Diversity means differences among people. It includes all of us in our rich and infinite variety. In recent years, diversity has become a popular topic. As the demographics of the U.S. population become more diverse, the need to provide multicultural educational experiences in organized youth programs increases.

Additionally, today’s global market continues to grow, and technological advances make communication around the world easier. The need to prepare youth to function in a diverse society and world is becoming more important. Both formal and nonformal education programs are adding diversity-related topics to their curricula.

Youth development leaders have the opportunity to help our youth understand, appreciate, and value the many different cultures that make up America. Leaders can play an important role in teaching youth to live together and care for each other. Through guidance and critical thinking, leaders can open up new worlds for youth to discover.

Leaders play a role in helping youth become comfortable in our everchanging society. The Guide to Exploring African American Culture is one tool that was developed to assist 4-H and other youth development leaders in achieving this goal.

The suggested age-group is 10 years and older. This guide can also be adapted to adult learners as well.

This leader’s guide serves as a tool for leaders, assisting them in the process of using the activity guide. This curriculum has several goals, all of which are described in the objectives.

Objectives

The activity guide was developed with the goal in mind to encourage youth to:

1. Develop an understanding of African American culture and its importance in U.S. society.

2. Learn about the individual contributions of selected African Americans to American history.

3. Reflect on one’s own culture and the similarities and differences between cultures.

4. Develop life skills that allow youth the opportunity to value diversity, think critically, process information, learn to learn, practice creativity, complete a project or task, and more.

Download Guide to Exploring African American Culture

PDF Format, 966KB, 84Pages. Published by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Contents:

Leader’s Guide 2
Introduction to Activity Guide 7
What I Know about African American Culture 8
African American Skin and Hair: What Makes the Difference? 10
Swahili: The Continental Language of Africa 22
African American Arts and Crafts 24
African American Music 36
Selected Poetry by African Americans 41
African American Cuisine 50
Special African American Holidays 57
Notable African Americans 60
Reflections on What I Have Learned 74
How Can I Learn More? 76
Puzzle Solutions 77
References 81

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