# Foundational Black American
## Foundational Black American: A Lineage-Based Identity

Foundational Black American is a lineage-based identity that encompasses the descendants of enslaved Africans in the United States of America, Black-skinned Indigenous Americans, and freedmen with established lineages in the United States before emancipation. This lineage highlights the foundational role these individuals and their ancestors have played in the history and culture of the United States

## Definition of Lineage
### Ancestral Roots

Foundational Black Americans are individuals whose ancestry can be traced back to approximately 1526, to the early African and Indigenous presence in the United States. This includes those whose ancestors were enslaved Africans brought to the U.S., who have a continuous lineage in the country, and those who are descendants of the black-skinned natives in North America.

### Historical Continuity

The lineage of FBAs is characterized by a continuous presence in the United States, often dating back to the colonial period and the establishment of the nation. Specifically, the FBA lineage includes those of the Black and African American demographic group, whose lineage predates the 1900s in the United States of America.

### Recognition of Mixed Lineages

The FBA lineage acknowledges mixed ancestries, recognizing the contributions and presence of Black Indigenous Americans in the historical narratives and Mixed Lineage Americans with one full blood Foundational Black American Parent.

## Freedmen and Black Indigenous
### Pre-Emancipation Freedmen

Before the abolition of slavery, there were free Black individuals and communities in the United States. These freedmen were often descendants of Africans who had gained freedom through various means. Many of these freedmen established thriving communities and played significant roles in advocating for the rights of African Americans, contributing to the social and economic development of the nation.

## Genealogical Significance
### Tracing Ancestry

The lineage of Foundational Black Americans is often documented through genealogical research, historical records, and oral histories. This lineage is a source of identity and pride for many individuals.

### Distinction from Recent Immigrants

The FBA lineage distinguishes these individuals from African and Caribbean immigrants, emphasizing their deep historical roots in the United States.

## Cultural and Historical Contributions
### Foundational Role

Foundational Black Americans have played a crucial role in shaping American history and culture. Their contributions span various fields, including politics, arts, music, and social justice.

### Legacy of Resilience

Despite facing systemic oppression, FBAs have demonstrated resilience and have been instrumental in the fight for civil rights and equality throughout the world.

## Identity and Community
### Sense of Belonging

The FBA lineage fosters a sense of belonging and community among individuals who share this historical background. It serves as a unifying identity that honors their ancestors' struggles and achievements.

### Cultural Preservation

FBAs continue to preserve and celebrate their unique cultural heritage, passing it on to future generations.

### Lineage Recognition

Efforts to further outline the Foundational Black Americans (FBA) lineage on the U.S. Census involve a combination of advocacy, research, and policy initiatives to achieve greater recognition and specificity in racial and ethnic data collection. Community advocacy plays a crucial role, with various groups and leaders pushing for more detailed categories that accurately reflect the diversity within the African American community. Despite these challenges, more detailed categories could improve data accuracy and enhance representation, ensuring that policies and programs are better tailored to the specific needs of the Foundational Black American community.

## The Name: Foundational Black American

The name Foundational Black American (FBA) has its roots in the late 1990s when it began to be used within the FBA community to articulate a distinct lineage for Black/African Americans whose ancestors' roots tie back to the establishment and building of the United States. The lineage name emphasizes the unique historical experiences and contributions of those with deep ancestral ties to the United States of America's early history, distinguishing them from more recent African and Caribbean immigrants. The name Foundational Black American gained significant traction in the late 2010s through the works of Tariq Nasheed, a filmmaker and social commentator. Nasheed's efforts brought the term into broader public discourse, highlighting the role that Foundational Black Americans and their ancestors have played in the development of the United States. The use of FBA asserts a distinct identity, fostering a sense of unity and pride among those who share the lineage. FBA is often invoked in discussions about reparations, social justice, and the need for policies that address the specific historical injustices faced by those with deep roots in the U.S. The emergence and popularization of the lineage name reflect ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate the Foundational Black American lineage, unique cultural heritage, and historical contributions within the broader Black & African American community.