African American

African American and "Black/black" are each preferred/used by some people, and other people will accept either and use both themselves. Not all Black people are African American (if they or their ancestors were born outside the United States) so specify, if relevant, Haitian American or Ghanian American. First, question your need to use either term (would you use be using "European American" or "White/white" in similar material?). Second, when possible, check with those involved about their preference. The most commonly used strategy in many publications is to alternate the terms; there does not seem to be any resulting confusion. Do not hyphenate the noun “African American,” but hyphenate the adjective ("African-American enterprises"). See also African, Afro-American, Black/black (n.), black/black- (adj.), black-and-white (adj.), Negress/Negro.