African American

African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans or Afro-Americans, and formerly as American Negroes) are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa. Most African Americans are of West and Central African descent and are descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States. However, some immigrants from African, Caribbean, Central American or South American nations, or their descendants, may be identified or self-identify with the term. African Americans make up the single largest racial minority in the United States. African-American history starts in the 16th century with African slaves who quickly rose up against the Spanish explorer Lucas Vásquez de Ayllón and progresses to the present day, with Barack Obama as the 44th and current President of the United States. Between those landmarks there have been events and issues, both resolved and ongoing,...

Works Written About This Topic: Manchild in the Promised Land  The Souls of Black Folk  Black Boy  The Fire Next Time  Notes of a Native Son  No Name in the Street  Amos Fortune, Free Man  Race Matters  The Children  Black Like Me
Periodicals: Savannah Tribune  African Voices A Soulful Collection of Art and Literature  African American Review
Associated Works: National African American Art Examiner  Black History Month Enhanced by International Year for People of African Descent; The Wisdom of W.E.B. Du Bois  Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance  Report on 2011 International Year part 4 Haiti's Hope Now and Tomorrow  Savannah Talks Troy Anthony Davis No. 12: U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Appeal  10 Great Moments in African-American History  Harlem Renaissance Dialogues  Portraits of U.S. Artists in the Southeast  The Approaching 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance (part 1)
Characters of this ethnicity: Bubbles  Geraldine  Avery J. Johnson  Keith Anderson  Gravedigger  Mike Giardello  Tonya  Chris  Ahmad Chadway  Damon Carter
Quotations About This Subject: “However the world community chooses to interpret it, where Michael Jackson himself is concerned, if the purpose of a legacy is to help make the world a richer, more fulfilling, and more humane place than it was during one’s lifetime, he can rest in peace knowing he did exactly that.” --from Michael Jackson, Legacies of a Globetrotting Moonwalking Philanthropist; “In addition to her musical sensibilities, [Nina Simone] also possessed a social/political consciousness that was magnified by friendships with individuals like the playwright Lorraine Hansberry, author James Baldwin, and author Langston Hughes, all of whom at various times lent their artistry to the struggle for racial equality.”; “The United Nations and the Organization of American States have named 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent. This is an opportunity for all of us around the globe to celebrate the diversity of our societies and to honor the contributions that our fellow citizens of African descent make every day to the economic, social and political fabrics of our communities.”; "An International Year for People of African Descent suggests individuals expand their awareness beyond the United States to embrace knowledge regarding 'Afro-descendants' on every continent."; "President Obama appears to me to have elevated and implemented the artist-activist concept to the role of empowered servant-leader..."; "The position of orator and leader of peaceful demonstrations made [Martin Luther] King more visible. But that as an empowering liaison who won the support of white celebrities to the civil rights cause, and who channeled untold numbers of dollars toward financing that cause, made [Harry] Belafonte equally essential.";
Diseases with this Risk Factor: Pancreatic cancer  Prostate cancer  Esophageal cancer  Anemia  Sickle-cell disease  Asthma  Lupus erythematosus  Scleroderma  Eclampsia  Uterine fibroids
Geographic distribution: United States of America
Included in group(s): African diaspora  Afro Americans in the Americas
Includes group(s): Foreign-born Afro Americans
Languages spoken: Spanish Language  English Language
People of this ethnicity: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.  Mildred Loving  Ron Dellums  Coleman Young  Lionel J. Wilson  Mary Hatwood Futrell  Cheryl Gore-Felton  Ja A. Jahannes  Daisy Mae Byrd  Aberjhani
Projects: African American National Biography Project
Artwork on the Subject: Bright Skylark Literary Productions  African-American Monument  I See the Rhythm of Gospel by Michele Wood  Songs of My People
Related Web Pages: Black History Month and Life in Realtime