teacher Bob Harrington proposed this class to Vice Principal of Academics Nate Simon ’99, and will be in charge of teaching it— on the condition that enough students sign up.
If implemented, the class will start in August of the new school year. The intention supporting this change was to supplement the lack of African American presence in the school’s English curriculum.
Ernst Gains is the author of “A lesson Before Dying.”
Harrington said, “I think there is a missing component to the story that a lot of Americans get about the United States— both in history and literature classes. So, these authors would kinda fill in these missing pieces in the story of the nation.”
James Weldon Johnson is the author of “Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man.”
In terms of workload and structure, this class is similar to its alternative, American literature, which is typically offered to juniors. The main aspect differentiating it from its counterpart is its authors. The curriculum is based on history but all works are fiction.
Harrington continued, “It is a way of looking at fiction in literature in order to help us understand history and ourselves too. Because whenever we engage with literature I think we learn about ourselves.”
Jessie Fauset is the author of “The Sleeper Wakes.”
Whether fact or fiction, literature is the backbone of communication and advancement. The voice behind those words are representative of many generations.
Malani Blueford ’25 stated, “It is important that we recognize that Black history is American history. This class is a chance to learn what message they tried to leave behind.”
Howard Thurman is the author of “Jesus and the Disinherited.”
This seems to be a growing sentiment amongst students across Riordan— which indicates positive results regarding the inception of the class. Many commented on the significance of connecting the past to the future.
Brianna Laval ’25, who is the co-president and communications head of Riordan’s Black Student Union, stated, “I feel that with the current events regarding this country, it is extremely important that we as a people continue to teach the history of our African American people today and forever.”
