Kudos for your article! I thought it was insightful.

I had two additional comments. One has to do with the reference to African Americans being descendents of slaves. By and large this is true, but unfortunately this leaves out those African Americans who are descendents of non-enslaved Africans.

Secondly, the term, "descendents of slaves" might be more correctly and compassionately stated as "descendents of people (or Africans) who were enslaved."

The former term is a blaming one and implies an almost permanent state of beingness, as if slavery was inherent in or imperative to the identity of the person referenced.

The latter term allows for the group's consideration as human beings, a group of people for whom there was culture and group identity, and upon whom the condition of enslavement was wrought.

I am an African American woman.

When I lived in Europe and visited other countries, I was referred to as American by other nationalities including Africans. I wasn't black until I returned to America. I don't ignore our differences but also believe focus on the difference weakens us. I don't mind Black but I prefer American! I look forward to the day when we see ourselves as the world sees us!

Malcolm X used the term Afro-Americans or Black -- African Americans as a term didn't come about until the 80's

I think it is so important for people to not only look at how we use terminology within the country, but be inquisitive about how others outside the USA describe us. As someone who travels to Africa frequently, they commonly use Black . So, I have embraced being a Black American.

I'm okay with capitalizing the "w" in White, it doesn't take anything away from me as a Black American. But I also understand editor's privilege - you do what you feel is best for the readership.

Just my thoughts.

Personally, as an African American woman, I would rather be referred to as and African American. I have always felt that the use of describing my race as Black is offensive. During the Civil Right Movement, I believe it was Malcolm X who fought so courageously to get us the identity of African American. This ties us to our slave ancestors as well as our new life in America. Throughout history, African American as well as other minortoties in the United States has had to fight for their identity. Simply referring to us as "Black" takes away from our identity as a race and is a constant reminder to me of slavery. We were given an identity through blood shed from our ancestors so that we would have a life in the United States.

You may find several African Americans that feel just the opposite of what I am saying and have accepted the term of being identified as "Black". This is their prerogative to be identified as such; however I would like to be identified in the Unite States as an African American woman.