African American doesn’t exist.

I should start by saying that I’m not African American. I’m a black South African. I do not have the experience of being any kind of American, let alone a black American - so please, if you are, feel free to correct and educate me.

Back to the topic.

Firstly, I don’t believe in the terminology of “something” American - with the exemption of Native Americans (to a certain extent). I think if the language applies to some groups, then it should apply to all groups - because technically, “American” should encompass all American citizens (native or otherwise). However, if the term is a means of self-identification for the purpose of belonging to a group, then white Americans should also be “something” American.

My next point is more of a question than a statement. If you identify as African American, is that because you feel that that’s what you are - a way of recapturing/tapping into your African roots, or is it because the term “African American” is preferable to the word “black”?

As a South African, I can attest that “African” and “black” aren’t synonymous; there are white Africans - and Africans of other ethnic groups. Not to mention the fact that Africa has 54 countries, most of which are multilingual and multicultural - so “African” is quite ambiguous. Therefore, using the term “African American” as an alternative to “black” makes no sense to me.

My third point speaks to the tragic success of colonialism, slavery and white-washed history.

Now, it’s no secret (at least it shouldn’t be a secret) that Africans, black Africans, “discovered” the Americas - predating Columbus- as documented in the diary of his second voyage. Africans and the pre-Columbus inhabitants of the Americas had existing trade relations.

This is where I show my ignorance, as I don’t know much about American history - so please correct me if I’m wrong. In terms of black American history, the history most of us are taught is that black people came to America through slavery on ships. The way I see it, this is perhaps the period in time that we can call a mass migration of Africans to the Americas. Now, I won’t go into detail, but 400 years, a few wars and a couple of law changes later, black people are recognised as people - on paper - and awarded the same rights as everyone else; on paper. Again, I cannot speak about the physical experience of being black in America, but if the news can serve as a representation of said, black Americans are having a rough time.

So, back to my third point. With the above in mind, a black American whose family came to America via slavery, after 400+ years and generation upon generation of American-born people, are you not too far removed from Africa to still claim “African” as a representation? After 400 years, surely there’s a culture, a tradition, or a lifestyle unique to black Americans that’s been developed? If yes, would it not be a better representation of black Americans to lean into these cultures, traditions and lifestyles instead of gripping at straws to make an African connection?

African America doesn’t exist.

I think it’s either another attempt at using soft language or trying to make everything politically correct.

I think it’s an attempt to find some belonging after centuries of history erasing.

And at its worst, I think it has the potential to be another means of segregation and oppression.

I think that if you are black and American, own it.

There’s no need to try to force some ambiguous connection as a means to find belonging. But, I think it’s just as essential to discover your heritage.

Look deep into your history and let that guide you through your journey of self-discovery and identity.