What Black Studies Means To Me...

I'm from a small town in the middle of Texas called San Angelo. The population is about 100,ooo people, but i bet you could probably count the African Americans on your fingers and toes...actually that's an overexaggeration, but that's how very few black people live in the town. I believe that because I was raised around cultures that were different from mine, I have missed out on some of the important aspects of the African American life. I've always been described as, "The White Girl" and I think that it's now time for a change. But what I've always wanted to know is...What is the classification of being Black?It's such a broad understanding, but as I arrived at OU, I was completely overwhelmed by all the people around me that were the same or very closely complected. This class's objective is to get a better understanding and to discuss the traditons, cultures, and experience of African Americans. With this in mind, I think I will be able to fully grasp what it is that I think I'm missing. I believe that as the year goes on it will become a new experience and an adventure into the culture that I am so eager to explore. I am a Black person and I feel as if it would benefit me to be educated about my own culture and the trials and tribulations that my people had to go through. If it wasn't for my past, then my current lifestyle and future would not be as abundant. I would like to appreciate who I am as a person more and i feel as if this class is going to bring that understanding to me. Life is great now, but I think it will be even better as the semester continues and I feel honored and privileged to be taking such an impactful class.