What were former slaves known as after emancipation?

After emancipation, former slaves in the United States were commonly referred to as "freedmen" (for men) and "freedwomen" (for women). They often identified themselves as "African Americans" or "Black Americans," reflecting their racial and cultural heritage. The term "freedpeople" was also used to collectively describe the newly liberated individuals. The period following emancipation was marked by significant social, political, and economic challenges as they sought to define their new status in society.