If slave importation had stopped in 1808, not many slaves in 1865 could go “back” to Africa, a place they had never been. Nevertheless, some did go to Liberia.
married21 is correct. That’s why the term “African American” is odious - just as much as labelling someone “European American” would be odious
Better to categorize people by income and current location.
I think a black person in inner-city Cincinnati would have more in common with a white person in the same area and income level rather than with a black person living in rural Vermont.