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African Americans
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African Americans

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Also known as: Afro-American, Black American
Written by
Hollis Lynch
Professor Emeritus of History, Columbia University. Author of Edward Wilmot Blyden: Pan-Negro Patriot, 1832-1912.
Hollis Lynch
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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African Americans, one of the largest of the many ethnic groups in the United States. African Americans are mainly of African ancestry, but many have non-Black ancestors as well. African Americans are largely the descendants of enslaved people who were brought from their African homelands by force to work in the New World. Their rights were severely limited, and they were long denied a rightful share in the economic, social, and political progress of the United States. Nevertheless, African Americans have made basic and lasting contributions to American history and culture. At the turn of the 21st century, more than ...(100 of 8343 words)

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