Hey, Game Crazy Kid: If you're still reading this topic, you should also read the play, "Big River," by Mark Twain. In it, Jim is often referred to as "The African," and in a derisive way. It was not, in fact, a sign of growing equality between the ethnic groups, but only another expression of their mutual animosity. "African" very well could have been typical, or possibly a choice made in terminology by the parents.
I don't think we ever did get to things being derogatory.