Foundational Black American
Documenting a distinct American lineage. Building the evidence for accurate federal statistical recognition.
Read the Research Standards →
What is FBA?
Foundational Black American (FBA) is a lineage-based identity for descendants of the historic Black American population established in the United States. This includes the historic Free Black American population and descendants of people enslaved in the United States.
Historical U.S. records may identify ancestors as Black, Colored, Negro, Mulatto, African American, or other period-specific classifications. The project evaluates those records together with genealogy, chronology, geography, birthplace, family continuity, and other evidence.
Learn About the FBA Definition →Our lineage deserves to be counted.”
The Recognition Project
The project is building an evidence-based case for Foundational Black American to be researched and considered as a distinct, lineage-based detailed identity within federal race and ethnicity statistics.
Building the Evidence
Definition
A precise lineage-based definition that can be tested consistently.
Genealogy
Documented ancestral connections using historical U.S. records.
Research
Pilot data measuring comprehension, terminology, lineage documentation, and question design.
Methodology
Published standards explaining exactly how evidence is evaluated.
Your Family Records Are Part of the Story
You do not need to know the name of an enslaved ancestor to begin. Start with yourself and work backward one generation at a time.
Help Build the Research
The FBA Lineage Pilot Study is currently testing its questionnaire and methodology with a small group before wider public recruitment.
- Participation is voluntary
- No DNA required
- No slavery-era documentation required
- The project does not create legal or federal status
LATEST STANDARDLineage Review Worksheet & Reviewer Manual v1.0
Research & Standards
A serious recognition effort should allow people to inspect how its claims are defined, tested, and reviewed.
From Lineage to Federal Research
Learn. Research. Participate.
Trace Your Lineage
Learn how to work backward through Census, vital, military, probate, Freedmen’s Bureau, and other records.
FBA Voices & Education
Explore curated educational and creator content while keeping commentary distinct from project research.
Glossary & Historical Terms
Understand terminology used in historical records, genealogy, Census data, and federal statistical policy.
Help Build the Record
Trace your family. Participate in approved research. Share the project. Help connect genealogists, historians, demographers, archives, researchers, and community organizations to the work.