Why Black Americans Should Stop Calling Themselves Black! Part 3

Black, African-American, Negro, Colored – these are all terms that have been used to describe People of African descent in the United States. But have you ever stopped to think about what these terms really mean and their origins? As a Person of African descent myself, I believe that it’s time we stop calling ourselves “Black” and embrace our true identities as People of African descent, including Moors, Indigenous Americans, and African nationalities. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing why it’s important for us to reclaim our true identities and stop using the term “Black”.

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First and foremost, the term “Black” is a socially constructed label that was imposed upon us during the African slave trade and colonialism. It was used to categorize and dehumanize People of African descent, treating them as a monolithic group with no individuality or diversity. This label has been passed down through generations, and while it has been reclaimed by some as a term of pride and empowerment, it still carries the weight of its negative origins. By identifying ourselves as People of African descent, we are rejecting this imposed label and reclaiming our true identities as diverse and unique individuals.

Furthermore, by using the term “Black”, we are erasing the rich and diverse history and culture of our ancestors. People of African descent come from a multitude of nations and tribes, each with their own unique cultural practices, languages, and traditions. By embracing our specific ethnic identities, we can celebrate and preserve our history and culture, which has often been stolen and appropriated by dominant cultures. By rejecting the label of “Black” and reclaiming our identities as Moors, Indigenous Americans, and of African nationalities, we are celebrating the diversity of our heritage and refusing to be homogenized into a shade/color category.

Using the term “Black” also reinforces the false narrative of race as a biological and genetic reality, rather than a socially constructed concept. The idea of race as a biological fact has been used to justify discrimination, inequality, and violence against people of differing racial backgrounds. By rejecting the label of “Black” and acknowledging our diverse and complex identities, we are challenging the false notion that race is a fixed and unchanging aspect of our identity. Instead, we recognize that race is a social construct, and our identities are multifaceted and intersectional.

Moreover, using the term “Black” obscures the reality of our history and legacy as People of African descent. We come from a rich and complex history, including the thriving kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, the Islamic empire of Mali, and the sultanate of Zanzibar. By embracing our true identities as Moors, Indigenous Americans, and those of African nationalities. We are reclaiming this history and legacy, and refusing to be defined solely by the oppressive systems that have tried to erase them.

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In conclusion, I believe that it’s time for Black Americans to stop calling themselves Black. By identifying ourselves as People of African descent, including Moors, Indigenous Americans, and of African nationalities. We are rejecting the imposed label of “Black” and embracing our true identities as diverse and complex individuals. We are celebrating the richness and diversity of our heritage, challenging the false narrative of race, and reclaiming our African history, identity, and legacy.

I encourage all People of African descent to join me in this movement and embrace our true African identities.

With love,

Afriespiritu