Roderick Wilson
“I prefer the term black because it speaks to the political reality we live in as black people. No matter what we call ourselves in this country, we’re looked at as black people, and so I think it speaks more than just our ethnicity or our heritage or where we come from. But it also speaks to the political dynamics we’ve had to face since we have been in this country and continue to face, no matter how subtle it is now.”
Carolyn Hankins-Page
“I prefer African American. I look at the word “black” and “Negro” ?”Negro is a Spanish term for black anyway. My skin color is not black. I am not a shoe color or a color. My skin is brown or tan whichever you want to call it, but I prefer African American.”
Rev. Wardell Newsome, pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church
“I say after 80 years I am so satisfied with me until it never crosses my mind. I think when people see me they see one of the perfect examples of God’s creature. The color or name does not even faze me. Now, to be truthful coming up I actually like Negro because they really thought they were doing us a disservice and not until you find yourself will you be satisfied no matter what name. So I’m perfectly satisfied with who I am and the peace that I have within me everyday for the last 50 years. There are some things that came up I didn’t like, but they weren’t enough to stop me from being who I am and happy. I’m free and satisfied.”
Karl A. Brinson
“I guess the term Afro-American fits well because of where our ancestors came from. I don’t know if you want to call it a title or ethnic group, or however they want to describe it or categorize it. I guess that would fit well being Afro-Americans.”
Rev. Crystal D. Calhoun
“I prefer the term African American based upon our roots in Africa and that we are currently living in the United States, so I put the American on it to identify my heritage.”
Vera Davis, president of the Westside Branch NAACP
“I prefer African American because when I think about my ancestors I’m just so proud to be an African American. When I look at the kings and queens who resisted coming to America as slaves I look at the fact that they built pyramids. We had the first multi-genius, *Imhotep. He was an architect, a philosopher and a poet; and also Hannibal, the greatest military strategist. They are still using some of his methods today at military schools. So we have a wealth of things to be proud of when we look back at our ancestry. And then when I look at “black”, every time I look at the map I cannot find “black” anywhere. When I look at the map I can’t find “Negro”, can’t find “colored” on the map. But when I do look and see Africa I know that is my connection, so I like African American.” *( Imhotep is recognized as the earliest known architect, having designed the first ever pyramid for the Pharaoh Djosr Vizier. The Pyramid of Djzosr ?” also known as the ‘Step Pyramid’?” still stands today at Saqqara in Egypt.)
