WHY DO SO MANY FBAs THINK THEY ARE INDIGENOUS TO AMERICA?
The vast majority of African Americans do not claim to be indigenous to America. However, a small, niche group online—often associated with movements like the "Aboriginal" or "Moorish"-derived pseudo-historical groups—does hold this belief, driven by alternative histories, a desire for an independent ethnic identity, and a deep disconnect from ancestral African roots. Source
Rejection of "African" Labels: Some individuals feel generations removed from Africa and prefer an identity entirely rooted in the Western Hemisphere. Source
Pseudo-Historical Theories: Online echo chambers and fringe groups propagate narratives claiming Black people pre-dated Native Americans or built ancient American civilizations. Source
Desire for Sovereignty: Claiming an indigenous or aboriginal status is sometimes used as a legal or political strategy to seek relief, tax exemptions, or liberation from systemic racism.
The "Indian Grandmother" Myth: For generations, many families across America (both Black and White) held oral traditions of a Native American ancestor. Historically, this was often a way to cope with or mask hidden or stigmatized non-white heritage during eras of strict racial segregation. Source
Real Intermixing: Some African Americans do possess small amounts of Native American DNA resulting from historical contact, runaway slaves finding refuge in tribes (like the Seminoles), or shared oppression. However, genetic studies show this rarely accounts for a primary indigenous identity. Source