Adopting an ecological approach that emphasizes that #ContextMatters, we explore the theoretical foundations and methodological approaches to studying the development of African American children; the role of contextual influences (specifically, family, school, neighborhood, culture) on children’s learning and developmental processes; and apply research on African American children and families to larger social and/or policy issues. Class includes a visit to the chomburg Center and the curation of an African American Children and Families Museum.