On this guide you will find links to databases, books, and websites in addition to tutorials on searching our databases. Use the tabs on the left to search for information on your topic, from primary to secondary to tertiary sources. Stop by the library or email us if you have any questions. We're always happy to help!

The Library of Congress uses the formal subject heading 'African Americans' to describe Americans of sub-Saharan African ancestry, but other terms have been more common at different times in American history. Depending on your research topic, you might find it useful to search with other words. 

Afro-American is a variant of African American. Other terms include blacks, black people, and variants like black women, black men, etc.

In historical research, it helps to know the terms used commonly during the time period you are researching. In early American history and into the early 20th century, many Americans used the term coloreds or colored people, which was gradually replaced by Negro, Negroes, and variants, used through the late 1960s.

-Thank you to Portland State University for the verbiage