Looking for synonyms for African-American? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say African-American.
- Black
- Afro-American
- Black American
- African American (without hyphen)
- Person of African descent
- Member of the African diaspora
- Afro-descendant
Want to learn how to say African-American professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Black
When to use: A broad term that can refer to anyone of African descent, not limited to African Americans.
Example: “The company’s diversity program aims to support Black entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses.”
2. Afro-American
When to use: An older term that is less commonly used today but still recognized as referring to African Americans.
Example: “The museum’s exhibit on Afro-American history provides insight into the community’s rich cultural heritage.”
3. Black American
When to use: Specifically refers to Americans of African descent.
Example: “Black American leaders have played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights throughout history.”
4. African American (without hyphen)
When to use: The modern, widely accepted term for Americans of African descent.
Example: “African American literature has contributed significantly to the country’s literary landscape.”
5. Person of African Descent
When to use: A more formal and inclusive term that can apply to individuals of African heritage around the world.
Example: “Persons of African descent have been instrumental in shaping global cultural and social movements.”
6. Member of the African Diaspora
When to use: Refers to people of African origin living outside the continent, including African Americans.
Example: “Members of the African diaspora continue to influence global politics and culture.”
7. Afro-descendant
When to use: A term used to acknowledge the broader historical and cultural links among people of African heritage.
Example: “Afro-descendant communities in the Americas share a common history of resilience and creativity.”
