My two cents:
The reason why some get negative vibes from the word Negro is because it is associated with the term nigger. Which as we all know is one of the most derogatory ways to refer to a black person. Now in my eyes if my fellow black people say something on the terms of Negro like it was mentioned Mario Van Peebles did earlier then I have no problem. But if someone from another race does a red fag will go up in my mind instantly.
Call this hypocritical if you want but I will keep it real with you when I say this.
For so long we were brainwashed to believe being black was a hindrance, and that having African origins was not something to be proud of etc. In saying that I am African American I am saying that I am proud of both sides of my heritage. This will be a stigma we will forever have to fight.
"...a red fag will go up in my mind instantly."
Now you've done it. Homosexual Communists everywhere will be offended.