Definition: Although their exact origins are fiercely debated - some believe they were dark-complected peoples or Moors from Spain, Portugal, or the Middle East, while others believe they were fair-skinned Europeans who intermarried with Native Americans, Mulattos and freed slaves of African descent - Melungeons have long been considered a mysterious mixed-race people with a distinct cultural identity and ethnic heritage.
Regardless of their origins, researchers have found that Melungeons (as well as other mixed-race groups) continued to engage in mixed-race marriages, thereby making racial distinctions for the group as a whole, virtually impossible.
At various points in history, Melungeons have been listed in U.S. Census reports as "free persons of color," "Indians," "Blacks," or if they were light enough to pass, "Whites."
Many race laws, including the 1924 Racial Purity Act, targeted Melungeons and other such mixed-race groups with the intention of making it more difficult for them to claim a White identity, and therefore "pollute" white blood. At various times throughout history, their rights (e.g. voting, marriage, land ownership, etc.) were taken away, restricted, and/or limited as a means of shifting power into purely white hands. Families that had managed to amass wealth, would be thrown off of their lands and forced to migrate to new and less desirable territories. As a result, in some regions they became known as the mysterious "mountain people," and relegated to the realm of scary children's stories. Children would be warned to behave, otherwise the Melungeons would get them.
Regardless of their origins, researchers have found that Melungeons (as well as other mixed-race groups) continued to engage in mixed-race marriages, thereby making racial distinctions for the group as a whole, virtually impossible.
At various points in history, Melungeons have been listed in U.S. Census reports as "free persons of color," "Indians," "Blacks," or if they were light enough to pass, "Whites."
Many race laws, including the 1924 Racial Purity Act, targeted Melungeons and other such mixed-race groups with the intention of making it more difficult for them to claim a White identity, and therefore "pollute" white blood. At various times throughout history, their rights (e.g. voting, marriage, land ownership, etc.) were taken away, restricted, and/or limited as a means of shifting power into purely white hands. Families that had managed to amass wealth, would be thrown off of their lands and forced to migrate to new and less desirable territories. As a result, in some regions they became known as the mysterious "mountain people," and relegated to the realm of scary children's stories. Children would be warned to behave, otherwise the Melungeons would get them.
Pronunciation: muh-luhn-juhn
Also Known As: Tri-racial isolate groups, American multiracial groups
Common Misspellings: Melungon, Melungen, Malungeon
Examples: The term "Melungeon" was traditionally considered an insult, a label applied to Appalachian whites who were by appearance or reputation of mixed-race ancestry, though who were not clearly either "black" or "Indian."