We need to change the way we are teaching American history for multiple reasons. Keeping African American history as an elective blatantly tells all students that African American history is less important and less valued. Right now, our way of teaching American history is extremely focused on the European settlers who get the glory for making this country what it is today. African American students are left in the dark about their history and so are kids of other ethnicities. Being unaware of this history has been breeding ignorance and hate in society that all African American students must combat on a daily basis. Knowing our history helps us to understand our lives in the present day and if we are taught real American history, which includes the history and cultures of more than just British settlers, students of all ethnicities will be able to be proactive in the community and help achieve a more equal world in America. African American students need to be proud of the accomplishments their ancestors have made and students of other ethnicities need to be taught the truth about African American history and culture instead of consuming ideas through the media. Students, teachers, parents and faculty should support this petition because in order to achieve a better America, we need to start with getting rid of the ignorance that tears our society apart today. And we have the power to make that happen. Sign this petition to Kentucky's State Education Committee so that they will add an amendment to the CORE content standards requiring that African American history be taught more in-depth. This will include understanding the political, economical, social, and religious aspects pre and post slavery, the accomplishments of African-Americans, and the connections between now and then. In order to make progress and stop subtly telling our African American children that they are not equal to their European descendant classmates, we need to change the way we teach history; and that means teaching American history that includes all Americans.