Thank you, Denise, for referring Paula (and others) to my site.

Paula ...

Denise and Selma have referred you to some very informational and useful sites.

Different terminology was used for AA's depending on the census period. Earlier census periods used "M" for Mulatto (not Melungeon), "N" for Negro, and "B" for Black. When more recent census are available for public viewing they could reflect "AF" or "AA" for African American ... we'll have to wait several more years to see how we'll be identified on those records.

In your search for ancestors you may even find them listed as White. One must keep in mind that census takers recorded people as what they appeared to be. You may even find within the same household one person may be listed as Negro/Black while others in the same household might be listed as Mulatto, or possibly even White.

The same applies to birth, death and other records. A very good example is my mother is listed as White on her birth certificate, my older brother and I are listed as Negro. We were all born in Zanesville, OH ... now figure that one out