The capitalization of color terms designating race, particularly Black and White, has evolved significantly. Currently, the prevailing style, as advocated by the Associated Press (AP) and other style guides, is to capitalize Black when referring to people of African descent. This capitalization is viewed as essential in recognizing Black people as a distinct cultural group and ethnic identity. White, when referring to race, is increasingly capitalized by some sources for reasons of parity, though this remains less universally accepted. The choice to capitalize or not can reflect underlying perspectives on race and identity.
Capitalization, in this context, carries significant weight. It acknowledges a shared history, culture, and experience. It serves as a visible marker of identity and counters historical marginalization. Historically, leaving “black” uncapitalized contributed to its perception as a mere descriptor rather than a recognized ethnicity or group. Capitalizing “Black” gives it equal footing with other ethnic and national identities. Debates surrounding the capitalization of “White” often involve considerations of whether “White” represents a shared culture or a racial construct primarily defined by privilege. The decision involves navigating complex historical and social factors.
