These advocates for Independent Statehood for African Americans are seeking local support. But the formal request is to help African Americans move pass ills that have plagued them since before, during, and after slavery. But the Independent Statehood For African Americans is asking that land on U.S. soil or elsewhere be set aside. “Statehood would be a way of correcting some of the vices and economic situations African Americans are faced with today,” said Muhammad. African Americans have been waiting for more than 150 years to receiving something similar to Japanese Americans, Ms. Barnes and Muhammad stated.