Black Pride, Identity, and the Question of Naming

Maya Hall

8 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers African American identity and demographics, focusing on the decline of the African-born population after the 1808 ban, the conflict between the American Colonization Society (ACS) and Black Americans asserting their American identity, and the evolution of ethnonyms. It also analyzes the Minutes of the Fifth Annual Convention (1835), highlighting its key resolutions and significance. Finally, it provides practice questions covering these topics to prepare for the exam.

#AP African American Studies: Identity & Demographics - The Night Before 🚀

Hey! Let's get you feeling super confident for your AP African American Studies exam tomorrow. We're going to break down the key stuff about identity and demographics, and I'll make sure it all sticks. Let's go!

#Identity and Demographics of African Americans

#Decline of African-Born Population 🌍

1808 Ban: The international slave trade ban in 1808 dramatically reduced the number of African-born people entering the U.S.

Quick Fact

Think of it as a turning point where the African American population started to become more American-born.

* **Illegal Trade:** Even with the ban, some illegal importation of enslaved Africans continued, but it wasn't enough to stop the shift. * **Demographic Shift:** Over time, the African American population became increasingly American-born, which significantly impacted their culture and identity. * **Cultural Impact:** This shift meant that the cultural practices, languages, and traditions of the community started to evolve, blending African and American influences. ![African American Demographics](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/African_American_population_in_the_United_States_by_state.svg/640px-African_American_population_in_the_United_States_by_state.svg.png)
*Caption: Map showing the distribution of African Americans across the United States, highlighting the demographic shifts.*

#American Colonization Society vs. Black Identity ✊

American Colonization Society (ACS): Founded by white leaders, the ACS aimed to exile free Black people to Africa. They believed free Black people were a 'problem' and didn't belong in the U.S.
Black Response: African Americans strongly rejected this idea. They emphasized their American identity, not African.

Key Concept

This was a powerful act of resistance.

* **Rejection of "African":** Many Black people rejected the term "African" and started to assert their American identity. This shows a growing sense of belonging and a distinct African American identity. * **Shared Struggle:** This identity was rooted in their shared experiences of slavery, discrimination, and the fight for freedom in the U.S.

Memory Aid

Think of the ACS as trying to push Black people out, while Black people were saying, "No, we are American and we're staying here!"

#Evolution of African American Ethnonyms 🗣️

Ethnonyms: These are the names that ethnic groups, racial groups, and nationalities use to describe themselves.
Variety of Terms: African Americans have used many different ethnonyms, including:
- Afro-American
- African American
- Black
Evolving Identity: The use of these different terms shows how African American identity has changed over time. It reflects ongoing debates within the community about how to define themselves.
Connotations: Each term carries its own historical baggage and connotations.

Quick Fact

For example, "African American" gained popularity in the late 20th century as a way to reclaim African heritage.

* **Political & Social Factors:** The choice of ethnonym is often influenced by political and social factors. It's a way of asserting identity and challenging stereotypes.

Memory Aid

Remember the terms: Afro-American, African American, and Black. Each one reflects a different era and a different way of understanding identity.

#Required Sources: Minutes of the Fifth Annual Convention (1835) 📜

Okay, let's dive into this primary source. It's a goldmine for understanding the issues of the time!

Purpose: The convention was all about improving the lives of free people of color in the U.S.

Quick Fact

They gathered to discuss how to make things better.

* **Delegates:** People from different states came together to talk about important issues. * **American Moral Reform Society:** They established this society, focusing on four key areas: * **Education:** They wanted to create a manual labor college. * **Temperance:** They supported the temperance movement. * **Economy:** They wanted to improve the economic conditions of Black people. * **Universal Liberty:** They fought for the freedom of all people. * **Resolutions:** They passed resolutions on education, anti-slavery efforts, and temperance.

Key Concept

This shows their commitment to social change.

* **Declaration of Sentiment:** They declared their belonging to the U.S. and their right to freedom of speech and press. * **Address to the American People:** They explained the challenges they faced, highlighting the discrimination and contempt they endured. * **Society Constitution:** This document outlined the structure and goals of the American Moral Reform Society.

Memory Aid

Remember the four pillars of the American Moral Reform Society: Education, Temperance, Economy, and Universal Liberty. Think "ETEU" to recall them easily.

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

Alright, here's what you really need to focus on for the exam:

Demographic Shift: Understand the impact of the 1808 ban on the demographics of the African American population and how this led to a more American-born community.
ACS and Resistance: Know the goals of the American Colonization Society and how African Americans resisted it by asserting their American identity.
Ethnonyms: Be familiar with the different ethnonyms used by African Americans and how they reflect the evolving nature of their identity.
Primary Source Analysis: Be ready to analyze primary sources like the Minutes of the Fifth Annual Convention, focusing on the main goals, resolutions, and sentiments expressed.

Exam Tip

Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. Move on and come back if you have time.
FRQ Strategy: For FRQs, make sure you address all parts of the question and use specific evidence from the sources.
MCQ Strategy: Read each question carefully and eliminate the wrong answers first.
Connect the Dots: Remember that many AP questions connect multiple concepts. Think about how these themes relate to each other.

#Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

The 1808 ban on international slave trading primarily led to which of the following changes in the African American population? (A) An increase in the number of African-born individuals (B) A decrease in the proportion of American-born individuals (C) A shift toward a more American-born population (D) A reduction in the overall population size
Which of the following best describes the main goal of the American Colonization Society? (A) To promote the integration of Black people into American society (B) To establish new colonies in Africa for free Black people (C) To advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States (D) To provide educational opportunities for enslaved people
The term "African American" gained prominence during which period? (A) The early 19th century, during the rise of the American Colonization Society (B) The mid-19th century, during the Civil War (C) The late 20th century, as part of a movement to reclaim African heritage (D) The early 20th century, during the Harlem Renaissance

#Free Response Question

Analyze the ways in which the American Colonization Society and the Minutes of the Fifth Annual Convention reflect differing perspectives on the identity and future of African Americans in the United States. In your response, be sure to:

Explain the goals and motivations of the American Colonization Society.
Describe the key issues and resolutions discussed at the Fifth Annual Convention.
Analyze how these two sources offer contrasting views on the place and identity of African Americans.
Use specific evidence from the provided documents to support your analysis.

Scoring Breakdown:

Understanding the ACS (2 points):
- 1 point for explaining that the ACS aimed to exile free Black people from the U.S.
- 1 point for explaining that the ACS viewed free Black people as a threat to American society.
Understanding the Fifth Annual Convention (2 points):
- 1 point for describing the convention's focus on improving the condition of free people of color.
- 1 point for identifying at least two key resolutions or goals (e.g., education, temperance, universal liberty).
Analysis of Contrasting Views (3 points):
- 1 point for explaining that the ACS sought to remove Black people from the U.S., while the convention asserted their American identity.
- 1 point for analyzing how the convention's resolutions aimed to create a better life for Black people within the U.S.
- 1 point for discussing the convention's emphasis on universal liberty as a contrast to the ACS's goal of exile.
Use of Evidence (2 points):
- 1 point for using specific evidence from the ACS to support their goals.
- 1 point for using specific evidence from the convention minutes to support their resolutions and sentiments.