“With the number of African immigrants in the U.S. nearly tripling since 1990, the use of “African American” is becoming increasingly strained,” writes John McWhorter of the Manhattan Institute.
Is there a rift between people of color who came from different places? Do those who were born in Africa look down on people whose ancestors came from Africa a century ago? Do those who come from the Caribbean object to being called “African American?” What do white people need to know about these differences? And, when labels are required, what names should be used?
Smokey Robinson defines the problem in his rap “A Black American.”
John McWhorter talks about it in this article.
Kobina Aidoo filmed a one-hour documentary, “The Neo-African Americans,” on how ” rapid, voluntary immigration from Africa and the Caribbean to the United States is transforming the “African American” narrative.”
In a safe, friendly atmosphere, people from different backgrounds will gather at a table in the Princeton Public Library for another in the series “Continuing Conversations on Race,” on Monday, March 7, 7:30 to 9 p.m. “We hope to come away with new insights,” say Barbara Fox and Fern Spruill, who will lead the discussion. All are invited.