Economic Growth and Black Political Representation
Adam King
10 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP African American Studies study guide covers political power and representation (Voting Rights Act of 1965, Black elected officials), economic disparities and progress (wealth gaps, education, entrepreneurship), and required sources (Colin Powell's speech, Obama portraits, Brookings report). It emphasizes key figures like Shirley Chisholm, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris. The guide includes practice questions (multiple-choice, short answer, and free response) and exam tips.
#AP African American Studies: The Night Before Review 🚀
Hey there! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP African American Studies exam. This guide is designed to be your best friend tonight, making sure everything clicks into place. We'll focus on the big picture, hit the key points, and make sure you're ready to ace this thing!
#1. Political Power & Representation ✊🏾
Let's dive into how African Americans gained political influence and the impact it had. Remember, the AP exam loves to connect political, economic, and social themes, so pay attention to those links!
#The Voting Rights Act of 1965
- Key Idea: This landmark act outlawed discriminatory voting practices. 💡
- Impact:
- Massive increase in Black voter registration and turnout.
Opened doors for Black candidates to win elections at all levels.
Led to a sixfold increase in Black elected officials between 1970 and 2006.
#Growth in Black Elected Officials
- Numbers: From about 1,500 to 9,000 officials between 1970 and 2006. * Significance: Demonstrated the power of the Black Freedom movement in transforming political representation.
#Advances in Black Federal Leadership
- Shirley Chisholm: First Black woman elected to Congress (1968). 🌟
- Founded the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in 1971, a group that promotes Black political power and advocates for reform.
- Colin Powell: First Black Secretary of State (2001).
- Condoleezza Rice: First Black woman Secretary of State.
- Barack Obama: First Black President of the United States (2008). 🇺🇸
- Kamala Harris: First Black Vice President of the United States (2020).
Practice Question
Multiple Choice:
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The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was primarily intended to: (A) Increase the number of Black elected officials (B) Outlaw discriminatory voting practices (C) Promote economic equality (D) Establish affirmative action programs
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Which of the following best describes the significance of Shirley Chisholm's election to Congress? (A) It marked the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement (B) It led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act (C) It made her the first Black woman to serve in Congress (D) It established the Congressional Black Caucus
Short Answer Question:
Briefly explain how the Voting Rights Act of 1965 impacted the political representation of African Americans in the United States.
FRQ:
Analyze the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on African American political representation and discuss the significance of the election of Barack Obama as the first Black president of the United States. In your response, consider the historical context, key figures, and the long-term implications of these events.
Scoring Guide
- Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis statement that addresses the impact of the Voting Rights Act and the significance of Obama's election.
- Impact of the Voting Rights Act (2 points): Discussion of the act's effects on voter registration, political participation, and the increase in Black elected officials.
- Significance of Obama's Election (2 points): Explanation of the historical context, symbolic importance, and long-term implications of Obama's presidency.
- Historical Context and Key Figures (2 points): Mention of key figures and events related to the Civil Rights Movement and its connection to the Voting Rights Act and Obama's election.
- Analysis and Connections (2 points): Demonstrates an understanding of the connections between the Voting Rights Act, political representation, and Obama's election, showing the long-term impact of these events.
- Evidence and Support (1 point): Use of specific examples and evidence to support the claims and analysis.
#2. Economic Disparities & Progress 💰
Now, let's shift our focus to the economic realities faced by African Americans. It's crucial to understand that political gains didn't automatically translate to economic equality.
#Wealth Gaps Along Racial Lines
- The Problem: Significant wealth disparities persist despite the growth of the Black middle class. 📉
- Numbers: In 2016, the median wealth for Black families was 171,000 for white families. That's a huge difference!
- Causes: *
Historical discrimination in housing and employment.
#Educational Opportunities After Desegregation
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Progress: Desegregation expanded educational opportunities for Black students.
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Impact: Gradual increase in Black college graduates.
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Numbers: 23% of African American adults had a bachelor's degree or higher by 2019. ### Urbanization and Black Entrepreneurship
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Urbanization: Led to increased employment opportunities and growth of Black businesses.
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Black Entrepreneurs: Made significant contributions to American society and the economy.
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Examples: Restaurants, banks, publishing houses that served Black communities.
Practice Question
Multiple Choice:
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Which factor has MOST significantly contributed to the wealth gap between Black and white families in the U.S.? (A) Differences in educational attainment (B) Variations in career choices (C) Historical discrimination in housing and employment (D) Lack of access to financial literacy programs
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The growth of Black businesses in urban areas primarily resulted from: (A) Government grants and subsidies (B) Increased employment opportunities due to urbanization (C) Desegregation of schools (D) The Voting Rights Act of 1965
Short Answer Question:
Explain how historical discrimination has impacted the accumulation of wealth in Black communities.
FRQ:
Analyze the economic disparities between Black and white families in the United States, and discuss the role of both historical factors and contemporary policies in perpetuating these inequalities. In your response, consider the impact of discriminatory practices, educational opportunities, and entrepreneurship.
Scoring Guide
- Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis statement that addresses the economic disparities and their causes.
- Historical Factors (2 points): Discussion of how historical discrimination in housing and employment has impacted wealth accumulation.
- Contemporary Policies (2 points): Explanation of how current policies either perpetuate or address these inequalities.
- Educational Opportunities (2 points): Analysis of the role of desegregation and educational attainment in economic mobility.
- Entrepreneurship (2 points): Discussion of the significance of Black entrepreneurship and its impact on economic empowerment.
- Evidence and Support (1 point): Use of specific examples and data to support the claims and analysis.
#3. Required Sources: Voices and Visions 🖼️
Let's look at some key sources that provide crucial insights into the African American experience. These sources are not just about memorizing facts; they're about understanding perspectives and narratives.
#Commencement Address of General Colin Powell at Howard University, 1994
- Significance: Powell's speech at a historically Black university is a powerful example of African American achievement. 🎓
- Key Themes:
- Importance of free speech.
- Rejection of hatred and embrace of reconciliation.
- Legacy of African American pioneers.
- Responsibility of graduates to serve their communities.
- Maintaining faith in America while working to improve it.
- Pride in one's heritage and contribution to American society.
- Fighting racism without letting it become a personal burden.
- Value of diversity as a source of national strength.
#Portrait of Former President Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley, 2018
- Significance: A departure from traditional presidential portraiture, blending contemporary art with historical gravitas. 🎨
- Symbolism:
- Obama's relaxed pose and the vibrant background challenge conventional notions of power.
- Represents the evolving narrative of African American representation in politics and culture.
#Portrait of Former First Lady Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald, 2018
- Significance: The first African American First Lady painted by a Black female artist. 🌟
- Symbolism:
- Challenges traditional notions of presidential portraiture.
- Reflects her role as a cultural icon.
- Highlights the progress made in representation for Black women.
#Charts from "The Black Middle Class Needs Political Attention, Too," Brookings Institution Report by Andre M. Perry and Carl Romer, 2020
- Significance: Highlights the often-overlooked economic challenges faced by the Black middle class. 📊
- Key Points:
- Draws attention to persistent racial inequalities that affect even relatively affluent African Americans.
- Challenges simplistic narratives about racial progress.
- Underscores the need for targeted policies addressing systemic barriers.
Practice Question
Multiple Choice:
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General Colin Powell's commencement address at Howard University primarily emphasized: (A) The need for economic reparations (B) The importance of free speech and community service (C) The challenges of desegregation (D) The need for increased military spending
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Kehinde Wiley's portrait of Barack Obama is significant because it: (A) Adheres to traditional presidential portraiture (B) Blends contemporary art with historical gravitas (C) Focuses solely on the challenges of his presidency (D) Depicts him in a formal, unapproachable manner
Short Answer Question:
How do the portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, respectively, represent a departure from traditional presidential portraiture?
FRQ:
Analyze how the selected sources—General Colin Powell's commencement address, the portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama, and the Brookings Institution report—contribute to a deeper understanding of the African American experience in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In your response, consider the themes, perspectives, and historical context presented in each source.
Scoring Guide
- Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis statement that addresses the contribution of the sources to understanding the African American experience.
- Powell's Address (2 points): Discussion of the key themes and messages in Powell's speech and their significance.
- Obama Portraits (2 points): Analysis of how the portraits challenge traditional norms and represent the evolving narrative of African American leadership.
- Brookings Report (2 points): Explanation of the report's findings on economic disparities and its importance in understanding the Black middle class.
- Connections and Analysis (2 points): Demonstrates an understanding of the connections between the sources and how they collectively contribute to a broader understanding of the African American experience.
- Evidence and Support (1 point): Use of specific examples and details from the sources to support the claims and analysis.
#Final Exam Focus 🎯
Okay, you've made it! Here's what to focus on for the final push:
- High-Priority Topics:
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on political representation.
- Economic disparities and the wealth gap between Black and white families.
- The significance of key figures like Shirley Chisholm, Colin Powell, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris.
- Analysis of primary sources, such as Powell's speech and the Obama portraits.
- Common Question Types:
- Multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of key events and figures.
- Short-answer questions requiring you to explain cause-and-effect relationships.
- Free-response questions asking you to analyze the impact of historical events and policies.
- Last-Minute Tips:
- Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
Remember, the FRQ is worth the most points, so allocate your time accordingly.
Don't just list facts; explain their significance.
This helps you stay organized and focused.
Remember the Big Picture:
- Political Power: Voting Rights Act → Increased Representation → Key Leaders
- Economic Realities: Desegregation → Educational Gains → Persistent Wealth Gaps
- Cultural Impact: Art & Literature → Shifting Narratives → Evolving Identity
You've got this! Stay calm, trust your preparation, and go show that AP exam what you're made of! 💪🏾
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