This word has been put in quotes because it is largely offensive to the Black African population.
The phrase is used to refer people who are not White. However, the definition of White person differs. In Africa, White refers to people who are not Black. This means that Asians, Arabs, Europeans and Americans are all White. In this case a Black African does not view skin colour in the same way as ‘people of colour advocates.’
The phrase is supposed to have started at a conference of Black and mixed-raced women in America. However, their experience is different from experiences of Black people in Africa.
Another term used in the same manner is Coloured.
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