Definitions
Ethnic Groups
The terms utilized in this resource directory are most widely used by the ethnic groups themselves, but are not necessarily accepted by government agencies or the media. There are, however, differences of opinion within each ethnic group based on a variety of factors including generation, age, geography and political perspective. When in doubt, ask!
People of Color
While not universally accepted, this description is more accurate and preferred by many over "minority." In a numeric sense, people of color are rapidly becoming the majority in the United States, as in most of the world. The term "people of color" is a self-given description initially used in educational and academic circles in the early 1980s. The media rarely uses the term and the federal government uses the term "minority."
African American
From the civil rights movement of the 1960s came "black" which replaced "Negro" and "colored." Then "Afro-American" was used to identify cultural roots. Many continued to use "Black" with a capital "B." For some ten years now, national leaders have been using "African American," with or without a hyphen, which parallels the use of the terms "Asian American" and "Native American." In this directory, African American is used.
Asian/Pacific American
Asian Americans' ancestors emigrated from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India, Pakistan and other Asian countries. The federal government has categorized these Americans with those from the Pacific Islands. Many community groups use Asian/Pacific as an inclusive umbrella term. Each ethnic group, however, will often prefer specific terms such as "Chinese American" or "Filipino American" within an ethnic-specific context to differentiate its unique culture and history.
Latino
While not universally accepted, this term is more positive than "Hispanic." The federal government created the umbrella term "Hispanic" to apply to people from Spain (Hispania) and its former colonies, including Mexico, Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean. "Latino" addresses the cultural background rather than the European colonial power that dominated the Americas. The largest Latino groups in the United States are Mexican Americans or "Chicanos" (male) or "Chicanas" (female), Puerto Ricans, Salvadoreans, Cubans and Dominicans. Latinos or Latinas may be black, brown, white or Native American.
Indian/Native American
This term perhaps most accurately describes the original inhabitants of this country. Many groups, however, now prefer to call themselves Indian or American Indian. But, as one national leader said, "We call ourselves Indians, but you call us Native Americans to remind yourselves that we are the first citizens of this country."
This category includes Alaska Natives (Athabaskan, Inuit and Aleut) as well as native tribes in the lower 48 states. Many Native Hawaiians also identify more with this groups rather than the Asian/Pacific American Category to which they are assigned by the federal government.
Geographic Areas by County
Area 1
The Northeast area includes the following counties: Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams, Lincoln, Whitman and Spokane.
Area 2
The Southeast area includes the following counties: Asotin, Garfield, Columbia, Walla Walla, Franklin, Benton, Yakima, Kittitas and Klickitat.
Area 3
The North Puget Sound area includes the following counties: Island, San Juan, Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish.
Area 4
The King County area includes King County.
Area 5
The Pierce and Kitsap Counties area includes Pierce and Kitsap Counties.
Area 6
The Southwest/Olympic Peninsula area includes the following counties: Thurston, Lewis, Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Pacific, Grays Harbor, Mason, Jefferson and Clallam. |
