African American or American

You guys may of heard or seen the show Dear White People on Netflix. As I was watching episode 5...this popped in my head. I am born in the Ivory Coast. Came to the states at the age of 9. I am a citizen. I am African American. Here's my thought...if you are born here (USA) especially a African decent...shouldn't they be called American. And outside the USA but have the work hard to be a citizen be call African American? It doesn't have to JUST be African. Hispanic, Japanese, Korean, etc etc. What's your thought?