This talk begins with an examination of scientific construc1ons of racial difference occurring in studies of “American Negro” skeletal and living popula1on samples in the early 20th Century. Scholarship posi1oned the “American Negro” as both a hybrid and a racially disinct type. This posi1oning was founda1onal to past and current ways in which African Americans are situated outside of a Diasporic context biologically and socially. The Diasporic context of African Americans is more visible in current bioanthropological approaches to studying identity and health in past popula1ons. Key aspects of this research are highlighted, including documentary and skeletal analysis. Finally, Dr. Watkins considers how this research ar1culates with contemporary public and academic discussions regarding health and biological diversity.