I wasn't around in 1961, but I thought that the term used then would be "Negro". Figured that was before PC-ism had reared it's ugly head.
I suppose that it would be easy enough to check another birth certificate from HI in that time frame with a black father listed on it. If any intrepid reporters had the wit or the inclination to do such a thing, that is.
Please refresh your memory about what the short form COLB said as to the race of 0bama’s father.
Far from being suspicious that it said “African”; it would be suspicious if the “long form” info didn't match the “short form” info.