What’s in a Name?

Africans in America have gone by several names, from Colored to Negro to People of Color, Black and African American. The changes reflect attempts by Blacks to control not only how they are viewed but how they view themselves. The term one uses reflects a particular historical period and a political stance. Hence, there are some from a previous era who preferred Negro or Colored, while since the civil rights movement, the terms Black and African American have held sway. One can even find some who use what might be considered inclusive language and the term People of Color. I am a product of the civil rights movement and have consistently used either Black or African American. It reflects my historical reality and my positionality.

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