Language evolves constantly, and with it, the rules for how we write and refer to identity groups also change. One topic that has generated discussion and sometimes confusion in recent years is whether or not People of Color should be capitalized. This issue touches on grammar, respect, history, and style conventions, making it important for anyone who writes or communicates professionally to understand. As society becomes more conscious of inclusivity and equity, proper language use plays a vital role in communication and mutual respect. Knowing when and why to capitalize terms like People of Color is essential for clear, respectful, and grammatically correct writing.
Understanding the Term ‘People of Color’
The phrase People of Color is an umbrella term generally used to describe individuals who are not white. It includes a broad spectrum of racial and ethnic groups, such as Black, Asian, Latinx, Indigenous, and Middle Eastern communities. The term gained prominence as an alternative to older, sometimes offensive or overly narrow terms, and is intended to recognize shared experiences of marginalization due to race.
Historical Context
Originally, the term colored was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but it fell out of favor due to its association with segregation and racism. People of Color emerged as a more respectful, modern, and inclusive way to talk about non-white populations. By the late 20th century, activists, scholars, and media began adopting the term more regularly.
Grammar Rules for Capitalization
English grammar generally dictates that common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. For example, students, doctors, and artists are not capitalized mid-sentence. However, proper nouns specific names of people, organizations, places, and sometimes titles or identities are capitalized. Whether or not People of Color should be treated as a proper noun is the subject of ongoing discussion.
Capitalization as a Sign of Respect
Capitalizing People of Color is often viewed as a gesture of respect and recognition. Just as the term Black is now widely capitalized when referring to racial identity, many advocates argue that People of Color should receive the same treatment. It signals that the term refers to a distinct and important social category, not just a generic descriptor.
Organizations such as the Associated Press and The Chicago Manual of Style have updated their style guides in recent years to reflect this growing consensus. Many academic institutions and news outlets now routinely capitalize People of Color in their publications.
Arguments for Capitalizing People of Color
- Social Significance: Capitalizing the term highlights its cultural and political meaning, giving weight to the shared experiences of marginalized groups.
- Consistency: Capitalizing Black, Latinx, and Indigenous is already standard in many writing styles. Applying the same rule to People of Color maintains grammatical and stylistic consistency.
- Respect: Many people feel that capitalizing identity-related terms is a sign of acknowledgment and dignity.
Examples of Proper Usage
Below are examples of how to use the term correctly in a sentence:
- The organization is dedicated to advancing the rights of People of Color in the workplace.
- Many People of Color have voiced concerns about representation in media.
In both cases, the capitalization aligns with modern conventions and signals intentionality in word choice.
When Not to Capitalize
There are still situations where people of color might appear in lowercase, particularly in older texts or in writing that adheres to different style guides. Some argue that because people of color is a general descriptor rather than a proper noun, it should not be capitalized. Others express concern that over-capitalization can dilute meaning or create inconsistencies in writing.
Style Guide Variations
Different publications follow different guidelines. For instance:
- Associated Press (AP): As of 2020, AP recommends capitalizing Black in reference to race and accepts People of Color with capitals when used as a defined group.
- Chicago Manual of Style: Encourages capitalization for racial and ethnic terms if it reflects the author’s intent and if used consistently.
- APA Style (American Psychological Association): Recommends capitalizing terms related to racial and ethnic identity, including People of Color.
If you are writing for a publication or academic institution, always check their specific guidelines to ensure you are following their conventions.
Language Sensitivity in Writing
Writers should be aware of the power language holds in shaping perception. Capitalizing identity terms like People of Color contributes to inclusive and thoughtful communication. It signals awareness and empathy, especially in contexts such as journalism, academia, public policy, or professional communication.
Inclusive Writing Tips
- Use terms preferred by the individuals or communities being referenced.
- Be consistent in capitalization across the entire document.
- Stay updated on evolving language norms and style guide changes.
- Avoid generalizations; whenever possible, be specific (e.g., Black and Latinx communities instead of broadly People of Color).
Capitalization Trends in Modern English
Language reflects culture, and culture is constantly evolving. Just as we’ve seen changes in how we capitalize titles, job positions, and geographical names, we’re witnessing a shift in how we write about race and identity. This evolution stems from societal change, advocacy, and a deeper understanding of how language can either empower or marginalize.
Terms like People of Color, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx are more than linguistic labels. They represent lived experiences, identities, and histories. Capitalizing these terms is a small but meaningful step toward equality and mutual respect.
The question of whether to capitalize People of Color involves more than just grammar. It encompasses history, respect, and the desire to communicate inclusively. While style guides continue to evolve, the trend is leaning toward capitalization, especially in formal and respectful writing contexts. By staying informed and intentional in our language choices, we contribute to a more thoughtful and inclusive discourse. Whether you’re writing professionally, academically, or personally, capitalizing People of Color is a recommended and meaningful practice in today’s evolving linguistic landscape.