African American
Ethnic and cultural group in the United States
Who was African American?
African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly called Afro-Americans, are an American racial and ethnic group who, as defined by the United States census, consists of Americans who have ancestry from "any of the Black racial groups of Africa". , following White Americans and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The term "African American" generally denotes descendants of Africans enslaved in the United States. African-American history began in the 16th century, when mainly West African and Central African slave traders sold African artisans, farmers, and warriors to European slave traders, who transported them across the Atlantic to the Western Hemisphere. They were sold as slaves to European colonists and put to work on plantations, particularly in the southern colonies. A few were able to achieve freedom through manumission or escape, and founded independent communities before and during the American... Life date details are sourced from the linked biography when available.
Career and public life
African American is a historical figure connected to thisDay articles. Public role summarized from the linked source. African American is connected to Jackie Robinson's Historic Debut — April 15, 1947, giving the biography a specific date and historical event on thisDay. Jackie Robinson's Historic Debut — April 15, 1947 is the current thisDay link for African American. As more articles mention the same person, this page can collect those connections into a broader biographical and historical view.