This is one reason that many now use the phrase "person of color" as it describes a wide variety of racial backgrounds and accurately describes Obama.

Obama clearly also is accurately described as African-American, which many in the US prefer rather than "Black," although there is not consensus on that either. But this wouldn't really accurately describe Jamaicans of color.(I also think that Black is often used because it is shorter than either "person of color" or "African-American.")

Finally, the US allows people to self identify, so if they are bi/multiracial, they get to choose, including being classified black, white, biracial, multiracial, etc., as opposed to past times when any "black" blood rendered one black.

I, for one, am proud that we have a African-American/Person of Color/Black/White/Noncauscasian President Elect.

georgiajan