In high schools across America you find other languages being taught but only a very few teach Swahili. If you so choose you can learn French, Italian, and Spanish, but why not one that reflects African-Americans' heritage? Is it because these other ethnic groups are considered to be docile and non-threatening but the thought of African-Americans speaking a language that many people may not understand is too frightening? Is this still a form of slavery control? This East African language is the easiest of all African languages to learn and the fastest growing on that continent. I realize that most African slaves were taken predominantly from the westside so idealistically we should learn a West African language but we have to start somewhere. Since I started learning Swahili I've met and am still presently surrounded by more Tanzanians and Kenyans than I've ever been. African-Americans have come a long way but I believe this is the last chapter in reconnecting ourselves to Africa, its people, and its culture. I'm not saying we should change our dress codes and start painting our faces and dancing around barnyard fires; I'm just saying we should speak a language that will give us unity and connectivity that will go beyond our usual slang. Look at what we've done to the English language! We've given it DYNAMICISM and FLAVOR! Imagine what we would do to Swahili if hip-hop got a hold of it?! Answer this question, should we push for our school boards to add Swahili to its language curriculum?