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Depending on context, the term "Black American" can refer to both race and ethnicity.

In terms of race, the term is often used to describe individuals in the United States who have physical and biological attributes associated with the Black racial groups of Africa.

As for ethnicity, "Black American" or "African American" are often used to refer to an ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or full ancestry from any of the Black racial groups of Africa. Relative to race, ethnicity is a broader term that includes cultural expression and identification, as well as language, religion, traditions, and customs. While race is typically associated with physical and biological attributes, ethnicity includes cultural identification and expression.

These terms can overlap, however. As a consequence, "Black American" and "African American are often used synonymously. "Black" and "African American are not interchangeable, however. "Black" is a broader term that includes individuals who are not U.S. citizens and those who identify more with their heritage from a place outside of Africa.

White people who emigrate from Africa to the United States are not generally referred to as "African American." In Africa, they might be referred to as "Euro-Africans," "Africaners," or, In South Africa, "Umlungu."

The term "colored person" was used in the United States during the early 19th century, and was adopted by emancipated slaves as a term of racial pride following the American Civil War. It was replaced as a self-designation by "Black" or "African-American" during the second part of the 20th century.

Historically, the term "Negro" was considered the correct and proper term for African Americans or people of Black African ancestry. However, it is now considered potentially offensive, having fallen out of favor by the 1970s after young Black activists in the United States began using "Black" in the 1960s as a way to leave the term "Negro" and the Jim Crow era behind.

During the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, the term "Black American" gained popularity as a term of self-identification.

The term "African American" was promoted by Civil Rights activist Jesse Jackson in 1989 as a way of dignifying the origins of Black people in the Americas. Although still in common usage, it is sometimes considered offensive, particularly when hyphenated, as it might suggest that African-Americans are not fully American.

In recent years, the term "person of color" was introduced as a synonym for individuals with black skin tone, but its definition has expanded to include Asians, Native Americans, Latinos, and other non-white groups.

Linguistically, it is important to note that words and definitions change over time, and may be used differently depending on context and personal preference. For example, the words "colored" and "Negro" are now considered dated and potentially offensive, but they were considered proper when organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the United Negro College Fund were created in the early 20th century. Language evolves over time, and words that were once commonly used can become offensive due to changes in societal attitudes and perceptions. The linguist Steven Pinker refers to this as the "euphemism treadmill," where terms for groups and policies often turn over every generation or so.

Language and terminology preferences can vary among individuals and communities, so it's best to use the terms that people prefer to describe themselves.

Black Americans are not a homogenous group, and not all Black people in American society have roots in Africa or slavery. Cultures are complex and diverse, and individuals within a group will have their own unique experiences and cultural practices.

However, Black American culture is a significant part of the broader culture of the United States. African American culture has its roots in Africa and was primarily shaped by the experiences of African Americans historically, especially the period of slavery and the Civil Rights movement.

This history has influenced its music, dance, art, literature, cuisine, fashion, religion, and political activism. Despite facing systemic and sometimes violent racism, including eras of enslavement, slave rebellions, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and the Civil Rights movement, Black Americans have demonstrated ingenuity in producing distinctive traditions and innovations in these fields, and these cultural expressions have served as devices for advancing racial justice and have shaped African American culture. The culture is shaped by African cultures and the African-American experience in the United States, which have influenced Black American religious, familial, political, and economic behaviors.

These are the focus of topics in this portion of our web guide.

 

 

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