Results for: African American

Answered

Who are African-Americans?

an American who is of African descent. ----- The dictionaries qualify an African American as a person who is Black, and some add they are only those ancestors came from su… (MORE)

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Can a malotto be African American and native American?

Answered

In Native American History

Can a malotto be African American and native American?

A Mulatto, according to Dr. Pilgrim of Ferris University, is an African American whose skin is so white that they do not know their own race. Logically, one could assume that … (MORE)

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Prioktan 918

697,168 Contributions

Law school student at Fordham University. Studied before at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.

Improved Answer

In Slavery

How did Africans become African-Americans?

Here is a commentary that I would like to make on the use of the term (as well as the history) of that of 'African American' .... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~…~~~~~~~~~~~ Because African-American (AA) is actually an ETHNIC grouping (as opposed to being a RACIAL grouping) -- there is NO "RACIAL QUALIFICATION" REQUIRED in order to or a person to be an AA. More than 70% of the AAs are of a Mixed-Race Lineage; about 25% of the AAs are of a full-Black lineage; and 5% of the AAs are found to have no traces of Black lineage in their ancestry whatsoever. One should NOT assume, HOWEVER, that any person who is from the continent of Africa and who becomes an American citizen ---- can be an African-American, NOR that any African person living in the Americas is automatically an African-American. This is not how the term is used. African-American is an ETHNIC description used to describe ONLY those people who .... are the descendants of and can trace their ancestry back to the survivors of the targets of the chattel-slave system which took place on the continental U.S. during the antebellum era of the nations history. Most white people found in the continent of Africa did not have ancestors from the continental United States who were chattel-slaves during the antebellum era --- and therefore they aren't African-Americans. Much like actress Charlize Theron is a white person who was from South Africa then became an expatriate to the United States (and is said to have, since, become an American) is NOT a member of the very unique African-American (AA) Ethnic grouping (as AAs are an Ethnic group, not a Race group) -- but rather, Ms. Theron is 'a White American who is of 'South African' Ethnicity' (and is not a member of the very unique Ethnic grouping now called African-American) In addition, while a common history of 'slavery' can apply to a substantial majority of Americans who are categorized as "black" -- not every "black" person who grows up, lives or works in the United States is an African-American, either Some black people in America are immigrants, expatriates, tourists and students from the Black Diaspora -- and have no personal ties to the African-American ethnicity or related history. These people are often part of Ethnic group such as the Afro-Cubans, Jamaicans, New Zealanders, Maroons, British West Indians, etc. For instance, model Melyssa Ford, Runner Ben Johnson and singer Deborah Cox are all African-Canadians. They all work in the U.S., some live here. They are not African-Americans. Also, Barack Obama's father is from Kenya, his mother has Irish roots. Neither of his parents are "descendants-of-the-survivors" of the chattel-slavery system that took place on the continental United States during the antebellum era. Barack Obama can be described as either a 'Black' American or as a 'half-Black' American -- but he is not a member of the very unique African-American Ethnicity He does, however, seem to strongly identify with that particular Ethnic grouping of people; he has a good number of constituents who are of that Ethnicity; he has married into an African-American family and has children who are half African-American. But both Barack and his children have an east African Kenyan ancestry -- whereas his wife, Michelle's, "black" ancestry comes from West Africa. "African-American is an ETHNIC description used to describe ONLY those people who .... are the descendants of and can trace their ancestry back to the survivors of the targets of the chattel-slave system which took place on the continental United States during the antebellum era of the nations history." (MORE)

Prince Buraman

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Answered

In US Civil War

What is an African-American?

An African-America is a American of African descent. In other words, a black person!An African American is someone of African ethnicity who is an American.

3 people found this useful

Answered

In Science

Why are African-Americans bigger than Africans?

The stronger and bigger slaves would have managed slavery better and been more likely to survive and reproduce leaving the population consisting of larger individuals. its the… (MORE)

5 people found this useful

Earnest Strews

In Hair Styles

African American Hair Styles

African American women have many hairstyle choices--braids and weaves are popular, as are styles that embrace black hair's natural texture. Below are several of the most popu…lar hairstyles for African American men and women.This hairstyle gained substantial popularity during the 1960s and the 1970s. Many saw this hairstyle as not only a fashion statement but also as a symbol of strength and beauty for the African American community. Today the afro is a popular style for those who want to embrace their hair's natural texture.Cornrows are a braided hairstyle that gained popularity in the latter part of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s. This hairstyle is named for its resemblance to rows of corn in a field. In the beginning, the style was just rows that lay parallel to each other. However, nowadays there are many types of patterns, from zigzag to spirals to curving lines.Dreadlocks are a hairstyle that has long been associated with Jamaica due to its popularity with Jamaican reggae artists. The look is achieved by taking sections of hair and twisting and coiling them together to look like rope. Sections can be small or large in size to create various sizes of locks. Dreadlocks could take up to three years to fully form.A fade hair style is a very short hair style done with clippers and tapered to the skin. During the 1980s, a hair style known as the Hi-Top Fade was made popular by Kid'N' Play, Bobby Brown and Will Smith. The fade looks a lot like a haircut that is flat on the top with close-cut sides.The Jheri Curl was named after the person who created it, Jheri Redding. Most people will recognize Jheri as the famous stylist and hair product entrepreneur. This hairstyle is soft and curly like a perm. The style is done in two parts. The first part is relaxing the hair and then rolling the hair on perm rods. The other step consists of making larger curls in the hair. A daily activator is used to treat the hairstyle.With African American hairstyles, hair enhancements can make a great addition. The most popular hair styles are chemical services, locks, weaves and cornrows (permanent curls, relaxers, color and straighteners are all part of chemical services).Coconut Oil is an all-natural hydrator and deep conditioning treatment that can be used to both style and treat African American hair. (MORE)

Answers Staff

In History

HIV Among African Americans

African Americans account for 14 percent of the U.S. population. According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they also account for 50 percent of… the population newly diagnosed or living with HIV/AIDS in the 13-29 age group. This disparity is a major concern, particularly given that it is easy to prevent infection. What follows is information about some of the factors that are considered reasons why HIV among African Americans is such a disproportionate problem.The harsh reality of the socioeconomic environment in which some African Americans live is a factor in high rates of HIV incidence. Increased poverty, poor access to healthcare, racial discrimination, and higher rates of incarceration all disrupt social environments and can lead to increased challenges in educating about HIV and responding to the problem. Lower income levels and educational attainment are also believed to be factors that contribute to new infection rates being high, despite evidence that high-risk behaviors are not always prevalent.Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are seen to be up to 19 times higher in the African American population than any other group. Gonorrhea infection rates in African Americans are more than 19 times the rates in similarly profiled Caucasian groups. This is significant because it is known that gonorrhea, along with syphilis and chlamydia, plays a role in increasing the rates of HIV infection. It is generally accepted, according to the CDC, that this is one likely cause of the higher rates of HIV infection among African American men and women.Despite the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young African Americans, something appears to be stopping a wider understanding of the issue in the group. Understanding how best to look after your own health is one of the benefits of a good education. A good education can provide a general awareness of HIV/AIDS, but the CDC claim that the rate of undiagnosed HIV among young African Americans runs at nine times the level of Caucasians from similar socioeconomic backgrounds. The importance of this should not be underestimated, as the majority of infections occur between people who are unaware of their condition.The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS has also been cited as a factor that leads to such high numbers of African Americans contracting the virus. The 1980's sentiments about HIV being associated with homosexual behavior still exist in many African American communities. These values stigmatize people who are diagnosed as HIV-positive, and this can lead to a reluctance for anyone who suspects infection to seek medical help. That same stigma can also play a major part in stopping African American people from seeking important information that may be enough to prevent infection.With HIV infection rates that are significantly higher than they should be given the size of the African American population, the CDC lays out some reasons behind the numbers. Socioeconomic factors frequently weigh in favor of higher rates of infection among the demographic, as does the higher than normal rate of infection with other STDs such as syphilis and gonorrhea. Lack of awareness stemming from poor educational attainment is also a contributing factor, while the levels of stigma still attached to HIV/AIDS also play a part. Almost 50 percent of new infections each year could easily be avoided if these issues were addressed, according to the CDC.Zoonosis is a process by which viruses spread from one species to another, and it can be used to explain the origin of HIV. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has been known of in monkeys for a number of years. In 1999, it was confirmed that chimpanzee tissue appeared to be infected with a strain of SIV that was nearly identical to HIV-1. HIV-1 is the aggressive type of HIV that began to spread across the human population in the 1980s. (MORE)

John Carman

Principal of Avenue Design Studios, a web design and social media consultancy.

In Pittsburgh

August Wilson Center for African American Culture

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is a nonprofit celebrating the contributions of African Americans in Western Pennsylvania. The August Wilson Center for A…frican American Culture building in Downtown Pittsburgh houses two main exhibit halls, five named gallery spaces, classrooms, a theater, a gift shop, a cafe, and multi-purpose spaces for visual and performing art.August Wilson was a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright who has become a mainstay of African American culture. Wilson wrote the 10-play series "The Pittsburgh Cycle," a series of plays depicting African American life in different decades of the 20th century.August Wilson was a Pittsburgh native who influenced African American culture in the region. Wilson was born in Pittsburgh's Hill District neighborhood, and educated himself at the Carnegie Library. In 1968, Wilson co-founded the Black Horizon Theater, a community-based, Black Nationalist theater company, in the Hill District.In 1996, Pittsburgh NAACP president Tim Stevens announced plans for an African American museum. In 2006, one year after August Wilson's death, the name of the facility was announced.The museum's core exhibit is an interactive installation titled "Pittsburgh: Reclaim, Renew, Remix." Designed to showcase the African American heritage of Western Pennsylvania, the exhibit uses cutting-edge technology that allows visitors to create personal video collages of the region's story.The center's other galleries, classrooms, theater, and multi-purpose spaces house various events and rotating exhibits throughout the year.The center is located in Downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District, at the corner of Liberty Avenue and William Penn Place, two blocks from the Wood Street "T" station. General admission is free, but there is a fee for the special exhibitions on the second floor. Spaces can be rented for multiple purposes.The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is one of two institutions named for August Wilson. The second is the August Wilson Theatre in New York City. The theater was renamed in 2005, and is the first Broadway theater to be named after an African American.The events and rotating exhibits at the August Wilson center are appreciated by many new and return visitors with an interest in African American culture. If you haven't yet been, go to see the "Pittsburgh: Reclaim, Renew, Remix" installation. (MORE)

Earnest Strews

In Childcare

Caring for African American Hair

Put any number of adopted parents with African American adopted children in one room and they will always end up on the subject of hair. African American hair comes with its o…wn challenges, as do all other types of hair. It is full of beautiful curls and has the most amazing texture but if not treated well, it could look tired and worn out. Here are few tips to help keep your child's hair healthy and strong.African American hair is more fragile than other hair types. This means more care has to be taken through out your entire hair regime. Washing, drying, and styling could take you up to an hour. Combing and brushing have to be done carefully and only when the hair is dry. You can add a leave-in conditioner before combing to aid you if the hair has too many tangles. Never comb it when wet because this is when the hair it is at its most flexible and has the least strength ability to resist force. Use wide toothed combs and brushes with wide soft plastic bristles. Remember to start at the ends and work your way down the rootsAfrican hair tends to be dryer and less oily than straight hair. This is because it doesn't allow oil to down the strands due to its texture. This means you can dry it out if you wash it daily. Washing it once a week is sufficient to keep it clean. This keeps the hair healthy as the hair is allowed more time to reap the benefits of its natural oil. Don't over shampoo. Shampoo your child's hair every 5-7 days. If you really need to wash your child's hair between that period, use conditioner instead of shampoo to clean the hair and keep it moisturized.African American hair products are geared towards different needs than Caucasian hair, so you have to get products specifically for you child. Look for products that have natural oils such as jojoba, pomegranate seed, and coconut oil, since they are great conditioning oils. Avoid products with petrolatum or mineral oils as they clog oil pores, therefore robbing the hair of moisture. Natural oils give your child's hair a brilliant sheen making it healthy and look healthy as well. Using these products also remedy scalp issues such as dandruff and psoriasis, while providing natural sunscreen properties. Moisturize daily with a light product rich in natural oils. Most products that are branded "natural" do not contain natural oils, so always go for the ones branded "organic." If in doubt, verify the ingredients.Braiding and cornrows are an excellent way to avoid tangles and keep your child's hair healthy. This is because they help keep their hair shafts and ends protected from cold temperatures and the damaging sun. You can do this yourself or take them to the salon. It is a good bonding opportunity if you decide to take up the task. You can also twist their hair if braids and cornrows are hard to master. If any hairstyle you choose does not seem to fit your child, you an always opt for something else. There are dozens of hairstyles to choose from.Relaxed hair can be very manageable if done and cared for in the right manner. However, this restricts your child's movements as relaxers make African American hair weak, diminishing its elasticity, and making it break easily. Activities like swimming or sports that make them sweat could cause problems to their relaxed hair.All this might seem like a lot of work at first, but they are all in the name of healthy hair. As you deal with your child's hair, remember to affirm the beauty of their textured hair. Many African American children grow up feeling insecure about their hair since it is different from Caucasian hair because of its appeal in the media and society. This is because their hair might seem hard to mange, stubborn, wild, and unruly. Never use these terms in front of your child as it gives them a negative picture of their self-image. Shower them in praise by always pointing out the best attributes of their hair. Over time they will grow up loving it and will appreciate all the time you both spent taking care of it.At first, you may feel as though you bit off more than you could chew but it gets easier as you move forward. These tips are there to make sure that your child's hair gets as much care as it needs. As your child grows up they will be able to do most of these things on their own so the younger you get them involved in the process, the better their habits will be when they get older. It is important to keep at it and the results will be worth the time spent.You can search for local help groups with members who have African American adopted children and learn from one another. These groups are a lovely way to share and learn about how other parents have been able to manage their children's hair. In case you are not sure of what product to use, this also provides the perfect avenue to hear about their experiences with different products and what products seem to do the trick. You can look for online groups as well, if local ones are hard to find. (MORE)

Answered

In US Civil War

What African countries are African Americans from?

Because of the horrors of slavery and dehumanization of African Americans' ancestors many haven't a record of their family line and connection to where they are truly from. So… (MORE)

Yeni Patricia Miranda Contreras

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Keshia Davis

276,889 Contributions

Just an Answers enthusiast!

Why do Africans dislike African Americans?

Improved Answer

In US Civil War

Why do Africans dislike African Americans?

It is due to the misunderstanding of each others cultures. Both African-Americans and Black Africans (because not all Africans are Black) have different cultures that sometime… (MORE)

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Are African Americans and Black Americans the same?

Answered

In American Revolution

Are African Americans and Black Americans the same?

yes. it just depends on peoples preference. Some people do not like to be called black and some people do not like to be called African American. But I think it is proper to s… (MORE)

Crystal Fox

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Cassandra Lifesnadir

1,333,340 Contributions

With my Registered Nurse background, I most enjoy helping people understand normal anatomy and body functions.

Why do you say African American but not Irish American?

Answered

In African-American History

Why do you say African American but not Irish American?

For a long time in American society, it was perfectly fine to view anyone that wasn't Caucasian (white) as not being a "real" American and that was including Native Americans.… As it goes, the titles were/are Native American, African American, Asian American, Hispanic American while whites are normally just Americans. Now, as we move along in today's society, more are coming to terms that an American is an American it does not always need to be known what color that American may be or who their ancestors are. Many are choosing to go with simply American as they are, and sometimes will only make their background known when necessary. Historically, society did use terms such as "Irish Americans", "Italian Americans", "Polish Americans" etc., as well as newspaper editors referring to ALL immigrants as "foreigners" (rather than by name). The history of this is important: Immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s often were recruited by coal mining companies and steel and glass factories through advertisements the companies placed in overseas newspapers. Immigrants responded, eager to come to this country knowing they had jobs waiting. Most were skilled or experienced in these industries in their home countries. But, English-speaking 4th, 5th, and 6th generation Americans resented that these workers were brought in at lower pay. These Americans "forgot" that their ancestors were also "immigrants" in the past. Immigrant workers from Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Prussia / Russia, and many other countries were treated as "second class citizens", especially if they did not speak English, continued with a strong accent, or had very "foreign" sounding last names. Eventually, though, all the "foreigner" workers proved their abilities and became more "assimilated" in American Society. But, there were still tensions and dislike between "foreigners" and "Americans" through the 1960s in many cities and towns across the United States. Many immigrants chose to change or "Americanize" their names to fit in better; some took a completely different last name to remove themselves from obvious "foreign" surnames. At the same time, from the time of slavery through the 1960s, black skinned persons were called various titles, often based on the darkness-lightness of their skin. "Negroe" and "Mullatto" (and slang names) were most prevalent through all of the 1800s. In the 1900s, more derogatory names were used in many towns/cities. In the 1960s, Civil Rights movements helped to establish the name "Blacks" as the new 'title' to be used for all persons of color. This title ignored many persons of mixed race (which includes the term "Mullatto" of previous times). "Blacks" desired a more inclusive term and one that included all persons of mixed or non-Caucasian races, and a term that especially recognized the unique situation of African peoples who were brought over from Africa as slaves. (Note: Not all black-skinned persons descend from African-American slaves. And with immigration in the last 50 to 60 years of black-skinned individuals and families from Cuba and other countries, the term African American also does not accurately describe large populations of persons residing in or who are citizens of the United States. In addition, Native Americans resented being called, collectively, as "Indians", feeling that term did not / does not accurately describe their ancestry. But, the term "Native American" became used to describe all persons who descend from all the different tribes. So, the titles have evolved over time to include: Native American, African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Mexican American, while whites are normally just Caucasians (despite whether their white skin has any black DNA mixed in). Persons who "passed" as "White" in the 1800s and 1900s were also termed Caucasian and Americans, unless the person revealed he or she had mixed family heritage of a black and a white parent. Uproar Once again, however, various populations have begun to protest the "titles" that were either assigned by government or semi-agreed to in the past. Some "Native American" tribes resent this label and would prefer that society recognizes the Tribe's original formal name. BUT, other Tribes prefer to keep the umbrella term that recognizes all Tribes as "Native Americans". However, ALL still dislike the term "Indians" that was widely used in movies to describe their people. As well, some people recognized under the title "African Americans" question why they are seemingly being separated from other "Americans" by the use of "African" before "American". Some African Americans do not have the same reaction to this title, while others would like to see it be changed. Now, in today's society, more are coming to terms that an American is diverse. Americans do not always need to be known by what color that American may be or what ancestral-DNA they carry. Many are choosing to go with simply American, which is what they are if they were born in this country or have taken the citizenship test, and sometimes will only make their background known when necessary. HOWEVER, in most cultures, ancestry remains an important part of family heritage. All of the countries represented by people born in or accepted into being "Americans" will never be fully forgotten by the individual or their family. Many families will continue to use and to celebrate the traditions, values, beliefs, and even social holidays of their ancestral country. America has always been, and will continue to be, one of the world's largest "melting pot" societies. Yet, our seemingly "separateness" and "uniqueness" of cultures can never diminish the pride of also being an "American". Peoples from more countries will continue to come, and will be "assimilated" as much on their own initiative as "assimilated" through acceptance of all the cultures that make up America. (MORE)

Emma Brown

10 Contributions

Answered

In Literature & Language

What is the difference between africans African-Americans and european africans?

African americans are originally bought from nigeria and ethiopia as slaves in the us since 1600s by europeans. European africans migrated to europe from north africa, som… (MORE)

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