Debate is heating up across social media, in group chats and among friends, capturing the attention of Black Americans across the nation — and it centers on what’s called the delineation movement. Focused on distinguishing descendants of enslaved Black Americans from other Black populations, the movement is forcing communities to wrestle with identity, history and belonging in ways rarely discussed in the past.
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Advocates, critics, and curious observers alike are weighing in on the hot topic— and the conversation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
What is the Delineation Movement?
With a focus on Foundational Black Americans (FBAs), American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS), and the “Soul American” (Soulaan or Soulaani), the movement reflects a bold effort to define and defend the unique historical and cultural experiences of descendants of slavery and those with pre-colonization roots, setting them apart from African, Caribbean, Haitian and other immigrant populations.
Make no mistake— delineation isn’t about discrimination or division. At its core, the movement is rooted in ancestry and the right to have one’s identity recognized.
Key Aspects of the Movement
There are a few reasons why FBAs, ADOS, and the Soulaani are leaning into their own identity and carving out space for themselves. Key aspects that drive the movement include:
Ancestry: Advocates feel they aren’t truly seen unless there’s clarity on who’s being discussed. According to them, Black people may all share the same skin color, but not the same history or lineage — and that’s okay.
Historical Injustice: When it comes to injustices and atrocities such as slavery, Jim Crow, and systemic discrimination, delineationists argue that ADOS experiences are unique and deserve acknowledgment on their own terms, rather than being lumped together with the broader diaspora.
Reparations: A core driver of the movement is making sure that any reparations or compensation for slavery actually benefit those whose ancestors were enslaved in the U.S. — not just anyone who happens to have Black skin.
The goal is to ensure that descendants of enslaved Americans aren’t left out of conversations, policies, or resources meant to address centuries of systemic racial oppression.
Black Internet Weighs In
TikTok user Karaib reveals he’s been into the delineation movement now more than ever, adding that he’s looking forward to embracing Black American holidays — including Juneteenth — and pushing forward with a new outlook.
“I think I’m falling in love with it and pushing our culture behind our flag 😮💨 bout time #delineation#soulaan#fyp,” he captioned his post.
Meanwhile, not everyone is on board. Some folks feel this movement has the potential to boil over into straight up chaos. Content creator IAMGOD has those exact concerns, arguing that “delineation is dangerous” and may lead to “war” and a heap of other problems in the community.
“The solution is for us to be together. The more people try to separate and create their own spaces, this is why we have war, trauma, and issues,” she weighed in. “You’re just creating problems for yourself. But continue to be mad.”
Straight From 
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