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[[Image:Paterson.jpg|thumb|[[David A. Paterson]], first black governor of New York (2008- )]]

[[Image:Paterson.jpg|thumb|[[David A. Paterson]], first black governor of New York (2008- )]]

'''African American''' is the term used to describe the ethnic background of Americans with African ancestry. The  great majority of African Americans are descended from Africans brought to North America as slaves beginning four centuries ago. Others (like [[Colin Powell]]) were 20th century immigrants from the West Indies or Africa.

'''African American''' is the term used to describe the ethnic background of Americans with African ancestry. The  great majority of African Americans are descended from Africans brought to North America as slaves beginning four centuries ago. Colin Powell, although holding a major office in the presidency of George W. Bush, is descended from African Slaves.==Terms==

==Terms==

The preferred terminology changes. Currently "black" and "African American" are in favor, and "Afro-American" and "Negro" are out of favor. The situation before 1960 was just the reverse. "Colored" was popular until the 1950s, but now is generally out of favor except among some [[leftist]] groups.

The preferred terminology changes. Currently "black" and "African American" are in favor, and "Afro-American" and "Negro" are out of favor. The situation before 1960 was just the reverse. "Colored" was popular until the 1950s, but now is generally out of favor except among some [[leftist]] groups.