Written by Delineation is crucial for Black American Freedmen descendants of chattel slavery. This term, “Black American Freedmen,” refers specifically to the descendants of the enslaved African people who were brought to the United States through the transatlantic slave trade. The importance of delineating ourselves from other Black-skinned people, such as immigrants from Africa or the Caribbean, cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to politics, history, and self-preservation. Our struggle, our culture, and our unique experience in America have forged an identity and a set of needs distinct from those of other groups of Black people around the world. It’s essential that we recognize our position and draw clear lines around it so that we can begin to heal, grow, and ensure that we benefit from the political power we’ve long helped to build in this country.
Understanding Delineation: Why It’s Important for Us
Delineation, in this context, means establishing a clear distinction between Black Americans—those whose ancestors were enslaved in this country—and other Black-skinned people who have different cultural and historical experiences. Our identity as Black Americans is rooted in the unique, centuries-long struggle of our ancestors who endured chattel slavery, fought through segregation, and continue to fight for equal rights today. We did not arrive here voluntarily; our ancestors were stolen from their homelands and forced to endure unimaginable hardship. That history has created a distinct culture and identity that should be acknowledged and respected, and it is vital that we assert it.
While many people from Africa and the Caribbean share similar skin tones, their histories are vastly different. Black Americans built the very foundation of this country, both literally and figuratively, through forced labor on plantations, in mines, and on railroads. Their descendants, including us, are the ones who have been fighting for justice, equality, and reparations for over 400 years. It’s important to acknowledge that while other Black people may experience racism or marginalization in America, they have not been subjected to the same kind of systemic disenfranchisement and exploitation that Black Americans have faced since the days of slavery.
This delineation is not about dividing or excluding others; it’s about recognizing the historical reality that Black Americans, as descendants of chattel slavery, face specific issues that others do not. We must protect our interests, ensure our survival, and ensure that our struggles are prioritized. Our call for delineation is about the preservation of our history, culture, and political power. We should not feel guilt or shame about drawing this line, especially when others are benefiting from our struggles.
A Political Issue, Not a Personal One
This delineation is not a personal attack on any group of Black people, nor is it a way to undermine other Black communities. However, over time, there has been a growing tension where non-Black people—immigrants from African or Caribbean nations—attempt to assimilate into the Black American experience, claiming it as their own. While we welcome people from all over the world to learn from us and even participate in our culture, we must be clear about our political boundaries and the reality that we have been historically exploited.
The issue is political, not personal. The reality is that while Black Americans have fought for civil rights, recognition, and a place in society, there has been political exploitation. We have long been used for votes, political movements, and agendas that do not necessarily benefit us. Democratic parties, for example, have taken our vote for granted. They know they can count on Black Americans to vote for them, but what do we get in return? Often, it’s very little. For decades, we’ve been told to vote for policies that benefit others, like Affirmative Action, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and immigration reforms that primarily benefit groups of people outside our community.
While these policies are important and certainly beneficial in their own right, the problem arises when they are promoted and enacted without considering the needs and historical injustices faced by Black Americans. For instance, Affirmative Action, initially designed to address historical discrimination against Black Americans, has often been hijacked to benefit immigrants and people of color from other nations, rather than directly addressing the specific needs of descendants of chattel slavery. It’s important that we, as Black Americans, assert that our needs should come first. Policies meant to level the playing field should prioritize those who have been subjected to the worst and most enduring forms of racial discrimination in America: us, the descendants of enslaved Africans.
The Misuse of the Civil Rights Struggle
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of Black Americans who fought for justice, equality, and civil rights. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and countless others led the charge to ensure that Black Americans had the right to live freely in this country. The Civil Rights Movement, however, has been increasingly used by other groups—particularly white women, LGBTQ+ activists, and other racial and ethnic minorities—to push their own agendas, often without acknowledging the specific struggles that Black Americans face.
White women, in particular, have successfully framed themselves as a minority group, even though they are among the most privileged in society, second only to white men. This redefinition of what it means to be a “minority” has undermined the hard-earned victories of the Civil Rights Movement. The same struggle that gave Black Americans the right to vote, access education, and live free from segregation has now been co-opted by other groups seeking to benefit from the same gains. We have no issue with people pursuing equality, but when other groups try to use the Black American struggle to advance their own political and social interests, it becomes an issue. The LGBTQ+ community, for example, has been able to secure rights by aligning themselves with the Civil Rights Movement, even though they did not share the same history of slavery and systemic oppression that Black Americans endured.
As much as we support the rights of other marginalized groups, we must protect our own rights and ensure that our struggles are not overshadowed by those who are now attempting to claim the mantle of civil rights movements they did not fight for. Our struggle is unique, and while we stand in solidarity with others, our primary concern must be the protection and upliftment of Black Americans, Freedmen descendants of chattel slavery.
Building Strong Communities for Ourselves
The time has come for Black Americans to stop being used as political pawns and start building our own communities with a focus on self-preservation and empowerment. This means using our political power to advocate for policies that benefit us—policies like reparations, direct investments in our communities, and recognition of the unique historical trauma that we’ve experienced. We cannot afford to continue to allow our political capital to be siphoned off to help others without first addressing our own needs. The days of being used for votes and receiving little in return are over.
For far too long, we’ve seen our issues sidelined in favor of other groups, despite the fact that we built this country and endured its worst injustices. It’s time for us to take control of our political destiny and advocate for ourselves. This is not to say that we don’t care about others—we do. But we must prioritize our own needs, just as any other group would. The power of the Black American vote cannot be taken for granted any longer, and it’s time for us to demand that political parties recognize our unique needs and struggles.
Supporting Other Groups in Their Struggles
Finally, it’s important to note that while we focus on building our own communities and safeguarding our interests, we can still support others in their struggles. We are all connected by a shared humanity, and it’s important to help others in their journey toward equality and justice. However, this cannot come at the expense of our own well-being. Immigrant groups, for example, need to build their own homelands and work within their communities to advocate for their needs, just as we are doing.
For too long, the world has benefited from the cultural, political, and economic contributions of Black Americans, while we’ve received little in return. We cannot continue to let that happen. We must protect our culture, our political power, and our future by ensuring that the struggles of Black Americans are never overshadowed again.
Conclusion: A New Era of Black American Empowerment
Delineation is vital for the survival and empowerment of Black Americans. It’s not personal, it’s political. By drawing a clear line between ourselves and other groups, we are asserting our right to control our narrative, protect our interests, and build our own communities. We will no longer allow ourselves to be used for political gain while others benefit from our struggles. The time has come for us to take ownership of our future, prioritize our own needs, and ensure that the political power we wield is used to build a better world for Black Americans.