You label us a people with a marred history… as you proceed to mar us even further. We are your bastard cousins (several times removed). Our homeland doesn’t want us, and sometimes it seems (particularly while reading articles like this) that our motherland doesn’t want us either.

I can’t even comment on this I’m so in my feelings. I’m just going to assume she works for white supremacy to further divide black people. I guess us black Americans just need to stop trying to connect with what was stripped from US.Its crazy though how we’re not like this with them when they participate in Hip-hop and rap culture. I will always…

Is it cultural appropriation when African descendants take genetic DNA tests and engage in ceremonial African naming ceremonies (in Africa or elsewhere) of the ethnic group any given genetic DNA testing company says they are related to?

Is it cultural appropriation when non-American African descendants take African-American…

Ishola,

Your response contains so many levels of wrong, I really don’t know where to begin…but let’s start with “the notion of African Americans in particular simply wanting to “connect” with their history” It is not a notion, for many it is a fact, it is a declaration, it is written (history). Black folk don’t need a piece…

“Hymn for the Weekend:” another example of culturally appropriative antics

This morning, Coldplay released a music video for their new song “Hymn for the Weekend.” Beyonce features on the song and video. The video is set in India, and once again our beloved artists have failed to recognize that their fetishism with foreign…

This article is messy in logic and extremely divisive. First off, we don’t have the luxury of knowing where our ancestors come from. Black Americans are a hodge podge of West and CEntral African tribes. We have managed to have our own unique and distinct culture, much of which still draws from West Africa mind you. And there are TONS of West and…

It’s weird you can’t note the very angry and smug tone of your own article. I find the fact that you say this is an attempt to start a dialogue to be disingenuous when you don’t address the legitimate counterpoints to your arguments just the angry responses. There are so many thoughtful responses to your article but you address the ones that support…

No I don’t agree, you forget that African Americans share a very distinct historical connection to the African diaspora. I do agree with Bankole that you should use the opportunity to educate African Americans or Caribbean nationals as myself on tribal marks and garments and its appropriate place. I get it, as a Jamaican I would find it ridiculous if…

Hi, I’m sorry but there are so many responses that I really can’t keep up. I’d love to, but I am only one person talking to so many people.
I have actually had a conversation before where I was explicitly told not to called someone African American, because they preferred the term Black American, then I’ve also heard that the better term is American…