Just a quick note for the public…being a descendant of Africa and an American citizen is not the same as being African and living in the U.S. While this may sound like a novel idea to some, there are others going “like duh.”
I just thought I would point this out after receiving a message from a colleague inviting me to an event for an “African American.” When I looked at the name, I was like “hmmmm?” Then, I googled the person. Clearly, not an African American, but an understandable mix-up given the confusion about Blacks across the diaspora. (Trust me, I did my research. The name was just a tip.)
I know it’s a small thing, but isn’t that the point of me being an educator, a social justice educator at that. (Smirks to self)
Here’s a quick video discussing the subjective labels of Blacks and African Americans in the United States.
Here’s another perspective on the topic.
Photocredit: The Zambian Observer
Comment received via email…”I identify with the one on the right. Africans are PROUD of their continent, identity and culture. Nothing wrong with being African American, but that is not who Africans are. Africans and African American share the same ancestry. We should unite and support one another based on that common ground. Africans and African Americans are brothers and sisters. But we are raised differently. We should derive strength from our heritage.”
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