Despite misconceptions about and differences between black Americans and Africans, the groups must work toward understanding each other, “Children of the Diaspora” discussion attendees said Thursday.

Diaspora is a term that refers to the breaking up and scattering of a people, which happened when slaves were brought from Africa to countries like the United States.

“Sometimes being honest may not be pleasant, but that’s part of what’s necessary to build bridges,” said Francis Owusu, assistant professor of community and regional planning. “We are linked, whether we like it or not.”

African-Americans sometimes complain to Africans that Africa was a part of the slave trade, Owusu said. There is no doubt that some Africans supported the slave trade, he said, while others fought it.

On the other hand, some Africans who come to the United States believe African-Americans are not taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them, he said.

“Having the opportunity to come here is a very selective process,” Owusu said. “The racial experience many African-Americans have had, many Africans have not had.”

He said Africans develop their identity in Africa and as a result may not understand the discrimination African-Americans face.

Ama Atiedu, president of the African Student Association, said she has seen the generalizations the two groups make.

The use of the term African-American by black Americans was also discussed.

“African-Americans have an identity crisis with what they want to be called,” said Janelle Seward, junior in English. “When is the point you become American and not African?”

Owusu said Africans do not know the history of the discrimination African-Americans have faced, and as a result they sometimes criticize the use of the term. The history of the slave trade is not taught in Africa, he said.

Ashley Holloway, a member of the Black Student Alliance, said too much emphasis is placed on labels.

“America puts a label on everybody,” said Holloway, senior in community and regional planning.

Keji Ojelade, graduate in interdisciplinary graduate studies, said getting to know people is an important part of understanding.

“Don’t judge people by the label that is attached to them,” she said. “Get to know them as a person.”

Education will cure ignorance and encourage understanding and cooperation, Ojelade said.

Owusu said both groups have much in common.

“There are many commonalties that we overlook because we’re just focusing on the differences,” Seward said.

Owusu said much of African culture has been preserved by African-Americans. Seward said African-Americans need to hear more positive things about Africa.

Atiedu said although second-generation African immigrants are being pulled from both sides, they form an important bridge between the two groups.

“It’s good to hear both sides,” Holloway said. “It’s all about education.”