2.10 Black Pride, Identity, and the Question of Naming

The ban on international slave trading in 1808 led to a decline in African-born people among African Americans. This shift in demographics influenced the culture and identity of the community, as the population became increasingly American-born over time.

In response to efforts to exile free Black people, many emphasized their American identity. This resistance to the American Colonization Society demonstrated a growing sense of distinct African American identity rooted in shared experiences and struggles.

Identity and demographics of African Americans

Decline of African-born population

• The United States banned international slave trading in 1808 led to a decrease in the percentage of African-born people in the African American population
  • Despite the ban, the importation of enslaved Africans continued illegally for some time
• As a result of the ban and the continuation of slavery within the United States, the African American population became increasingly American-born over time
  • This shift in demographics had significant implications for the culture and identity of African Americans

American Colonization Society vs Black identity

• White leaders founded the American Colonization Society during the same era with the goal of exiling the growing free Black population to Africa
  • The society believed that free Black people posed a threat to the stability of American society and should be removed
• Many Black people responded to the American Colonization Society by emphasizing their American identity
  • They rejected the term "African," which was the most common term for people of African descent in the United States until the late 1820s
  • By asserting their American identity, Black people challenged the notion that they did not belong in the United States
• The resistance to the American Colonization Society's efforts demonstrated the growing sense of a distinct African American identity
  • This identity was rooted in the shared experiences and struggles of Black people in the United States (slavery, discrimination)

Evolution of African American ethnonyms

• African Americans have used a range of ethnonyms to describe themselves from the nineteenth century onward
  • Ethnonyms are names of ethnic groups, racial groups, and nationalities
• Some of the most common ethnonyms used by African Americans include:
  • Afro-American
  • African American
  • Black
• The use of different ethnonyms reflects the evolving nature of African American identity and the ongoing debates within the community about how to define themselves
  • Each ethnonym carries its own connotations and historical baggage
• The choice of ethnonym can also be influenced by political and social factors
  • For example, the term "African American" gained prominence in the late 20th century as part of a broader movement to reclaim African heritage and assert a distinct cultural identity
• The evolution of African American ethnonyms demonstrates the complexity and dynamism of African American identity
  • It also highlights the ongoing struggle of African Americans to define themselves on their own terms in the face of external pressures and stereotypes

Required Sources

Minutes of the Fifth Annual Convention for the Improvement of the Free People of Colour in the United States

Held by Adjournments, in the Wesley Church, Philadelphia; from the first to the fifth of June, inclusive; 1835.

Summarized:

1. The convention's purpose was to address issues facing free people of color and improve their condition. The minutes state that delegates met "for the Improvement of the Free People of Colour in the United States."

2. Delegates from multiple states attended, discussing various topics. For example, "Resolved, That a committee of one member from each state be appointed by the chair, to lay before this Convention, such business as may be necessary to be acted upon."

3. The convention established the American Moral Reform Society, focusing on key areas: "We have selected four valuable subjects for rallying points, viz.: Education, Temperance, Economy, and Universal Liberty."

4. Several important resolutions were passed, including:

   On education: "Resolved, that this convention recommend to their auxiliaries and to the free people of colour throughout the United States, the propriety of taking up collections, and opening books, and receiving subscriptions to aid in erecting a manual labour college..."

   On anti-slavery efforts: "Resolved, that we regard with heartfelt admiration, the high and holy stand taken by many ministers of the Gospel and Christian churches, in favour of Immediate Emancipation..."

   On promoting temperance: "Resolved, That this Convention hail with joy the progress of the temperance reformation among the colored, as well the white inhabitants of our country..."

5. The convention produced a "Declaration of Sentiment" stating: "We rejoice that it is our lot to be the inhabitants of a country blest by nature, with a genial climate and fruitful soil, and where the liberty of speech and the press is protected by law."

6. An address to the American people explained their challenges and aspirations: "We form a portion of the people of this continent, on whom an unmeasurable amount of obloquy, and scorn, and contempt have been poured, on account of the depravity of our morals..."

7. The constitution of the American Moral Reform Society was included, stating: "This Society shall be called THE AMERICAN MORAL REFORM SOCIETY."