As the 2024 election approaches, a conversation with a friend about Black identity made me reflect on how easily we can fall into divisive narratives. My friend argued that he doesn’t consider himself African-American, citing his belief in Black Native American ancestry over African roots tied to slavery. While understanding personal lineage is important, this conversation underscored a deeper concern: when we focus on what separates us rather than what unites us, we risk weakening our collective struggle. With the election less than 65 days away, featuring Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, unity among Black Americans is more crucial than ever.
The Complex History of Black Identity in America
There are historical accounts that suggest Africans may have had contact with the Americas long before the transatlantic slave trade. Some historians even point to African expeditions, such as the Mali Empire’s, led by Mansa Musa, as potential evidence of pre-Columbian African contact with the Americas. However, these accounts, while fascinating, do not diminish the significant impact of the transatlantic slave trade on the formation of Black identity in the U.S. Between 1525 and 1866, over 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas, with around 388,000 arriving in what is now the United States (Source: Slave Voyages).
New Orleans, for example, played a major role in the U.S. slave trade. From 1718 until the abolition of slavery, this city became one of the largest slave markets, reshaping its cultural and economic landscape. Claims that only a small number of slave ships reached U.S. shores distort history. In reality, nearly 36,000 documented voyages carried enslaved Africans across the Atlantic to various parts of the Americas (Source: Smithsonian).
Debunking the “Five-Dollar Indian” Myth and Black Native Ancestry
During our conversation, my friend also asserted that most Black Americans today descend from Native Indigenous peoples who were already present in America before the transatlantic slave trade. He cited the “five-dollar Indian” myth, where white Americans falsely registered as Native on the Dawes Rolls to gain access to land and resources, as a way white settlers stole land from both Black Native Americans and Indigenous peoples.
While it is true that some white individuals falsely claimed Native American identity to exploit the Dawes Rolls, the idea that most Black Americans are descendants of Native Americans, rather than enslaved Africans, is historically inaccurate. The majority of Black Americans today are descendants of Africans who were forcibly brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. Approximately 388,000 Africans were brought directly to what is now the United States during this period. While some Black Americans may have Native ancestry, the overwhelming majority are descendants of enslaved Africans. The focus on this myth can obscure the shared experience of systemic racism that affects Black Americans regardless of their exact ancestry (Source: ICT News) (Source: Slate).
While some Black Americans may have Native ancestry, the overwhelming majority share a direct lineage with Africans brought to the U.S. through the transatlantic slave trade. Focusing too much on these differences weakens the unified fight against the systemic inequalities we all face.
The Shared Black American Experience
Whether our ancestors arrived as part of Native American tribes or on slave ships, the reality is that Black Americans share a common experience of systemic racism. The systems of racial inequality—be it in housing, education, or criminal justice—are not concerned with personal ancestry. From Jim Crow to today’s issues of mass incarceration, racial profiling, and economic disparities, Black people in America have faced the same systems of oppression (Source: Brookings).
Our strength lies in recognizing these shared experiences rather than allowing divisive narratives to separate us.
Race as a Social Construct: Why Unity is Key
Race, as many scholars have pointed out, is a social construct—a category created to justify the exploitation and oppression of people of color. Even though race has no biological basis, the social and political consequences of race-based discrimination are real and deeply entrenched in American society. As Black Americans, we live with the legacies of this construct, from slavery to present-day racial disparities (Source: PBS).
Dividing ourselves based on differing interpretations of our personal ancestry weakens our collective power to fight systemic racism. Whether we identify as African-American or choose another label, we must remember that we are all subject to the same structures of racial inequality.
The Urgency of Political Engagement in a Critical Election
With less than 65 days to go before the election featuring Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the stakes for Black Americans couldn’t be higher. The future of civil rights, racial justice, and economic equality will be shaped by this election. One political party has historically supported civil rights and voting rights for marginalized communities, while the other has garnered support from groups that promote white supremacy, such as the Ku Klux Klan (Source: SPLC).
The need for unity and political engagement cannot be overstated. Disunity plays directly into the hands of those who seek to suppress our votes and our voices. By voting, organizing, and participating in the political process, we can shape the future we want for ourselves and future generations.
Moving Forward Together
As Black Americans, we must honor our individual lineages while recognizing our shared struggles. Whether our ancestors were enslaved Africans, Black Native Americans, or free people of color, we all face the same fight against systemic racism today. As we approach this pivotal election, unity is our greatest asset. By coming together, casting our votes, and raising our voices, we can demand the justice and equality we deserve.
Together, we are far stronger than any forces that seek to divide us.
I encourage you to visit The Reflective Compass on my blog. There, you'll find essential resources, including links to register to vote and tools to help you become a more informed, active citizen. It’s a comprehensive guide designed to empower you in navigating the complex landscape of civic engagement. So, don’t just stop here—take action and explore how you can make a difference in your community and beyond. You can find the page here: The Reflective Compass.
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