I fondly recall my childhood where I found myself the sole ‘Black’ girl in my class of 1979, an experience shadowed by a sense of heaviness. The term 'Black' was dragged out by my teacher with an exaggerated roll of the eyes and a hurtful sarcasm. It was a label, a weighty insignia that loomed over me, failing to express who I was or acknowledge my rich history. With time, I understood how the term ‘Black’ had been exploited to dehumanize individuals and groups. My discovery of the term 'Diaspora' was a breath of fresh air, an affirmation of the unity, richness, and diversity that encompasses the people of African descent.

We're urging the U.S. government to adapt this change in official documents and classifications. Over 42 million people in the U.S. are of African descent, and they deserve recognition of their cultural and historical diversity, which the term 'Diaspora' honors (U.S. Census Bureau data, 2019). The term resonates with the collective experiences, stories, and histories of people of African descent, celebrating their resilience, achievements and contributions to humanity, rather than relegating them to a monolithic group.

In the spirit of unity, progress, and inclusion, that the United States prides itself on, it is crucial to portray this vital demographic accurately and respectfully. Time is ripe for transformation and we are asking for your support in demanding this replacement of terminology in all U.S. government documentations. Sign the petition, stand with us to uplift the diverse Diaspora.