An African American studies class taught by Charles Lewis is less well known than other history classes at FHS, but covers an extremely important part of U.S. history. This class looks back on the history of African Americans and the struggles they faced throughout American History. Lewis said, “I feel the kids who have an interest in it or reach out and find it can get to choose this class, and I really don’t want kids who don’t want to be here just because their friends are here.”
This class covers a long period of history. Lewis said, “African American History is from going all the way back to the ancient kingdom of Africa to… modern day today…I talk about African American culture [based on the] real life experiences from African Americans in American history.” In this class they really dive deep into not only the history, but the culture, music and the art.
The content is further enriched by field trips taken by the class. Lewis commented, “What field trips are offered depend on the year and what’s going on throughout the year.” Annual field trips in this class have included the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, as well as the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County in The Plains. In past years they have also gone and met notable African-American celebrities. “We met the [black] actresses and actors of the movies,” said Lewis. “We have visited the black colleges and the historically black colleges and universities (HBCU),” Lewis said.
About fifteen kids take his African-American Studies class. Not many students take this class, so he is able to give an one-on-one experience with his students. This particular class is not advertised, because, “I try to keep the class all intimate and I think that it’s a smaller class you can do more in class and is more a personal experience,” said Lewis.
