I, like many others, find the term "African American” a source of discontent. Our reason traces back to the creation of this term, rooted in a racist attempt to imply that individuals of Black descent are not wholly American and do not belong here permanently - it's time to dispel such notions. The term "African American" was introduced with the motive to control and has over the years, caused feelings of alienation amongst a significant portion of our population.

Our great nation, founded on principles of diversity and equality, needs to reassess this terminology and reinforce the truth – Black citizens are, without a doubt, simply American.

According to data from the US Census Bureau 2019, there are approximately 44 million Black Americans living in the United States. All these individuals deserve to be recognized as the Americans they simply are. Using divisive language in official documents and applications only fosters xenophobic attitudes and inadvertently promotes systemic racism.

By eradicating the term "African American" from applications and prompts, and instead recognizing Black American citizens for what they are: Americans; we can start to promote unity and diminish the racial divide, which has too long been a part of our country's history.

Therefore, we urge responsible entities: government bodies, educational institutions, corporations, and all other organizations to eliminate the usage of the term "African American" on all forms of documentation. Instead, embrace a terminology that truly reflects our society’s unity and shared citizenship. Let's ensure that the language we used is aligned with our values of inclusivity and equality.

Time to sign, push for change, and affirm: Black citizens are not African American, they are simply, and wholly, American.