Acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman has expressed his disapproval of both Black History Month and the term “African American,” calling them insulting during a recent interview with The Sunday Times.
Freeman has long been known for his stance on race-related matters, dating back to a 2005 TV interview where he called for an end to discussing race as a means to combat racism.
Speaking with the UK publication, Freeman asserted that dedicating a single month to the history of Black people is dismissive, stating, “Black History Month is an insult. You’re going to relegate my history to a month?” He further elaborated on his disdain for the term “African American,” explaining that it lacks a clear meaning and does not accurately represent the diverse backgrounds of Black people in the United States. Freeman went on to criticize the usage of “Africa” as if it were a single country, when, in fact, it is a vast and diverse continent.
The candid remarks were a response to questions about the 2005 TV interview, in which Freeman implored the host to stop referring to him as a Black man, stating, “I’m going to stop calling you a white man, and I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a Black man.” When asked if his views have changed over the past 18 years, Freeman reportedly raised his voice to emphasize his continued disdain for both Black History Month and the term “African American.”
During the interview, Freeman referenced a quote from fellow actor Denzel Washington, who once said, “I’m very proud to be Black, but Black is not all I am.” Freeman agreed with Washington’s sentiment, asserting that it is impossible to define him solely by his race.
The frank discussion took place as Morgan Freeman promotes his latest film, “A Good Person.” While the actor is known for his reticence in granting interviews, his recent conversation with The Sunday Times provided a rare insight into his views on race, identity, and the importance of moving beyond restrictive labels.
