Maruawe Chuck...
Of course... As a person of Black/Indian descent, I am proud of both sides of my ethnic bloodlines. I chose to list the various African peoples we descend from as an example of how we, as Black people in America, are rooted in diverse populations - not only in terms of "racial" lines but also in terms of African ethnicity; yet however, we are able to still see ourselves as one people.
Please do forgive the multiple replies, though I might not be the best person to post back, i. e., about what is a complex series of insights you've put forth...
Do be forgiving (if not just forgetting) of my oh so human shortcomings etc.
But, our distand ancestors were the true africans, and we're also a reflection of our own unique legacies etc., on this side of the two oceans, etc.
Thing is, we reflect both the legacies of Mother Africa and/or these North American peoples on three continents, as well...
In the case of the other, indigenous folk, we have yet to admit, particularly among those who are heavily represented by mixed as ourselves, those who aren't also don't consider us 'true indians'...
Contrast that with anybody and everybody, who have had constant contact with those black mixes, i. e., from the northeast to the southeast coast of this nation, not just in Oklahoma...
There was also slavery of some folks ancestors in the north, and/or the exile of others to the islands, etc. and/or the mating of the enslaved of both peoples, etc., long before the likes of Dragging Canoe/Tecumseh/John Horse/etc., tried to unite others to resist the effects of white immigration etc.
If you have not read those repostings over on the Cherokee Women forum, I urge you to, because it does reflect back to those aformentioned legacies and/or part of our peoples true history etc.
FYI