Browsing through and came across this thread. And although I enjoyed the conversation, what really began to pierce me in the heart was the discussion of heritage.
Irish, Italian, British, German, all countries all nationalities that you can identify with if you choose.
To Blacks/African-Americans that is a luxury we can only imagine. I mean to be able to definitively say that my ancestors are from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Sierra Leone is practically impossible.
To look in the mirror and say that the hair color (red), eye color (pale blue), skin color (olive) closely aligns you with one nationality is truly amazing. To have the ability to research your family history, or to have your last name REALLY mean something rarely happens in the black community.
Even the term African-American attempts to connect a group to its heritage but it just doesnt seem to be enough.
Hope that made sense.