an open Letter to the African Diaspora

We, Foundational Black Americans (FBAs), stand in solidarity with our global African family in the fight for justice, liberation, and dignity. Our history is deeply intertwined with the broader Pan-African struggle, and our hearts remain connected to our brothers and sisters across the diaspora. Though our journey has been uniquely shaped by the trials of chattel slavery, resistance, and survival in what became the United States, we recognize that our struggles—past and present—are but branches of the same tree of African resilience.

Our desire to assert, certify, acknowledge, and celebrate our distinct heritage is not an act of division, but one of recognition. As FBAs, our ancestors endured one of the most brutal chapters of human history, yet from that suffering, we forged new paths in the relentless pursuit of freedom and human rights. From the plantations of the South to the battlegrounds of the Civil Rights Movement, we have been foundational to America’s economic, cultural, and political development—while also influencing struggles for liberation across the globe.

We honor and respect the collective Pan-African fight for sovereignty, justice, and self-determination. Our contributions—from the Underground Railroad to the Harlem Renaissance, from civil disobedience to legal battles for human rights—have inspired movements far beyond American borders, igniting fires of resistance from the Caribbean to the continent of Africa.

However, as we embrace our connection to the global Black experience, we also affirm our right to define our own history and lineage. This is not an act of separation but a necessity to ensure that the sacrifices, victories, and unique cultural imprints of Foundational Black Americans are properly acknowledged and preserved. We, like all African-descended people, are a testament to the strength of our ancestors.

To our extended family in the diaspora, we extend our hands in unity. We stand not apart, but alongside you—fighting for justice, reclaiming our legacies, and ensuring that the contributions of all African people, in all corners of the world, are recognized, respected, and celebrated.

With love, power, and unwavering commitment,

Foundational Black Americans