We have ALWAYS been here.
Indian -> Negro -> Colored -> Black -> African American
1492
1682
1851
1960
1988
Black Indians Exist!
We are Indigenous peoples of what is currently known as the Americas and the Caribbean, and some of us , are also the descendants of Indigenous peoples of Africa. It’s important to note that there are Black Natives who have no African heritage at all—they are simply the descendants of Indigenous peoples of the Americas. This identity often includes Freedmen—the free men and women who were once classified as slaves of the Five Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, and Choctaw)—and their descendants. Black Natives and Freedmen are the legacy of both our Black and Native ancestors. We are the personification of their joy, pain, resistance, and endurance, and it is because of their resilience and hope that we are still here today.
The Black Native identity is not monolithic; it is as diverse as it is numerous. Our lived experiences, like our identities, cannot be lumped into a single category. Over the centuries, Black Natives have been reclassified in America since as early as 1682, as white settlers and colonial systems sought to categorize us, often erasing our Native identities or forcing us into rigid racial classifications. Despite this, we have continued to honor and claim our diverse heritage.
Because of this diversity, we refer to ourselves in a variety of ways, including “Afro-Indigenous,” “Native Black American,” “Indigenous and Black,” “Black and Native,” and “Foundational Black American.” Many of us, by choosing to honor both our Black and Indigenous roots, are actively pushing back against America’s tradition of defining people by strict racial categories. We resist the pressure to choose one identity over the other, especially when we may appear more aligned with one racial group than the other, or feel we are not enough of either. In doing so, we are reclaiming our identities on our own terms.
Portrait of Thomas Jefferson Adams Harjo (1848–1910)
Thomas was a distinguished full-blooded Creek citizen, successful attorney, and respected leader in early Oklahoma. Born into the Creek Nation, Thomas was recognized as a “Town King” for his leadership within his community and for his significant contributions to the legal and political systems of Indian Territory. A skilled attorney, he eventually became the Chief Justice of the Creek Nation Supreme Court, where he made lasting contributions to the judicial landscape of the tribe.
As a member of the Creek Nation, Thomas was deeply involved in the affairs of his people, serving as a key figure in both legal and community matters. His success in the legal field, coupled with his respected position in the tribe, established him as one of the most influential Creek citizens of his time. His legacy is further explored in the book Black, White, and Indian: Race and the Unmaking of an American Family.
Interestingly, while Thomas was listed as a “full-blooded Indian” on the Dawes Rolls—the official census that documented the citizens of the Five Civilized Tribes—later U.S. census records categorized him as “Negro.” This shift in racial classification highlights the complex and often contradictory racial dynamics of the time, particularly the reclassification of Native individuals that had darker skin. It underscores the broader history of racial categorization and the challenges faced by Native Black Americans in a system that frequently erased or marginalized their Indigenous identities in favor of racial distinctions.
Thomas' story is a poignant reminder of the resilience and adaptability of Native peoples in the face of racial reclassification, and his legacy continues to live on in his descendants, particularly through Michael Lane Jr.'s work in genealogical research and advocacy for Native Black American heritage.
Michael Lane Jr.
Creek Indian, Genealogist, Historian, Youtuber
Michael Lane Jr. is a genealogist, historian, and YouTuber with a deep passion for uncovering the untold history of Native Black Americans. A native of Sacramento, California, Michael always felt that the history taught in schools did not reflect his true heritage. He instinctively knew that his ancestors did not come from Africa, but rather that America was their ancestral homeland. Like many Black Americans, Michael’s family shared stories passed down about "Indians in the family," but it wasn't until later in life that he began to explore these stories in depth.
In 2021, Michael and his family embarked on a journey to trace their genealogy, which led to a groundbreaking discovery: their ancestors were listed on the Dawes Rolls. This discovery eventually led Michael to apply for—and be granted—Tribal Citizenship with the Muscogee Creek Nation, a turning point that sparked his desire to help others explore their own heritage.
Through his YouTube channels, Mike TV and Native Black Ancestry, Michael seeks to raise awareness among Black Americans about their Indigenous roots and empower them with the knowledge and tools to trace their own genealogies. His videos offer a mix of personal insights, historical research, and practical guidance for navigating the often complex process of genealogical research and Tribal citizenship.
Due to the overwhelming interest in his journey, Michael now offers genealogy consultations to demystify the process and guide others on their path of self-discovery. His mission is to help Native Black Americans reconnect with their true heritage and understand the richness of their ancestral history.
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