Negro (Negroid,Homo Afer) | People of black or dark skinned race of mankind. | Socially recognised and historically lasting concept. | Defined populations by physical features in the distant past.Used to describe heterogeneous populations | Considered inappropriate and derogatory.Abandon in scientific writings. |
Unrelated to ethnicity. | |
Considered offensive, associated with slavery and contemptuous. | |
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Black | As for Negro. | Used in USA and UK censuses: gives denominator; “usually tested”. | Used to describe heterogeneous populations. Unrelated to ethnicity. | In practice it refers to persons with sub-Saharan African ancestral origins with brown or black complexion. |
| | Socially recognised and historically lasting concept. | | In some circumstances the term Black signifies all non-White minority populations |
| | | | Use with caution. |
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African/origin | Applies to a native of Africa. | Signifies geographical origin. | Geographically (continental) based.Used to describe heterogeneous populations. | This term is currently the preferred prefix for more specific categories, such as African America, African Caribbean. |
Using on its own should be avoided. |
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Black African | Refers to people, and their offspring with African ancestral origins who/family migrated directly from sub-Saharan Africa. | Used in UK censuses.Signifies sub-continental origin. | Very broad Unrelated to ethnicity | Avoid if possible. |
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Afro-Caribbean/ African Caribbean | Applies to descents people, and their offspring, with African ancestral origin but migrated via the Caribbean islands. | Used in censuses Signifies geographical origin Attempts to describe a cultural group | Inaccurate unless it is a truly representative population.Used to describe heterogeneous populations | Useful and preferred if other ethnic groups are not included.Avoid combining other African groups. |
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Afro-American/African American | Applies to people, and their offspring, with African ancestral origin (many are descendents of persons brought as slaves). | Used in USA censuses.Signifies geographical origin. Attempts to describe a cultural group.In practice, North Africans from Algeria, Morocco and such countries are excluded from this category. | As for African Caribbean. | Useful and preferred if other ethnic groups are not included. |