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African American Categorization

Categorization of black community members refers to the specific terminology utilized to refer to or to talk with or about African American individuals throughout U.S. census history (e.g., slaves, Negros, or blacks). The U.S. Census Bureau explains that one is considered black and/or African American if their ethnic origins can be traced to Africa. Typically, African American denotes someone who was born and raised in the United States and has black skin. The term black, however, comprises people from all areas of the black diaspora, including those individuals with ancestors who endured forced migration into the transatlantic slave trade. The categorization of the black and/or African American community has impacted both the historical development of multicultural America and the contemporary American multicultural mosaic.

Language used to refer to cultural groups today illustrates how historical and present categorizations have shaped and continue to mold perceptions of the black and/or African American community, for cultural members and nonmembers alike. As the current U.S. multicultural landscape grows into more tolerant and comfortable terrain for all cultural groups, it is vital to understand the ways in which racial categorization terms both enhance and hinder this effort. Examining past and current racial categorizations and their implications is central to analyzing the current multicultural landscape as it was impacted by the historical development.

U.S. Census Categorizations: 1790 to 1899

The sorts of questions asked by census-takers have evolved dramatically over the last 220 years. In 1790, the U.S. census referred to blacks or African Americans as slaves or free persons. However, according to Dr. Brenda Allen, no category for race was listed on the first census. Specifically, as the head of household reported the number of individuals present, they specified whether someone was white and free, another free person, or reported the number of “slaves.” Names, other than the head of household, were not reported.

For the 1800 census, instead of reporting the number of free white males, the census requested that age be specified. For example, the name of the head of household was listed. Thereafter, the number of free white males and females was requested by age: under 10, between 10 and 16, between 16 and 26, between 26 and 45, and over 45. For the black or African American community members, the census asked for the number of each free person of color and the number of “slaves” of all ages.

The 1810 census repeated the 1800 census questions and only personally named the head of household on the form. No other changes were made.

The 1820 census also names only the head of household. However, it posed several additional questions and requested the following information: number of free white males between 16 and 18 years old; number of free persons, with the exception of Indians; number of persons not naturalized; number of persons involved in agriculture, commercial, or manufacture occupations; and number of colored persons.

The 1830 census was more specific. Age was reported in five-year brackets up to age 20. Thereafter, age was reported in 10-year increments. Members of the black or African American community were categorized as slaves and the census differentiated between the number of male and female slaves and free black males and females. This census report also inquired about the number of deaf and dumb slaves, deaf and dumb free blacks, and blind slaves and free blacks. For black community members, age ranges were reported as age 10 or younger, between 10 and 24, between 24 and 36, between 36 and 55, between 55 and 100, and over 100.

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