Is a person of African descent ,meaning ancestors were of African heritage, that is born in America. America is where the individual was born therefore that makes them "American" as well as a African because of their roots. It is the political correct term of how to identify a person of African descent that is born in America.

Carlton's great grandmother was from Africa, but he was born on American soil to two African American parents that were born in the United States. Therefore he is African American.

African American by grad201011 March 14, 2010

African American

A term wrongly used to give identity to, any black person in America.
African American was actually meant to give an ETHNIC identity to blacks who are descendants of (Black) African slaves who were brought to the United States. This term excludes Black Jamaicans, Nigerians, Kenyans, Black Dominicans,etc.....
SOME Whites, and sometimes other non-blacks are afraid to call us black, so in any professional setting they will say African American. Other whites claim it's unfair, because they won't get called European American, but really it's the same thing as calling whites from Italy Italian, and Asians from China Chinese. Hell nobody complains about East Asians being called Asian, even though not all Asians are of the same race.
Most African Americans can not trace our African roots back to any particular country/tribe so Africa is used, as the substitute.

Oh and that guy who said it more offensive to be called AA than N*gger is a complete dumbass

Bob: Barack Obama is the first African American president
Terrance: Nope, he's the first Kenyan American president.

African American by TheOneGMan July 13, 2010

African American

Generally refers to Americans who have emigrated or are the descendants of those emigrated from the African continent. Sometimes this term is used erroneously to refer to all people of brown skin that are not Latino or Native American.

"Langston Hughes is one of the greatest African American writers of the 20th century"

African American by Cory Murphy March 20, 2007

African American

Brown,Tan,Black,Basically a dark skinned person.People who are from Africa that were sent over the world hundreds of years ago.The were used as slaves and we not treated well.

-Put a chech mark in the race that you are-
-puts a chech mark in African American-

African American by TheTruthIsMe February 21, 2011

african american

What white people say when they afraid to say black especially when a black person is in the room.
But you KNOW when that black person leaves the room, they say that shit w/ some other words too.

Tom: My niggaaa!! ... did you see that black chick w/ that big ol' booty?!
Bob: Fo' shizzle, my nigga. I love me some bla--
*black person comes in*
Tom: Shh, bob!!
Black guy: Hey, what're you guys talking about?
Tom: Oh, nothing. Just saw an african american women walk by w/ a rather large rear end, that's all. -chuckles-
Bob: Yep, that's all. -fake laugh-
Black guy: You know I don't get offended if you say black, & not all of us came from africa.
Tom: What?! But that's such a racist term! I would never say that.
Bob: Never ...
Black guy: Whatever *leaves the room*
Tom: So yea, niggaa, that black bitch got a big ol' booty!!
Bob: Sheeeit, I just wanna grab that shit & spank it!! WOOO! *makes spanking motions*

african american by Blackie Chan August 15, 2006

african american

Of or relating to Africa. A ethnic group of people who originated from africa. People preceived as slaves or lowerclassman.

I am a strong African American women who has overcame and is still overcoming a struggling past.

african american by Carrie Morris October 9, 2007