#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.

* **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. 
*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.

* **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_a...