Why do Black Americans still identify as "Afro-American" after 400+ years in the U.S.?

Hey everyone, I’m Black, and I have a genuine question for Black Americans. This is not meant to be offensive—just a real curiosity from the perspective of a Black European.

You arrived on the American continent around the same time as White settlers, yet they are simply called "Americans," not "Euro-Americans." It has been 400 years since your ancestors were brought to the U.S., and at this point, you have no direct connection to Africa.

From my perspective (and many Black Europeans agree), the term Afro-American seems to create a separation, reinforcing community divisions rather than national unity. The words we use shape our reality, and by constantly making a distinction between Afro-American and American, isn’t it subconsciously preventing full integration? It feels like a form of mental segregation, even if unintended.

As a Black Belgian, I am simply Belgian. Black French people are just French, Black Germans are just German. We don’t use “Afro-European.” We are part of our respective nations while still acknowledging our heritage.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks for sharing your perspective!