@contrex,
Black is an adjective just like white is; it is not a derogatory term. Latin: Niger, Nigra, nigrum. I think the term African American was designed to ditch the adjective ( to help weave a decisive, more permanent status a particular type of American person). My sister lives in Australia and they do call Aborigenes black. My mother lives in England, and they do call people of African descent black. I've witnessed it...but I don't believe it is meant as an insult. I think social attitudes change over time. That's why there is a president of African descent in the U.S.