Being African means sharing the continent’s history, victories, challenges, landscapes, and vibrancies. In terms of cultural identity, being African often encompasses a strong sense of community and collectivism, as well as a connection to traditional customs and practices. Based on this description of being African, I do not agree with being called an African Brazilian.

It’s not that Black Brazilians, like myself, dislike being called Africans. This practice of adding “African” before the nationality was imported to Brazil from the United States. Let me explain: Some Black Americans or someone in America created the term “African American” because they thought, “If a white person can call themselves Italian American, why can’t a Black American call themselves African American?”

The difference lies in the fact that Italy is a country, while Africa is a continent. I am fine with a Black Brazilian identifying the specific country their ancestors came from, such as calling themselves “Nigerian Brazilian,” because this precisely indicates their origins within Africa. When a white person says they are Italian American, they are indicating their ancestors came from Italy. In my view, some Black Americans confuse countries with continents, which is why they continue to call themselves African American. Black Brazilians should not make the same mistake.

Furthermore, with all due respect to my Black American and African brothers and sisters, Brazil is a huge country with its own unique culture. Our music, dance styles, and food vary across different regions. We are a culturally rich nation formed by people of diverse backgrounds, including Black, white, mulatto, Asian, and others. Brazil is a country loved by many and hated by few. This is Brazil!

By Luis de Andrade