What's in a name?

Why do Americans use the term African-American to refer to black people?Most blacks I know,including family members want to be called black.The term African-American would imply dual citizenship with both countries.Most black people have never been to Africa and will never go.A lot I have talked to have no desire to go there either.Also,there are lots of white people born in Africa.So how can anyone use the term to decribe black people?Whites can be African-American too.But if you tell the police an African-American aulted you,they will look for a black person.Please don't respond by saying I am a bigot.I have two black children and several other black relatives I love dearly.I just hate political correctness because it just doesn't fit.