By Karen Heslop
BlackDoctor
https://blackdoctor.org/
You may have heard the term ‘African diaspora’ used to describe some Black people before, but what does it mean? More importantly, where do you find the people who qualify for this designation? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the African Diaspora?
This is a term that’s usually used to refer to the descendants of Africa. These descendants may have moved away from their home in Africa or have ended up in another country because of the actions of others. For example, many of the Black people in Brazil come from the enslaved people who were taken during the Portuguese slave trade. During that time, over five million enslaved people were taken from Mozambique, Congo, Angola, Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana. The United States also gets some of its Black population from the descendants of enslaved people. However, over the years, Black people from different countries have migrated to the country as well.
Where are They?
The top 10 countries with the highest Black population outside of Africa are located all over the world. This is according to 10 Countries with Highest Black Population outside Africa written by Paul Stevens for Global Afrique. Heading the list with an approximate population of 56 million people is Brazil. The United States is second with a Black population of 46.4 million. Haiti and the Dominican Republic hold the third and fourth spots with 10.1 and 9.2 million, respectively. Colombia comes in at fifth with a Black population of 4.9 million.
France is next in line at 3.8 million, while Venezuela follows closely with a Black population of 3.2 million. Jamaica is in the eighth position with its Black population of 2.8 million and the United Kingdom is ninth on the list with a Black population of 2.5 million. Finally, Mexico closes out the list with 1.4 million Black people.
This is a part of our new series – “Hidden Black History” where we highlight uncommon facts throughout Black history. Join us every day in Black History Month for interesting facts about Black people and places that you likely haven’t heard before!
