Keep AP In All Schools
Illustration, Print, Motion • Made in Illustrator, After Effects
This visual system advocates for the return of AP African American Studies in banned states— inspiring students with facts about Black culture, and showing viewers how cutting courses is harmful for our education.
This visual system includes three 18x24'' posters, a one-minute animated PSA, and a shortened PSA.
Posters
Animated PSA
Mockups
PROCESS
The style of project was inspired by Emory Douglas, a Black designer who created graphics for the Black Panther Party. His work typically mixes bold illustrations, photo-collage elements, and strongly-worded captions on newsprint.
Data from AP's Participation Data reports fuels a lot of the information on in the PSAs.
In Florida, 11% of Black students in Florida took an AP exam in 2023. CollegeBoard says that while AP courses may be available, that doesn't mean students participate in them. The number one reason for this is because schools don't offer AP courses students are interested in.
The use of Emory's style turns this project into two things: a visual lecture in African American Studies, and a design for impact.
AP African American Studies has an opportunity to appeal to Black students, give them a college credit whilst in high school, and increase Black student engagement with AP. Regardless of where the viewer stands politically, offering this course would give Black students a momentous opportunity for their future endeavors.
