For over 400 years, Black Americans, especially those descended from U.S. chattel slavery and free communities of color(pre-emancipation), have shaped the cultural and historical landscape of the United States. Our identity is deeply intertwined with the narrative of this nation, yet the current definition by the United States Office of Management & Budget, along with the Census Bureau, fails to encapsulate this unique heritage and identity.

The existing classification underrepresents our profound contributions and distinct historical journey. Being labeled generically as part of an African diaspora doesn't acknowledge that Black Americans, form an ethnic group native to this country. We are requesting a redefinition that recognizes and delineates Black Americans as those whose lineage is intrinsic to the United States, specifically through the historical trajectory of the North American continent, our proper continental identifier.

Recognizing Black Americans as a distinct ethnic group, native to the U.S., would not only honor our rich history but also ensure that our unique experiences are accurately reflected in statistical data. This change will have far-reaching implications in areas such as policy making, federal programs, cultural representation & artifacts. 

By redefining Black American identity, we can preserve our historical legacy while fostering a more precise understanding of America's history. It is also important to honor the resilience and achievements of Black Americans with an identity that is truly representative of our contributions to this country.

We call upon the United States Office of Management & Budget and the Census Bureau to take immediate action in updating their definitions and classifications, delineating Black Americans as our own ethnic group. We ask for these five 

1. Establish “Black American—Descendant of U.S. Chattel Slavery” as a distinct, lineage-specific ethnic classification, separate from immigrant-origin ethnic populations, that includes all documented synonyms (American Negro, Mulatto, Colored, who descend from U.S. Chattel Slavery & Free Communities of Color Pre-Emancipation), to distinguish Black Americans as an ethnic group with ZERO immigrant history or background.
2. Recognize the United States as the geographic place of ethnic formation for this population, distinguishing ethnic origin from remote ancestral geography.
3. Develop standardized lineage-identification criteria incorporating historical census records, genealogical documentation, pre-Emancipation free communities of color, and other reliable evidence of ancestral continuity.
4. Implement disaggregated federal statistical reporting to preserve the distinction between descendants of U.S. chattel slavery and populations of immigrant origin, while maintaining existing civil rights protections and statistical comparability.
5. Implement a policy of protection for Black American designation to limit anyone who this designation does not apply to, liable for falsifying identity.

 Join us in this pivotal movement to reshape our national narrative and affirm the rightful place of Black Americans within it.

Your support can make an invaluable difference. Please sign this petition to advocate for a change that acknowledges the true heritage and contributions of Black Americans.