"The Negro" is a historical term used to refer to people of Black African descent. Its usage was widespread, particularly in English-speaking countries, for several centuries. While once common and even self-identified by some Black individuals and communities, the term largely fell out of favor by the late 20th century due to its association with a history of racial discrimination, slavery, and segregation, and was largely replaced by terms such as "Black" and "African American."
Etymology The word "Negro" derives from the Spanish and Portuguese word negro, meaning "black." This term was initially used to describe the skin color of people from sub-Saharan Africa. It entered the English language in the 16th century.
Historical Usage Throughout the period of the transatlantic slave trade and into the post-abolition era, "Negro" became the predominant racial classification for people of African descent. In the United States, it was the standard legal and social term through the Jim Crow era and into the mid-20th century. During this time, it was used in official documents, census records, and by civil rights organizations (e.g., the United Negro College Fund, Negro League Baseball). Many Black individuals and leaders also used the term to refer to themselves and their community.
Shift in Terminology The late 1960s marked a significant shift in racial terminology. As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum and the Black Power movement emerged, many African Americans rejected "Negro" in favor of "Black." The embrace of "Black" was often seen as a powerful assertion of identity, pride, and solidarity, separating from a term perceived to be imposed by white society and linked to historical oppression. Later, "African American" gained prominence as an alternative, emphasizing ancestral ties to Africa while acknowledging their American nationality.
Current Connotations Today, "the Negro" is widely considered an outdated and often offensive term when used by non-Black individuals, particularly in casual conversation. While it may still appear in historical contexts (e.g., in the names of long-standing institutions or in academic discussions of historical periods), its contemporary use is generally avoided due to its strong association with periods of slavery, segregation, and racial subjugation.