The relationship between Foundational Black Americans (FBAs) and Africans has been a topic of nuanced discussion for decades, for me it’s been something that’s intrigued me especially as I am chronically online (twitter/X) As two distinct groups within the broader Black diaspora, each has its own history, culture, and perspective shaped by unique experiences. Though they share common African ancestry, their paths have diverged, resulting in different understandings of identity, race, and culture.
For Foundational Black Americans—descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the U.S. before the 20th century—their connection to Africa is often viewed through the lens of history, rather than lived experience. This I feel has created a massive divide between those that know their history and those that do not. The painful legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism has deeply influenced how many FBAs view their identity. (Btw what a terrible term, what a way to seed more division in a minority group that is only seen through one lens by America, black)
For many, the connection to Africa feels abstract, distant, and, at times, irrelevant to the day-to-day struggles they face in America. While their African roots are acknowledged, the focus is often on their American experience and the fight for civil rights within the U.S.
This has created a complex relationship with African immigrants, who may arrive in the U.S. with a different perspective on race. African immigrants often have a strong sense of national identity based on their countries of origin, or through the fact that they’ve had to travel beyond their own natural home and thus experience other perspectives different to their own. When they arrive in the U.S., they may face challenges with racism, but often view it through a different lens, not having the generational trauma of slavery and segregation that FBAs carry. This can lead to misunderstandings between the two groups, as FBAs may feel that African immigrants don’t fully grasp the historical context of racial oppression in America, or the most common thing I’ve seen is that they feel that Africans see them as inferior black people, usually based in how they behave publicly or are portrayed in entertainment which in itself is a shallow and ignorant way to look at things.
These misconceptions can create a sense of division, as FBAs may feel judged or disrespected by people who share a similar heritage but don’t understand their unique struggle. On the flip side, some Africans feel that FBAs don’t always recognize the difficulties they face as immigrants navigating new cultures and systems while also experiencing racism. The struggle and self worth they’ve had to fight for just to be recognised as contributors to society.
However, it’s important to note that these views are not monolithic. Many FBAs and Africans share solidarity and common ground, particularly in social justice movements that address systemic racism and the global legacy of colonialism. Cultural exchange between FBAs and Africans is also growing, especially in the realms of music, art, and fashion, where shared African heritage becomes a source of pride and inspiration.
The relationship between Foundational Black Americans and Africans is shaped by a combination of history, culture, and individual experience. While differences exist, the potential for unity lies in recognizing and respecting those differences while celebrating the shared heritage that ties the diaspora together. As global awareness of racial issues continues to evolve, so too does the understanding and relationship between these two important groups within the African diaspora.
But what do I really think?!
See I grew up in Zimbabwe,a beautiful country in the south of Africa, blessed enough to go private school, have a large house with maids and a pool etc so I’ve never felt inferior or faced the racism or struggles that black Americans have had to endure, fast forward to now and I live in the UK where again our own race battles are very different to my American counterparts.
In the UK we ask where are you from, American black people would be confused by that question, they wouldn’t know how to answer that maybe their state perhaps. Black people are also not a monolith worldwide, Africa has 52 countries each with their own culture and history, it would be daft to be but these differences should not be the reason we call each other names but we should be proud of how vast and vague the term black actually is. I suggest we become more curious about each other not more hateful and ready to defeat our own brothers and sisters!
What do you think?
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