Noun

A self-defined, asset-based term for people who do not identify as White, often abbreviated POC; used in place of minority, which connotes “less than” and in place of non-White, which is deficit-based. According to Loretta J. Ross, the term was started by women of color in solidarity with each other.

Note: Can be applied to groups and places, e.g. communities of color, faculty of color, students of color. 

Source

Adapted from multiple sources, including Loretta J. Ross formerly of SisterSong, Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective (2011).