what exactly constitutes being African-American

[Ivyt]

<p>I have never understood why someone born/from Africa would not be considered AFRICAN-American just because they are from NorthAfrica/White.</p>

[midatlmom]

<p>here’s the definition of race from the US Census, which seems pretty clear cut:</p>

<p>

“White” refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples
of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. It includes people who indicated
their race(s) as “White” or reported entries such as Irish, German,
Italian, Lebanese, Arab, Moroccan, or Caucasian.</p>

<p>“Black or African American” refers to a person having origins in any of
the Black racial groups of Africa. It includes people who indicated their
race(s) as “Black, African Am., or Negro” or reported entries such as
African American, Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian.

</p>

<p>In addition, on the Common App, the question about ethnicity and race gives you an option for white which says that it includes Middle Eastern.</p>

<p>While a scholarship application is not the same as the Common App, I can’t imagine that scholarships for African Americans were meant to include those of middle eastern origin.</p>

[SAT200]

<p>I have the same question as the OP. What if all my friends have called me African American and I have had to deal with their racist comments for 17 years. Shouldn’t I get a bonus in admissions?!!? But, seriously, I’ll probable check AA and other and write Egyptian.</p>