Africans and African-Americans: Building Bridges that Break the Barriers of Mutual Ignorance and Self-Hatred
Abolade Ezekiel Olagoke, Ph.D.

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the statement that “more than an hyphen separates Africans and African-Americans.”The perpetuation of ignorance about Africa and Africans through history or lack of it, through the media and through centuries of stereotypes on both sides of the Atlantic has further exacerbated animosity, distrust and hateful disconnect. The paper interrogates the lived in experiences of Africans and Africans in the United Statesover the last three decades. In view of biological and cultural assimilation between the two groups through intermarriage and other forms of secondary group interactions, this paper addresses the historical, cultural, and religious Africanisms observed in both groups. The significance of the paper is to provide potential avenue for further dialog that will enhanceand illuminate the process of building bridges across the various forms of division.This paper is a product ofresearch using participant observation and family interactions in both communities over the last twenty years.

Full Text: PDF