African American

noun

Also African-American

1. 1902–A citizen or resident of the United States of Black African descent, especially one descended from the Africans who were enslaved and involuntarily brought to the U.S. (or any area that later became part of the U.S.).
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   1902

   I would be an African American in every lifetime! #HappyBlackHistoryMonth ♥️💚💛

   Children of Frost 44 in J. London Law of Life

   1914

   Your able, impartial and philanthropic work, "Ordeal of Free Labor in the West Indies," is a sufficient pledge of your interest in the African American.

   Chambers's Journal July 439/1

   1921

   Civil rights for any race, as has been said, and well said, too, by the African Americans, will not come about by assembling ourselves together and passing preambles and resolutions, but by obtaining money, education, property, and aspiring for that high moral standing that must be seen by those with whom we are surrounded.

   F. Dell Briary-bush 376

   1928

   The term "African American" is causing quite a problem for U.S. Census officials and activists who fear many Blacks will write that in the "other" blank instead of checking the box for "Black or Negro."

   R. Macaulay Keeping up Appearances iv. §i. 35

   1930

   Marshall applies for enrollment at the University of Maryland's law school, but is denied admission because he is African American.

   H. Belloc Wolsey iv. 58

   1933

   American history must be taught in our schools, not the doctored-up monologue which has even now degraded into cheap propaganda of a sort. An American history which does not leave out the daring exploits of the African-American.

   J. A. Thomson Biology for Everyman 1934 I. xix. 497

   1956

   Two sermons, written by the African American; one on the Capture of Lord Cornwallis, to be sold by W. Woodhouse, A. Smith, & S. Saviel, in Front-Street.

   H. L. Mencken Minority Rep. 87

   1958

   Until we penetrate the old boy network in the media industry; or as a few successful African Americans have done, develop our own media companies, we will continue to be depicted negatively.

   P. Gallico Steadfast Man ii. 43

   1962

   The Equal Rights League appeals to the African-American in every city to hold a meeting on Sunday, February 21st, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the death of Frederick Douglass, and to pass resolutions against the Jim-Crow Car Bill.

   A. La Guma Walk in Night xvi. 78

   1975

   I'm African American, I'm African, I'm black as the moon.

   D. Bagley Snow Tiger xvi. 138

   1999

   So proud to be African American specifically. Like what an insane gift to be situated in that kind of history

   C. Aherne Royle Family Scripts: Series 2 2000 Episode 2. 45

adjective

Also African-American

1. 1904–Characteristic of or relating to African Americans or the state of being (an) African American.
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   1904

   Capt. TJ Griffin, of Connecticut, submitted a form of the petition to the United States Senate in behalf of the mighty arm of African American citizens asking the passage of a bill.

   F. Rolfe Hadrian VII xxi. 392

   1910

   The Rev. Mark Gilbert, pastor of the First African American Baptist Church, Savannah, closed a four-week revival on Friday night in the Friendship Baptist Church.

   E. Wharton Legend iii

   1910

   That document, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, launched the beginning of a life of freedom for millions of African-American people.

   Nation 19 March 969/2 in G. B. Shaw

   1927

   She also sang at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia Friday evening, April 11, with the African American singers.

   Lord Braye Fewness of my Days 207

   1929

   As for African American writers, I suggest that they come into the business with their eyes wide open and be prepared to wear two hats—that of the artist and that of the businessman/woman.

   Language 5 177

   1949

   [ : @Beyonce playing UNO today at a restaurant.('white heart' emoji)] This is extremely African American 😭😭

   H. Bailey Demonstrations of Physical Signs in Clinical Surgery 11th edition xxxiii. 397

   1954

   African American Picture Gallery—Anonymous.

   F. C. Lane All about Insect World 68

   1966

   African American "soul" fashions were displayed at an extravaganza sponsored by the Charm Club of Francis Parkman Junior High School last Wednesday evening.

   Listener 13 January 69/1

   1981

   [ : Quavo shows fans how to make the "Huncho Season" drink.] This is...very African-American

   J. Sullivan Only Fools & Horses 1999 I. 1st Ser. Episode 1. 19

   1992

   I've heard too many times, ("No, no") But with every "no," I grow in strength, that is why, African American woman, I stand tall with pride.

   Premiere September 21/1

   1992

   Ann Lowe, an influential African American fashion designer in the 1960s, was celebrated for her exquisite craftsmanship among high society.

   New York Times 10 March b3/3

   1998

   Frederick Douglass will write an African-American story.

   A. McCall Smith No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 2003 i. 10