The Rev. Jesse Jackson had popularized the term “African American' as a way to reclaim cultural identity.
Over his lifetime, Jacksonfor poor and underrepresented people getting voting rights, jobs and educational opportunities, and he amplified calls for Black pride. He thought a change in terminology — one that came from within the Black community itself — would help boost self-esteem.
“African American” was used by some scholars long before the push by Jackson and the NAACP, but it didn't enter the common vernacular until the reverend drummed up community support. The term appears as early as 1782 on a title page to a pamphlet of a sermon “By an African American” published in Philadelphia,Jackson took cues from movements in other minority groups that were also pushing to change how they were labeled or recognized. Debates had arisen in the 1990s over the terms “Latino” and “Hispanic.” And Asian Americans had just successfully lobbied the U.S. Census Bureau to get Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders listed for the first time in the 1990 census. Although the popularization of “African American” came too late for the census that year, the agency did put out guidance that “Black or Negro includes African-Americans.” Sociologist Walter Allen, who is Black, called the adoption of the term “a significant psychological and cultural turning point” in a January 1989 article in the New York Times. That came a month after Jackson convened a meeting of 75 Black groups, including fraternities, sororities, advocacy organizations and social groups, in which organizers said there was “overwhelming consensus” in favor of the change. Some school districts in Chicago and Atlanta were quick to adopt the term and incorporate it into their curriculum. Now the terms “Black” and “African American” are often used interchangeably in the U.S., though “Black” is often seen as more inclusive. It's broader and can include people from Latin America and the Caribbean. Those who dislike the term “African American” say it puts a modifier on their American identity or suggests a modern, personal link to Africa that doesn't necessarily reflect their lived experience.Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Mortgate rates dip to the 5% range for the first time since 2023Jacksonville TikToker uncovers account posting women, children without their consentLocal civil rights leader talks history and legacy of Jesse Jackson2026 High School 9:12 Media DayAbuse, neglect allegations prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal ControlEpiscopal Boys Soccer Prepares for SemisIt might feel like Spring today, but hold off on planting: More cold is comingPassion 4 Pets: London is looking for a furever homeAccused gunman in murder-for-hire case withdraws guilty pleaIncreased focus on teen 'takeovers' to make sure they don't get out of controlJacksonville family loses everything in electrical fire at home of 18 yearsGreen Cove Springs couple to bike to DC for screening reform‘He’s a complete miracle’: Jacksonville toddler makes full recovery after near-drowningPaid parking has officially begun in downtown Fernandina BeachThis week is a good window to get your pruning started ahead of SpringCity leaders, community react to chaos outside Avenues Mall over weekendSunday’s rainfall insufficient to ease persistent droughtHenry Tenon withdraws guilty pleaMajor makeover coming to one of downtown St. Augustine’s busiest corridorsFamily of man killed by JSO questions use of deadly force given his mental health historyMayor Deegan, officials, warn residents about increased wildfire riskFamily demands answers after JSO officers fatally shoot man in driveway
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