Glossary
African American
A widely adopted ethnonym that gained prominence in the late 20th century, emphasizing both the African ancestry and American nationality of Black people in the U.S.
Example:
Many people today prefer the term African American as it explicitly connects their identity to both their ancestral continent and their country of birth.
Afro-American
An ethnonym used by some Black Americans, particularly in the mid-to-late 20th century, to acknowledge both their African heritage and American nationality.
Example:
Before 'African American' became widely adopted, 'Afro-American' was a common term used to describe people of African descent in the United States.
American Colonization Society (ACS)
An organization founded by white leaders in the early 19th century that advocated for the emigration of free Black people from the United States to Africa, particularly to Liberia.
Example:
The American Colonization Society viewed free Black people as a societal 'problem,' believing they would never fully integrate into American society.
American Moral Reform Society
An organization established during the 1835 Fifth Annual Convention of free people of color, dedicated to promoting education, temperance, economic improvement, and universal liberty.
Example:
The American Moral Reform Society exemplified the self-help and reform efforts within the free Black community, aiming to uplift their status through various initiatives.
Assertion of American Identity (Black Response)
The powerful rejection by African Americans of efforts like the ACS to remove them from the U.S., instead emphasizing their belonging and rights as Americans.
Example:
Through their assertion of American identity, Black leaders challenged the notion that they were not truly American, despite facing systemic discrimination.
Black (Ethnonym)
A broad ethnonym often used to describe people of African descent, emphasizing racial identity and solidarity, particularly popular during the Black Power movement.
Example:
The term Black became a powerful statement of racial pride and unity during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements.
Declaration of Sentiment (1835 Convention)
A document issued by the 1835 Fifth Annual Convention asserting the belonging of African Americans to the U.S. and their fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and press.
Example:
The Declaration of Sentiment from the 1835 Convention served as a powerful statement of self-determination, articulating the rights and aspirations of free Black Americans.
Demographic Shift (Post-1808)
The change in the composition of the African American population after the 1808 ban, moving from a majority African-born to a majority American-born community.
Example:
The demographic shift after 1808 meant that cultural practices and languages within the African American community increasingly blended African and American influences.
Ethnonyms
Names used by ethnic groups, racial groups, or nationalities to describe themselves, reflecting evolving self-perception and cultural identity.
Example:
The study of ethnonyms like 'Negro,' 'Colored,' 'Afro-American,' and 'African American' reveals the dynamic nature of Black identity over time.
International Slave Trade Ban of 1808
A U.S. federal law that prohibited the importation of enslaved Africans into the United States, though illegal trade continued on a smaller scale.
Example:
The International Slave Trade Ban of 1808 marked a significant turning point, leading to a demographic shift where the African American population became predominantly American-born.
Minutes of the Fifth Annual Convention (1835)
A primary source document detailing the proceedings, discussions, and resolutions of a significant gathering of free people of color in 1835, focused on improving their lives.
Example:
Studying the Minutes of the Fifth Annual Convention (1835) provides insight into the organized efforts of free Black communities to advocate for their rights and uplift their people.
Universal Liberty
A core principle advocated by the American Moral Reform Society and the 1835 Convention, emphasizing the belief in freedom and rights for all people, including enslaved individuals.
Example:
The pursuit of universal liberty was a driving force behind the abolitionist sentiments expressed at the Fifth Annual Convention, extending their fight beyond just free Black people.