Black people have been called many things throughout history, from “Negro” to “colored” to “Black” and several more derogatory terms.
In 1989, civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson promoted “African American” as the term to best dignify Black people in the Americas.
The term, however, dates back to at least 1782, when it was found in a sermon published in Philadelphia.
With all these terms in the zeitgeist, a question can be asked about which is the best term to use and when, writes S.Ali for Reader’s Digest.
When it comes to “Black” vs. “African American,” it’s important to understand what systemically comes with each term.
While the two terms were often used as categories in the U.S. Census, the most recent one included those options and added a space to write in their origins.
This shows that these are just terms in a vacuum. They are more nuanced than what meets the eye.
“The most appropriate term to use is Black. Not because it is the correct term but because it speaks to the collective experience of people with darker skin without negating the individual or historical background,” the writer said.
At the same time; however, Black people should have the freedom to use whatever term they feel describes them best without being policed.
Read more the “Black” vs. “African American” discussion at Reader’s Digest.
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