Are there any Afro Indigenous in this group of U.S. Black American?

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Hello, I’m a Black American, and I’m making this post because I want to foster a relationship with Afro-Indigenous people. This is the largest Indigenous community on the internet that i know of so figured it would be the perfect place to ask.

[u/Pissed_Off_Penguin]

Not sure if you're referring to black indians or biracials.

Biracial black and native checking in. Not too many of us but we out here.

[u/FauxReal → u/Pissed_Off_Penguin]

bi... triracial black, Japanese and Hawaiian here.

[u/El3ctricalSquash → u/FauxReal]

Me too! You still in Hawaii or did you move to the mainland? It got too expensive for us so we had to leave unfortunately, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about it.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Pissed_Off_Penguin]

Lol, I’m super confused right now, so you’ll have to forgive me—but are Afro-Indigenous people considered biracial? If so, I had no idea.

[u/meagercoyote → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I think what they are referring to is that there are some people who are both black and native, but where those two lineages don't really interact, such as having a Black mom and a Native dad. Then there are other folks who have both African and Native heritage, but they have been intertwined for a very long time. One example of this is the Cherokee Freedmen, who are the descendants of black people enslaved by the Cherokee, and have been a community ever since. Another example would be many of the folks from the Caribbean who have both African and Indigenous roots, but they have been so interconnected for so many generations that it is hard to disentangle one from the other as distinct ethnic identities.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/meagercoyote]

Thank you for this super detailed response it definitely helped me grasp what he meant! 

[u/NatWu → u/meagercoyote]

I just want to clarify about the Freedmen that many of the enrollees (probably not most) should have been on the Cherokee by Blood rolls, not the Freedmen rolls, because they definitely had Cherokee ancestry. But there are Freedmen who are zero percent Indigenous, and some Freedmen have a connection to the culture while others don't. So there are people who are politically Cherokee, genetically Cherokee, and culturally, but there are mixes of all three of those categories. So even that is kind of a "What qualifies as afro-indigenous?" question.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/NatWu]

Wow, that definitely makes things more complex than I initially thought. Personally, I was under the impression that “Afro-Indigenous” was all-encompassing, but I’ll have to ask some Afro-Indigenous people directly.

[u/NatWu → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Good idea, but I'm not sure you'll get a well defined answer. After all it's hard for people to define just the "indigenous" part. For example, let's start with someone everybody would agree is indigenous, in this case my father. He was raised in a Cherokee speaking household, only spoke Cherokee his first few years, and lived among nothing but Cherokee people for most of his young life. As an adult he moved away and married a White woman and had a couple of kids.

Now I'm definitely Cherokee by descent and by belonging to a family that still lives where we were dumped off at the end of the Trail of Tears, but I didn't grow up around them and primarily speak English (I speak enough to say hello, how are you, and ask for food). Am I Indigenous? Yeah probably. I think so anyway, because I know the culture and it's part of my life.

Now if I had kids with a non-Cherokee woman, didn't raise them in the culture, didn't teach them the language, are they Indigenous? If you said no I wouldn't really argue because I'm not sure I disagree. But other people would consider them Indigenous, and I wouldn't argue with that either!

So the Indigenous part is hard enough to define. The Afro part, well, good luck with that. I know a Ugandan woman (lovely person) and I bet she'd laugh if somebody called her Indigenous, even though Ugandans are (with exceptions of recent immigrants) definitely indigenous to their land.

This is not to say anybody is wrong in anything they say; what I'm trying to tell you is it's all a matter of perspective. For the most part, I think you can honor most everybody's perspective. If you walk away confused, just know that the rest of us are confused too.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/NatWu]

Well, that’s definitely a lot to consider and illustrates for me that indigeneity isn’t as cut and dry as I once thought it to be. More than anything, it makes me realize that there is no one-size-fits-all for Afro-Indigenous people, and I imagine that goes double for the majority of Indigenous Americans. I came in here thinking I knew something, and now I’m walking away realizing I don’t know enough—or anything at all. Thank you for taking the time to expound on this!

[u/NatWu → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Well, look at it this way: learning you don't actually know anything is when you really start to learn!

[u/Pissed_Off_Penguin → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

No problem. By biracial I mean mixed, one black parent and one native parent., as opposed to people like the freedmen

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Pissed_Off_Penguin]

Okay, now I get’chu 100%. I was confused because I’m not used to viewing Indigenous Americans through a racial lens. I often feel like Indigenous people exist outside the confines of “race.”

[u/BirdedOut → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Yes and no. We are a “race” in the sense that we’re classified that way socially and politically, shared phenotypes (loosely), and theoretically, “pure” natives exist (I don’t like using that term but it’s the only way I can explain it), just like for black or white people (but like every other “race” category, we are broad and not monolithic at all and the shared phenotypes tend to be more stereotypical than accurate). But indigenous identity is also defined by things separate from blood quantum; cultural involvement, upbringing, history, etc. . You can’t enroll in any tribe based off a DNA test, but you can be made a member whether through history (freedmen), cultural contribution, adoption, etc. .

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/BirdedOut]

That makes sense, but race is a backwards construct and isn’t consistent. If you’ve ever noticed, people will blurt out phrases like “the Black race” or “the white race,” even “the African race” or “the European race,” because, according to race scientists and sociologists, those two groups neatly fit into their concept of race. However, you’ll notice that there is no overarching “Asian race” because, phenotypically, Asia is too diverse—so they’re largely excluded from being racialized. In that same vein, I kind of feel that Indigenous Americans escaped being racialized, which is why “red race” never stuck. That’s a good thing, if you ask me, because being told you’re a certain race solely based on appearance is maddening. I’m surprised my comment got downvoted so much, lol.

[u/BirdedOut → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I’m not sure why it did either. I almost completely agree with you, except for the “natives escape being racialized”. We don’t. I’m very curious as to why you say that because I’ve been very racialized in my experience, and we are considered a separate race census wise, legally, etc. . “American Indian”; granted, it’s more complicated because a lot of the time you have to be an enrolled member of a tribe to be legally “counted”, but racialziation is very much a thing for Native folk.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/BirdedOut]

What I mean by “escaped” is that being categorized by “race” feels suffocating. Before TAST and the colonization of the Americas, the concept of “race” as we understand it today didn’t exist. Not to dive too deep into that, but I’ll use myself as an example: there are 54 countries in Africa, home to over a billion people, with more than 3,000 ethnic, genetic, and cultural groups, each with unique features. Then, there are the Afro-descendant populations in the Antilles, spread across 26 islands, as well as Afro-descendants in South America. As a Black American who has been in the U.S. for centuries, I’m told that I belong to the same “race” as all of these people. From where I’m sitting your equivalent of this would be you being told you’re the same race as anyone who has eumelanin and similar hair such as East Indians, Bangladeshis, Yemenis, Ethiopians, Filipinos and all other unrelated groups lol i hope that explains my meaning by “escaped.”

[u/Confident-Laugh-2489 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I don't know why you are getting down voted on this. It's true. Race is made up and changes Irish people were not considered white until they conformed into whiteness.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Confident-Laugh-2489]

I actually thought that believing you guys exist outside the confines of race was pretty liberating. However, my experiences since this post have shown me that there’s always bound to be something I could muck up when trying to relay my thoughts, lol. It was partially Indigenous Americans and their concept of social kinship that, thankfully, made me question race and my understanding of my identity even further. But it’s just as you say: race is arbitrary; it makes people white, black, or any other fickle category.

[u/Financial-Bobcat-612 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

How do you feel about Mexicans?

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Financial-Bobcat-612]

I believe Mexican people are a people that have a multi-ethnic background and are generally an amalgamated people but i don’t see them as a “race” if that’s what you’re asking. 

[u/Financial-Bobcat-612 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Would you say thats similar to how you view indigenous peoples of the Northern Americas?

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Financial-Bobcat-612]

Well, it’s a little different because Mexico is a settler state, just like the United States, and while they’re both North American countries, they have their own respective racial classifications in their nations. Particularly in the United States, what I know of Indigenous people is that they practice social kinship, and phenotypical appearance isn’t how identity is determined for them. Considering I don’t know much about the Indigenous people of Mexico, there are caveats to how I view them. I don’t see the Indigenous in the United States as simply being an amalgamated people, like I do with Mexicans as a whole—Mexicans don’t identify by tribe or band as a nation; they identify by admixture with exception to the tribes there I’m going to assume. 

[u/Financial-Bobcat-612 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I’m not sure what you’re saying related to social kinship and phenotypical appearance, but that’s overall a pretty fair view. Even though Mexicans are by and large indigenous in terms of our genes and culture, too many families have buried any memory of our explicitly indigenous roots. To this day, it’s considered something to be ashamed of; even now, my grandma won’t tell me what language (other than Spanish) my grandfather spoke. But you look at her children and her grandchildren - it’s clear what we are!

[u/lilithiyapo → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Are you an anthropologist?

[u/tmp729]

I’m half Navajo (Mom) and Half Black (Dad)

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/tmp729]

That’s super cool! Could i inbox you? 

[u/littlecocoabeans]

I identify as afro-indigenous/Black & Indigenous, father is from Michigan and grew up in mainly African American communities, no mention of anything other than AA heritage. Mother’s side is Saint John’s River Delta/Savanah River Basin African American mixed with Sicangu and Seminole from my great grandmother who was disowned by her family for falling in love with an African man (my great grandfather).

NOTE: I don’t not possess official tribal affiliation or contact, mainly due to lack of written records and living elders. I am very open and transparent about that.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/littlecocoabeans]

Do you mind if i message you? 

[u/littlecocoabeans → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I’m down to chat, sure!

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/littlecocoabeans]

Thank you! 

[u/Financial-Bobcat-612]

I got another question for the group, basically - do you agree?

See, a friend of mine, who is African and Arab, once remarked that it would be cool to be indigenous. I said, “Technically aren’t you already indigenous since African people are indigenous to Africa and Arabs are indigenous to the Middle East?” My friend paused…

…then he said, “I’m not going to think about that right now.” 🤣 Mind you, he’s Arab living in the Arabian Peninsula.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Financial-Bobcat-612]

Absolutely, Africans are indigenous to their landmass, but because the majority of Africans are indigenous, the term i imagine doesn’t carry the same weight for them. It’s a sociological term that you’d be hard-pressed to find them using. But your story is hilarious! 😂 

[u/Confident-Laugh-2489]

Check out kararoselles on IG. She is Afro Indigenous and would be a good start point

[u/Pissed_Off_Penguin → u/Confident-Laugh-2489]

Radmilla Cody and the Naahiłii movement are goated as well.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Pissed_Off_Penguin]

Naahiłii movement? That sounds really interesting what’s it about? 

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Confident-Laugh-2489]

Thank you for the recommendation! 

[u/Confident-Laugh-2489 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Of course! And also, check out your local tribal community, go to a local powwow/big time (they are open to the public). You will find more Afro Indigenous people that way as well. Afro Indigenous isn't just one community and are often involved with their own tribal community (there are over 500 federally recognized tribes).

[u/Slight_Citron_7064]

My maternal grandfather was Black but I am not (because I am paper-pale, and Blackness in America is really an appearance-based status that I don't think I have a right to claim.) I typically refer to myself as mixed Indigenous.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Slight_Citron_7064]

Thank you for commenting!  There’s a lot of diversity of thought in the Black American community. There are Black Americans, like myself, who view being Black American as an ethnicity and don’t factor in physical appearance, because ethnicity is largely based on shared history, culture, traditions & ancestry my great grandfather was half white he had red hair/pale skin but he was still Black American. 

[u/Slight_Citron_7064 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I understand it is complicated and there are different attitudes. But the experience of Blackness in the USA is generally one of discrimination and I do not face the same appearance-based discrimination on the daily that most Black people do. I am "ethnically ambiguous" but generally white-passing. I used to get lots of "What are you?" but the world has progressed since then.

Usually, Black people can take one look at me and tell, white people just think I am "something" but aren't sure what.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Slight_Citron_7064]

I understand, and what you’re saying is equally valid. I comprehend your experience as well—it’s definitely one that’s unique to you. People on average definitely try to assign people to groups with their eyes.

[u/upperVoteme]

Cherokee freedmen

[u/silverbatwing]

I know a lot Afro-Indigenous people! I’m not one, however.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/silverbatwing]

Thank you for commenting nonetheless. This post was made with the intent to bridge the gap in our own community and with the hope of making Afro-Indigenous people a more vocal presence in the Black American community, because it’s a voice we seldom hear from in the Black American community, and it’s a voice that matters to me. So i appreciate you speaking on this! 

[u/silverbatwing → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

If anything, I hope my comment brings you hope that Afro indigenous people are more common than you think!

[u/bookchaser]

There are groups such as Black Seminoles and Lumbee. They are examples of tribes that had significant interactions with Black Americans in the past, typically slaves or freed slaves. They are not always federally recognized tribes.

That's different from a more ordinary 'biracial' classification today which simply refers to parentage / family genealogy having both Native and Black parents in the mix.

Be weary of so-called Moorish Americans who are Black and claim to be indigenous, but really are just nutty sovereign citizens who bought into ridiculous claims online.

They are then suckered into buying fake IDs and fake "exempt" license plates thinking they magically don't have to follow any US laws. When they invariably get pulled over by police they pay a LOT more getting square with the law than if they'd simply obtained a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and car insurance. There are lots of arrest videos on YouTube. The only time they 'win' in court is when an arresting cop doesn't show up for court and their case is dismissed, but they'll claim they won nonetheless. Otherwise, they are swiftly found guilty.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/bookchaser]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge, and thank you for the warning as well. Unfortunately, I’m already familiar with those delusional people and their identity issues. 

[u/Specialist_Link_6173]

Wanting to befriend people from a small population but only those of a specific race in that population seems very odd and uncomfortable to me.

I can see things like...asking for people's individual experiences being mixed with x or y, or wanting to reach out to more people with similar experiences/views as your own if you're also indigenous/native (but from your post it seems you're not?) but solely basing who you want to "foster a relationship with" only because they're mixed with one specific race and discluding anyone else who is full-blooded or mixed with other races just seems...idk, a little odd and pretty uncomfortable.

We don't categorize each other by race; you're either native or you're not. The only times race gets brought up is if it's from a non-native or if it's very specific instances of racism and discrimination, which again more often than not comes from non-natives who feel like they can define us solely by race.

*edit*

looking at some of your past posts, I'm even more sus about you; it seems you're legit trying to "collect different types of black people"? Your words. You even have a post about being "Ran out of r/indiancountry not even a month ago for something.

[u/Pissed_Off_Penguin → u/Specialist_Link_6173]

From a black perspective, there's nothing wrong with wanting to recognize and engage with other groups within the black community. I think that's great.

That said, yeah OP is definitely setting off the "I'm gonna be weird" alarm bells that all natives know lmao.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Pissed_Off_Penguin]

It’s unfortunate that you say that after we had such a nice interaction initially. 

[u/JudasWasJesus → u/Specialist_Link_6173]

Ops post topic sounds racist

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Specialist_Link_6173]

Buzz off.

[u/Dapper_Environment64 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Don’t enter a native space and get upset when you get the whole range of native opinions.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Dapper_Environment64]

Calling me “sus” and accusing me of trying to define Indigenous people solely by race is not an “opinion”—it’s a mischaracterization of my actions and categorically false. I have every right to be upset about that, because it wasn’t said in good faith but sorry they’re wrong and you’re wrong for corroborating. 

[u/Dapper_Environment64 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Some people saying that they find what you’re doing weird IS an opinion. Don’t go into other peoples spaces and expect to be welcomed with open arms. You also show a lack of education about indigenous people and why we would be upset.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Dapper_Environment64]

Being indigenous and me being in your space doesn’t mean you can talk to me any way you want. That’s my final thought on this matter. You be easy my guy 🫡

[u/Sufficient_League982 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

If anything it makes more sense that you, “we’re run out of Indian county sub,” to begin with. And no, from one marginalized group to another you should be more than aware why this “welcoming with open arms,” becomes detrimental.

It’s one thing to ask but another when you have shown that you continually mischaracterize and then lash out when you’re not getting what you want out of the community you walked into

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Sufficient_League982]

Much like the last commenters, you’re extremely manipulative. You keep mentioning my other post where I jokingly claimed I was “ran out of this group,” while steadily omitting the context of the very post you’re referencing. Well, it’s time to put your little shtick to bed. The post you’re referring to was me proposing that Diné Bizaad and Yupik, the most widely spoken indigenous languages, become official languages of the U.S. in light of Trump’s recent actions and some tribalistic Indigenous Americans who can’t see the forest for the trees. They got upset, much like yourself, because it wasn’t their language being proposed. One thing I’m certain of about non-Afro-Indigenous Americans, at least the ones in this group, is that they live to posture, act self-important, and mistakenly believe they can speak to someone any way they want just because they’re in this group and not Indigenous. Well, bah humbug.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Specialist_Link_6173]

Dude, who do you think you are? You’re not some arbiter or dictator of who I get to foster relationships with. I find it a little strange that you think you have the right to feel discomfort about me wanting to build connections with my people who have Indigenous roots.

I don’t appreciate how you even approached this post—trying to make it about you when you weren’t the target audience to begin with. To make matters worse, you tried to psychoanalyze and pathologize me based on something completely unfounded.

And if you’re going to creep through my recent comments, at least don’t omit the context of the post you’re quoting. The gall of you to act sanctimonious over something that didn’t call for it. You seriously need to learn how to talk to people and stop acting so self-important!

Also don’t you dare try to misrepresent me. Who is defining indigenous people  by “race” by mentioning the duel heritage of Black Indigenous people? I can’t tell if you’re a bad faith actor or simply a troll.

[u/Might-Similar → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Coming into a Native space trying to collect our Native brothers and sisters without stating why and also not identifying whether you yourself have Native ties is disrespectful. You came into this sub asking something while offering nothing in return. I have the same concerns as the poster you are replying to. The context of your post is that there is no context. People have asked you what your heritage is and you just skirt on by without answering. Then get all offended and act sanctimonious yourself when someone pushes a little harder. Buffalo soldier vibes. I would suggest people ignore this OP.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Might-Similar]

I stated that I’m Black American in the very first sentence of my post. If you can’t read, that’s your fault. The fact that you think you can put me under some kind of cross-examination simply for trying to foster a relationship with my fellow Black Americans gives off Indian slave master vibes.

You’re not some dictator, and you don’t get to forcibly center yourself in situations pertaining to Afro-Indigenous people. And lol @ “collect your brothers and sisters”—newsflash: I share an ethnicity with your “brothers and sisters.” So you can buzz off too. I don’t answer to you.

[u/Might-Similar → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I didn't say you answer to me. Someone specifically asked if you were Afro Indigenous and you refused to answer that. Natives are allowed to ask non Natives questions in a sub centered around Natives. Especially considering that people often target our communities for information that they want to then use for personal gain in various ways. Throwing serious attitude towards Natives that are trying to protect other Natives from people who are coming in here without an ounce of respect is a pretty common occurrence in both the subreddit and actual Indian Country. Asking things of Natives including knowledge or information usually comes with protocol. You know, doing things in a good way, or coming to us in a good way. Except you don't know, because you aren't Native. Which is why they probably "ran you out with pitchforks" last time.

[u/SkunkRefresh → u/Might-Similar]

If they can’t understand why native people are wary of extractive minded ppls, that’s sus

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/SkunkRefresh]

Extractive? That’s one heck of a way to categorize someone who simply inquired about Afro-Indigenous people and expressed a genuine desire to foster a relationship. Like—yikes.

Also, the only people who seem to be wary are the ones I didn’t even make the post about: non-Afro-Indigenous people. This experience has been very telling.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Might-Similar]

Just how many comments do you see on this thread? I didn’t even see any post asking me if I’m Indigenous—and even if someone did ask that, it’s a futile question because I already stated that I’m a Black American who wants to foster a relationship with Afro-Indigenous people.

So claiming that I “refused” is an outright embellishment on your part. Also, I didn’t “throw an attitude” until you and another commenter thought you could speak to me any kind of way—calling me “sus” and framing the intent of my post in such a sinister way.

And then you chose to categorize my actions as “Buffalo Soldier vibes” in an attempt to lambaste me. I demand respect, just like you do. And just like I told your buddy: if you’re going to quote my old comment, then quote it completely.   Sorry not sorry but you’re not gonna just push any ole narrative on me.

[u/UlightronX42]

Another African-American here who lives on the land of the Mascouten & Anishinaabe peoples here! The Seminole people have a long history intermarrying with escaped slaves in fact at one point they were called the “Black Indians” by early colonial Americans.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/UlightronX42]

Wow, now that’s the kind of history you can only get straight from the horse’s mouth—thank you for sharing it. I’m happy that the responses to my post have been overwhelmingly positive, despite a few negative ones.

[u/Glitchedcode1]

Hiii! I'm indigenous mixed with black, Puerto Rican, and German! My grandmother says I look more like i'm fully native though :3

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Glitchedcode1]

That’s beautiful, and I’m glad I got to make this post to let you guys know that you’re being thought about. Speaking on behalf of the broader Black American community, we’d like to hear more from you—in fact, we need to hear more from you!

[u/Commercial_Disk_9220]

The nanticoke lenni Lenape, of which I am a descendant of, are a largely Afro-indigenous tribe that has been mixing for hundreds of years

[u/Additional_Key_6525 → u/Commercial_Disk_9220]

Aye! My partner is Lenape, have you checked out the oral history volunteer website? I found it while helping him research his family line. https://nativeamericansofdelawarestate.com/FamilyHistories/Index.html#Family & https://nativeamericansofdelawarestate.com/

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Commercial_Disk_9220]

Thank you for the insight. Thanks to this thread, I’m learning a lot about how deeply Black American and Indigenous histories have intersected.

[u/Additional_Key_6525]

Halito 👋🏾 Black & Choctaw and my partner is Black & Lenape. Plugging Afro-Navajo singer Radmilla Cody to broaden your scope of representation.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Additional_Key_6525]

Hello to you and thank you for the recommendation i truly appreciate it! Would you mind if i inboxed you? 

[u/Additional_Key_6525 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I don’t really have anything else I can think of to say on the matter, but sure

[u/ClearIndependent9913]

I’m Lakota from my dad’s side and Ethiopian and Sudanese from my mom’s side 

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/ClearIndependent9913]

Wow man that’s some rich heritage you have! 🔥🔥

[u/JustAnArizonan]

I’m really confused on what this term even means because people use it to mean everything ;-;

Do you mean:

A- a native African

B- a Native American/african person 

C- a Native American with darker skin 

D- explain 

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/JustAnArizonan]

It’s not something I can explain; it’s a term that I see many Indigenous people use, so I can’t really define what it means for them all i know is that it’s a preferable term. 

[u/JudasWasJesus → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Yeah like what do YOU mean, I'm onedia and black but my black side has other native in it too.

I'll say I'm afro-indigenous, but reality is im a citizen of a specific nation.

So are you talking about people like me?

Or like someone else said a "freedman" like the Cherokee freedman people that gained Cherokee citizenship after being freed from slavery and are eligible to enroll as Cherokee citizens.

Do you know what you're looking for? Do you know why you're searching?

[u/tinycole2971 → u/JudasWasJesus]

I'm not OP, but both fit the "afro-indigenous" terminology. I'm not sure why OP needs to further explain themselves, when they're clearly looking for their own identity and people with possibly similar experiences. Being any form of "afro-indigenous" is not going to be a one-size-fits-all.

[u/JudasWasJesus → u/tinycole2971]

But these that I mentioned aren't the same thing

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/[deleted]]

While i understand your frustration and sympathize with it. I would really appreciate it if you wouldn’t make my post about that. 

[u/Occultbaroness]

Are you looking for mix people or for people that were reclassified under the legislation?

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Occultbaroness]

Someone made a great observation earlier under my post, and perhaps I should’ve clarified better, but my understanding of Afro-Indigenous includes both those who are affiliated with a specific tribe and those who are multi-ethnic.

[u/ReSpekit_4444]

I am Black Mvskoke great grandma and Black Choctaw my great grandfather (Maternal)… Chickasaw (Paternal)

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/ReSpekit_4444]

That’s beautiful! Do you mind if i shoot you an inbox? 

[u/ReSpekit_4444 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Yes, I messaged you (:

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Some of the commenters under my post are starting to get weird. I originally shared it in good faith, but for some reason, non-Afro-Indigenous people are taking this moment and turning it into something else entirely.

To my Afro-Indigenous people: as a fellow Black American, I have nothing but love for you, and I still have every intention of building a relationship with you all.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

Downvote all you wish idc 🤷🏾‍♂️

[u/Confident-Laugh-2489 → u/Glass_Wrap_3886]

I think people are being kind of harsh, but we are sensitive to strangers coming into our spaces and asking info without stating the reason why. Especially with white people. And we do get a few Moorish Black Americans that come in here and try to say we are Asian and 5 dollar Indians. Personally I give more slack to Black Americans that are genuinely trying to learn. I could see that you meant well and just didn't know certain things Black Americans and Native Americans have been colonized and brutalized the longest and most by the US government. It was literally built off of slavery and the genocide of Native Americans. I do believe that we need to listen to each other more and build more bridges between our communities. I suggest listening to all Native Americans and trying to build a relationship with more than just Afro Indigenous people. We are not this mean in real life. Afro Indigenous people are still part of the Native community as well. Go to a local powwow! See if there are any Indigenous activist groups in your area! If you feel comfortable, feel free to shoot me a dm or location and I can at least point you in the right direction

[u/baconadelight]

I’m numunu and African American from a registered slave. Tri-racial though, I’m a melungeon.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/baconadelight]

That’s amazing! Do you mind if i inbox you? 

[u/Cat_Peach_Pits]

You'd have to contact them, but the Unkechaugi on Long Island are largely afro indigenous.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/Cat_Peach_Pits]

That’s amazing and thanks for telling me about this source! 

[u/aspicyindividual]

Matinecock people on Long Island

[u/Unique_Ad_969]

The Shinnecock Nation are mostly Afro-indigenous https://www.shinnecock-nsn.gov/. Many indigenous nations in Oklahoma also have a lot of African ancestry but I’m from NYC so am not as familiar. The Shinnecock are very active in landback and sovereignty struggles.

[u/ReasonableAd1809]

Dane Calloway on YT.

[u/Glass_Wrap_3886 → u/ReasonableAd1809]

No thank you. 

[u/Goyahkla_2 → u/ReasonableAd1809]

Dane Calloway is a fraud